Lobbying Activity in Support of China Permanent Normal Trade Relations

GAO commented on whether the efforts of the White House China Trade Relations Working Group and selected agencies violated the anti-lobbying provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1913. GAO noted that it identified one violation, which involved an electronic mail (e-mail) authorized by an agency representative assigned to the Working Group. While this appeared to constitute a violation of the applicable anti-lobbying appropriation provision, it involved a minimal expenditure of appropriated funds. GAO has discussed this e-mail with the White House Counsel's Office.