PRESS STATEMENT
-For Immediate Release-
March 7, 2007

Contact: Brian Gumm, (202) 234-8494, bgumm@ombwatch.org

Distortions and Misinformation Continue to Abound
in Grassroots Lobbying Disclosure Debate

Claims that Disclosure Will "Chill" Speech are Inaccurate

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2007—Public statements by opponents of grassroots lobbying disclosure, which would bring transparency to big money grassroots lobbying campaigns, have misled Americans by inaccurately claiming that potential proposals are intended to silence criticism of Congress and are "a plot by Washington insiders" to shut out diverse viewpoints.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," said Gary D. Bass, Executive Director of OMB Watch. "Disclosure of big dollar lobbying campaigns isn't about restricting free speech. Instead, it's about increased transparency, to give the public the opportunity to see who is behind the curtain, pulling the strings."

A recent report from the Congressional Research Service confirmed that grassroots lobbying disclosure is constitutional and doesn't violate First Amendment free speech rights. According to the report, "...the courts have upheld against facial First Amendment challenges required disclosures and detailed reporting in the areas of lobbying activities…to promote the interests of preventing corruption and limiting the undue influences of monied and powerful interests…."

Grassroots lobbying campaigns can sometimes involve the use of "Astroturf groups," coalitions and front groups set up to intentionally hide the real identities of those behind the efforts. Disclosure is a way to shine a light on these organizations, which in some cases have consisted of nothing but cell phones in a drawer.

A recent Internet survey conducted by OMB Watch showed the intensity of the desire of citizens to know more about who sponsors and carries out grassroots lobbying campaigns. Of the roughly 1,100 respondents to the survey, 70 percent strongly supported grassroots lobbying disclosure.

The debate over grassroots lobbying disclosure erupted earlier this year when the Senate was working on S. 1, the chamber's lobbying and ethics reform bill. A provision within the bill would have required disclosure of grassroots lobbying efforts by firms and organizations that met certain thresholds. Opponents of the provision, including firms that profit from such grassroots campaigns, engaged in a misinformation campaign, distorting reality by stating that bloggers, small nonprofits, and individual citizens who contacted a Representative or Senator would all be required to disclose their activities to the federal government. Some even went so far as to falsely claim that bloggers and citizens who did not disclose their individual activities would be "thrown in jail." Despite the inaccuracy of their assertions, opponents continue to misconstrue both the intent and effect of grassroots lobbying disclosure as the debate moves to the House.

"In the end, grassroots lobbying disclosure is about providing the public with full information on the issues of the day," said Bass. "It will level the playing field and help ensure that all voices can be heard in the decision-making process."

More information on grassroots lobbying disclosure and other aspects of lobbying reform can be found at /files/lobbyreform.

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