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Issue: December 2010
ASAE Submits Comments on Lobbyist Restrictions
ASAE submitted comments on proposed guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) concerning the appointment of registered lobbyists to federal advisory committees, boards and commissions. President Obama issued a memorandum on June 18 directing all federal agencies and departments in the Executive Branch not to appoint or re-appoint federally registered lobbyists to serve on any Federal Advisory Committees (FACs). The President said the new restriction is part of his administration's commitment to "reducing the undue influence of special interests that for too long has shaped the national agenda and drowned out the voices of ordinary Americans."
The Presidential Memorandum instructs OMB to issue implementing guidance, although agency heads have fairly uniformly already made the White House's aspiration a reality.
ASAE has opposed the policy change since it was first announced, pointing out that many association professionals serve on agency advisory boards because they have expertise in a subject area that can lead to the development of informed, effective policies. "While we can certainly appreciate the administration's commitment to enhance transparency and engage more Americans in the governing process, it should be noted that many federally registered lobbyists do speak for ordinary Americans and are eminently qualified to contribute to the formation of policies that benefit American citizens," ASAE stated in its comments.
As the premier advocacy voice for the association community, ASAE attested to the unique resources associations bring to bear to solve many of the nation's most pressing issues. Among those resources, of course, are the millions of skilled professionals and experts in different fields who can share valuable perspectives, raise important questions and help formulate strategies for approaching difficult, complex issues. By leveraging these resources to address complex issues like disease prevention and research, consumer and product safety and disaster relief, associations directly benefit the public and improve the quality of life Americans enjoy.
ASAE suggested modifying the existing Federal Advisory Committee Act to increase disclosures about potential conflicts of interest and prior and current lobbying activities by members of advisory committees would be a more sensible and preferable reform than a total ban on lobbyist appointments.
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