[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 35 (Thursday, March 14, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2103-S2104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. STEVENS (for himself and Mr. Thomas):
  S. 1617. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to prohibit 
the use of appropriated funds by Federal agencies for lobbying 
activities; to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.


                 the federal anti-lobbying act of 1996

 Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce the 
Federal Agency Anti-Lobbying Act, a bill to prevent Federal agencies 
from using taxpayer funds to lobby Congress or encourage others to do 
so.
  Too many times under the administration, Federal officials have used 
their position in an attempt to foster public support or opposition to 
pending legislation.

[[Page S2104]]

  Spending taxpayer funds on politically motivated lobbying activities 
isn't just wasteful, it's wrong.
  Taxpayers, who come from all walks of life and all ends of the 
political spectrum, should not be forced to finance lobbying activities 
on behalf of causes they might oppose, or know nothing about.
  Especially in this age of fiscal austerity, no one should ever use 
Federal money to lobby the Federal Government. This bill goes after the 
most blatant examples--where Federal agencies are producing and 
spreading propaganda--and encouraging others to lobby on their behalf.
  The abuses addressed by this bill are already illegal, but the 
existing law, which employs criminal sanctions, has never been 
enforced. It has been subject to many different interpretations by the 
Justice Department, but never one that included enforcement.
  This bill includes civil sanctions, providing for easier enforcement, 
and helps clear up any ambiguities.
  Under this bill, the President, the Vice President, and Senate-
confirmed Federal officials are allowed to speak out on the 
administration's position--but they cannot place pressure on non-
governmental organizations.
  Executive branch officials are allowed to communicate with Congress 
directly about upcoming bills.
  But the bill does not allow the administration to continue what has 
become in essence a grassroots lobbying operation at taxpayer expense.
  The bill will bring a halt to the outrageous practice of Government 
agencies providing talking points, briefing books, pamphlets, and other 
activities undertaken to foster the support or opposition to pending 
legislation.
  When the Founding Fathers designed our Government, they adhered 
strictly to the doctrine of separation of powers. This bill is an 
attempt to return our Government to their ideal.
  The executive branch should concern itself with implementing the laws 
passed by Congress, not with trying to influence the outcome of 
legislation for their own--or others' special interests.
  The legislative process is the purview of the legislative branch. We 
welcome the administration's input, but not their lobbying activities. 
This bill will protect the taxpayers by ending these practices.

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