Washington lobbyists soon will receive official notice that they must start next year to file their disclosure reports electronically, rather than on paper, according to an official in the Office of the Clerk of the House. Deputy Clerk Jerry Vans told attendees at a Capitol Hill briefing for lobbyists that notices regarding electronic filing would go out by the end of the month to current filers under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The move follows up on a June 27 directive from Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Administration Committee, calling for mandatory electronic filing.

WASHINGTON - July 11 - Online communications tools have contributed to a surge in new communications to Congress -- 200 million in 2004, up from 50 million in 1995 -- according to a new study by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF). Of those 200 million messages sent to Congress last year by the public, 91 percent, or 182 million, were sent online, while only 9 percent, or 18 million, were sent by postal mail. Despite the increase in communications, the report's survey research of House and Senate staff show they believe that the Internet and e-mail have had a positive effect on the democratic process. For example, 79 percent believe the Internet has made it easier for a citizen to get involved in the public policy process; 55 percent believe it has increased public understand of what goes on in Washington; while 48 percent (a plurality) believe it has made Members more responsive to their constituents. Check out the report!

See a summary of OMB Watch's comments to the Federal Election Commission on their proposal to regulate Internet communications.