We've spoken a lot in our statements about the importance of grassroots lobby disclosure. Ever get a robo-call? That is grassroots lobbying - a first amendment protected right, but something that should be disclosed nonetheless. Here's a link to a Hill article that explains who is behind the robocalls.

*MEDIA ADVISORY* News Conference Wednesday, October 19, 2005 For more information contact: Amrit Dhillon, National Low Income Housing Coalition (202) 662-1530 x222 amrit@nlihc.org NEWS CONFERENCE ON HOUSE LEADERSHIP PLAN TO RESTRICT LOW INCOME VOTER PARTICIPATION AS CONDITION OF NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM Affordable Housing Fund provision in GSE Bill includes language restricting voter registration WHAT: A coalition of national organizations concerned with housing, community development, people who are elderly or disabled, child welfare, civil rights, voter

On May 11 the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held a public oversight hearing on the PATRIOT Act to consider renewal of the law, including surveillance provisions that have been heavily criticized by civil liberties groups. Testimony from the American Civil Liberties Union detailed examples of abuse of these provisions. Dep. Attorney General James Comey, Jr. testified on the continuing need for these powers. See a summary on the committee website. Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) has introduced alternative legislation, the SAFE Act