The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has released a report to members of Congress that explains restrictions on advocacy and election activity by different types of nonprofits, along with reporting and disclosure requirements that apply to each type. The report should help reduce confusion on the Hill about nonprofit advocacy. OMB Watch has summarized the report as a resource for nonprofit organizations in this election year. In addition, NPAction.org, hosted by OMB Watch, has launched Nonprofits Can Help America Vote!, an online resource dedicated to guiding and increasing nonprofits' activities around elections.

On April 20, 2006 CRS released Tax-Exempt Organizations: Political Activity Restrictions and Disclosure Requirements, which explains the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) limitations on lobbying and campaign intervention by groups exempt under IRC 501(c)(3) (charities, religious organizations and private foundations), 501(c)(4) (social welfare organizations), 501(c)(5) (labor unions), 501(c)(6) (trade associations) and 527 political committees. 501(c)(3) Organizations

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) is harnessing the power of the purse string to challenge the Bush administration's self-appointed power of the wiretap. Specter has introduced a legislative amendment that would eliminate funding for the National Security Agency's warrantless spying program unless Congress is kept in the loop about the program's activities.