TPM Muckraker has found that 172 former members of Congress currently work as lobbyists, regarding this system as "the Shadow Congress." TPM notes that "over the last few decades, a vast army of what might be called uber-lobbyists has taken shape in the capital, made up of retiring lawmakers eager to cash in on K Street after a lifetime of making do with public sector salaries."

The House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing to consider how anti-terrorist financing laws impact charities. This is the first time an oversight hearing considered how Treasury's policies impact charitable groups since 9/11.

NPR reports on the trend where cash strapped state and local governments are looking to tax-exempt groups for funds. "Government officials are proposing new fees on nonprofits to help pay for services. They're also challenging the exemptions these groups get from sales and property taxes."