H.R. 3078, The Federal Agency Anti-Lobbying Act
Gao ID: T-OGC-96-18 May 15, 1996H.R 3078 would prohibit federal agencies from using appropriated funds to lobby. GAO recommended a similar restriction 12 years ago and believes that the need remains for permanent government-wide legislation. This testimony (1) explains GAO's role in investigating alleged violations of the lobbying restrictions found in 13 regular appropriation acts, (2) discusses H.R. 3078's ban on lobbying by federal agencies in light of its statutory model--section 303 of recent Interior Department appropriation acts--and GAO's decisions and interpretations interpreting and applying section 303, and (3) examines H.R. 3078's potential effect on GAO's workload.