OMB Issues Revised Guidance Concerning Restrictions on Lobbying Communications for Recovery Act Funds

In March 2009, President Obama issued a memorandum outlining new restrictions on lobbyists concerning the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (”Recovery Act”).  (Please click here to read our alert on the March 20 memorandum.)  Subsequently, the White House announced that the restrictions would be revised and additional guidance would be forthcoming from OMB.  (Please click here to read our alert on the May 29 announcement).  On July 24, 2009, OMB issued revised guidance. 

While the Administration’s emphasis continues to be on increased disclosure of lobbyist communications regarding Recovery Act issues, the latest guidance clarifies that the prohibition on oral communications only applies during a specific time period and applies to all communications, not just those made by federally registered lobbyists.  As has been the case since the May 2009 announcement by the White House, lobbyists may attend and participate in phone calls and meetings with federal officials so long as the communications are not within the covered period.

Click here to read the full alert.