Tax-exempt organizations, including private foundations and other types of nonprofits associated with high-net worth individuals, have been subject to increasing investigative scrutiny in recent years. Last Congress, for example, the House Judiciary Committee and several other committees issued document requests to
Latest from Inside Political Law - Page 7
LDA’s Registration Thresholds Increase for Lobbyist Employers and Lobbying Firms
Under the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act (“LDA”), an organization or lobbying firm must register if it employs an individual who meets the definition of a “lobbyist” and if its total expenses or income for lobbying activities meet certain monetary thresholds.
New Executive Order Gives President Veto Power Over Some FEC Rulemaking
In the latest in a series of executive actions that aim to reshape much of government, President Trump signed an executive order on February 18 expanding the President’s authority over so-called independent agencies within the executive branch. The impact of
Attorney General Issues Memorandum Regarding FARA Criminal Enforcement
On her first day in office, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a significant memorandum to all Department of Justice employees regarding the Department’s criminal enforcement policies, including a notable directive related to the Foreign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”). The memorandum
California Adopts New Contribution, Gift Limits for 2025-2026
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has adopted higher political contribution limits and public officer gift limits for the 2025-2026 political cycle. The new limits took effect January 1, 2025.
Contribution Limits
Under the new limits, an individual, business
FEC Raises Contribution Limits for 2025-2026
The Federal Election Commission has announced contribution limits for 2025-2026. The new “per election” limits are effective for the 2025-2026 election cycle (November 6, 2024 – November 3, 2026), and the calendar year limits are effective January 1, 2025.The FEC
Don’t Get Stuck in the Revolving Door: A Primer on Federal Post-Government Employment Restrictions
With the end of the Biden Administration, the start of the Trump 2.0 Administration, and a change of power in the U.S. House, the steady churn of high-skill professionals moving in and out of government positions has reached an all-time
New House Ethics Committee Memorandum Clarifies Rules on Personal Use of Covered Campaign Funds
The House Ethics Committee concluded 2024 by releasing a memorandum updating its guidance for Members’ personal use of political campaign funds (“updated guidance”). While the Federal Election Campaign Act (“FECA”) and Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) regulations prohibit the personal use
Department of Justice Proposes Major Changes to FARA Regulations, Including Sweeping Changes Affecting Multinational Companies
On January 2, 2025, the Department of Justice published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking(“NPRM”) soliciting public comments on potential amendments to the Department’s regulationsregarding the Foreign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”). The regulatory amendments proposedby the Department are significant, and
New Law Appears to Restrict Defense Contractors from Retaining Consultants Who Lobby for Chinese Military Companies
Under a newly enacted law, beginning June 30, 2026, defense contractors risk losing all future contracts with the Defense Department if they engage outside consultants that lobby for certain Chinese companies. On December 23, 2024, President Biden signed the National