Ending Lobbyist Appointments to Agency Boards and Commissions

The White House announced the next step in President Barack Obama's efforts to reduce the influence of special interests on the federal government. He signed a memorandum directing agencies in the Executive Branch not to appoint or re-appoint currently-registered federal lobbyists to advisory boards or commissions. These part-time agency advisory boards and commissions ­ of which there are thousands throughout the executive branch ­ help the government shape policy on everything from international trade to scientific innovation. And while some specialists who've held roles on these boards for years have made positive contributions, phasing out those who simultaneously serve as lobbyists will have the added benefit of opening these boards up to fresh faces and engaging more Americans in our governing process. In order to avoid disrupting the ongoing work of these boards, the memorandum will not require removal of currently-serving lobbyists in the middle of their terms. But, it will prohibit their reappointment when their term expires if they continue to serve as registered federal lobbyists. And it prohibits the appointment of any new lobbyists from this date forward. The memorandum now directs the Office of Management and Budget to issue implementing guidance within 90 days. In order to engage Americans fully in reforming our government and fighting the special interests, draft guidance will be made available for public comment.