American League of Lobbyists

Breaking News - White House indicates changes to Lobbyist Restrictions

The American League of Lobbyists partnered with the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in challenging the White House on its March 20 restrictions on lobbyist communications with government officials. In a letter delivered to the White House March 31, the three groups asked President Obama to rescind his directive banning phone calls and face-to-face conversations between registered lobbyists and executive branch officials involved in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Representatives of the three organizations met with Administration officials on April 24. While maintaining the constitutionality of the directive, the officials agreed to review and consider the arguments made in the meeting.While the White House blog indicates they are making changes to the original directive, final language has not yet been published. ALL members and coalition members will be advised as soon as we see final language.

"The right to petition the government is one of the basic tenets of our country’s founding principles," said ALL President Dave Wenhold. "To state that one class of individuals may not participate in the same manner as all others is clearly a violation of this principle. All Americans have the right to equally petition their government, and that includes registered lobbyists. No citizen should be forced to give up that civil right, regardless of their profession."

The League has also retained outside counsel to advise us during this crisis and help guide our exchanges with the Administration.

Click here for the Letter.

Click here for the Press Release.

Click here for the White House Memo.

March 20 Memo Follows Previous Restrictions at Department of Treasury
On January 27th, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner issued a press release outlining several new rules designed to "limit the influence of lobbyists and special interests" in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act process. ALL responded directly to the Secretary's office, questioning both the constitutionality and the wisdom of the action. Citing the First Amendment right to redress of grievances before the government, ALL asked that due consideration be given before implementing the new rules. Additionally, the league requested that Treasury incorporate a formal notice-and-comment procedure into the rule-making decision.

While the American League of Lobbyists wants to work with the Administration to develop sound government policy, we also want to assure ALL members and other lobbyists that we are constantly monitoring government actions to make sure our First Amendment rights are safeguarded.

Click here for a copy of the letter to Secretary Geithner.

View the Treasury statement at http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/tg02.htm.

Welcome to the American League of Lobbyists (ALL) Web Site!

Welcome to American League of Lobbyists website. We are the preeminent national organization that represents government relations and public affairs professionals. Our mission is to "enhance the development of professionalism, competence and high ethical standards for advocates in the public policy arena, and to collectively address challenges which affect the First Amendment right to 'petition the government for redress of grievances.'"

As professional lobbyists, we perform a tremendously important service not only to our employers and clients but also to the public at large, in an ethical, legal and Constitutional manner. ALL members adhere to a principled Code of Ethics that focuses on promoting the highest level of ethical lobbying in the country. Additionally, the League stresses the importance of continued education of the lobbying community by promoting the Lobbying Certificate Program which helps those of all skill levels improve their knowledge of the legislative process and lobbying profession.

Over the next year, the American League of Lobbyist we will be working to educate people on the lobbying process, and why every American should be an advocate at some level. The government is too immense and complex, which makes it difficult for decision-makers to clearly see an issue from all vantage points and to identify the best course of action. Lobbyists serve as educators and information envoys to help legislators and the administration make informed and logical decisions. Lobbyists represent every walk of life in an effort to make sure their voices and issues are heard by decision makers.

The American League of Lobbyists believes that through transparency, continued ethical representation and a strong educational campaign, we will help Americans understand the critical roles that lobbyists play in our society. The right to petition the government is central to ensuring that this country will always be one of the people, by the people and for the people and lobbyists help convey that message.

Membership in the league is open to any full-time, professionally employed lobbyist, at either the state or federal level. Our membership keeps growing and we looking forward to providing more member value and opportunities to our members in 2009.

To join the League, click here. Also, feel free to send us your comments through the "Contact Us" page. Thank you for visiting our web site.
Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLC
President of the American League of Lobbyists

Established in 1979 as a nonprofit organization, The American League of Lobbyists (ALL) is the national professional association dedicated exclusively to lobbying. ALL's mission is to enhance the development of professionalism, competence and high ethical standards for advocates in the public policy arena, and to collectively address challenges affecting the first amendment right to “petition the government for redress of grievances.”

ALL actively encourages the advancement of ethical lobbying practices. Our Code of Ethics has been recognized as an important document that serves to strengthen our image and enhance our role as a vital and respected link in the democratic process. The League provides timely updates for the membership on laws and regulations governing lobbying through programs, e-updates and written analyses.