It may begin with an unusual media inquiry or a sudden spike in interest on social media. Just as often, it starts with a non-public request for documents or other evidence. Your boss or your staff have been accused of wrongdoing, and it falls to you to lead the response.
Continue Reading Handling Investigations of Members of Congress and Congressional Staff: A How-To Guide for Chiefs of StaffGovernment Ethics
Recent House Ethics Committee Actions Signal Expanding Scope of Enforcement
By Stephanie Nnadi & Perrin Cooke on
Posted in Government Ethics
While historically criticized for inconsistency or opacity, the House Ethics Committee appears to be moving toward a more active and transparent enforcement posture. Last week, the Committee adopted two reports finding Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) violated House ethics rules. The reports together serve as a…
Continue Reading Recent House Ethics Committee Actions Signal Expanding Scope of EnforcementDon’t Get Stuck in the Revolving Door: A Primer on Federal Post-Government Employment Restrictions
Posted in Government Ethics
With the end of the Biden Administration, the start of the Trump 2.0 Administration, and a change of power in the U.S. House, the steady churn of high-skill professionals moving in and out of government positions has reached an all-time high. Indeed, beyond the typical cadre of newly unemployed political…
Continue Reading Don’t Get Stuck in the Revolving Door: A Primer on Federal Post-Government Employment RestrictionsNew House Ethics Committee Memorandum Clarifies Rules on Personal Use of Covered Campaign Funds
By Robert Lenhard, Matthew Shapanka & Stephanie King on
Posted in Campaign Finance, Government Ethics
The House Ethics Committee concluded 2024 by releasing a memorandum updating its guidance for Members’ personal use of political campaign funds (“updated guidance”). While the Federal Election Campaign Act (“FECA”) and Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) regulations prohibit the personal use of campaign funds, House Rule 26.6(b) imposes additional restrictions on…
Continue Reading New House Ethics Committee Memorandum Clarifies Rules on Personal Use of Covered Campaign FundsNew Law Appears to Restrict Defense Contractors from Retaining Consultants Who Lobby for Chinese Military Companies
Posted in Government Ethics, Lobbying Compliance
Under a newly enacted law, beginning June 30, 2026, defense contractors risk losing all future contracts with the Defense Department if they engage outside consultants that lobby for certain Chinese companies. On December 23, 2024, President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) for Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2025…
Continue Reading New Law Appears to Restrict Defense Contractors from Retaining Consultants Who Lobby for Chinese Military CompaniesA Primer for Navigating the Presidential Appointee Vetting and Confirmation Process
By Robert Kelner, Dana Remus, Brian D. Smith, Zachary G. Parks, Derek Lawlor, Susan Leahy, Andrew Garrahan, Matthew Shapanka & Alex Langton on
Posted in Government Ethics
Following the decisive election on November 5, the process of selecting and vetting individuals to fill the second Trump administration’s key appointed positions is quickly shifting into high gear. For those tapped for consideration, the decision to enter the process may be one of the most significant decisions of their…
Continue Reading A Primer for Navigating the Presidential Appointee Vetting and Confirmation ProcessHeaded to Milwaukee or Chicago this Summer? Political and Governmental Ethics Rules at the 2024 National Party Conventions
The Democratic and Republican National Party Conventions are a premiere forum for businesses and trade groups to elevate their priorities to candidates, elected officials, and staff. However, thanks to a complex regulatory regime, participation in convention events can invite scrutiny and legal trouble. The Republican Convention is scheduled to take…
Continue Reading Headed to Milwaukee or Chicago this Summer? Political and Governmental Ethics Rules at the 2024 National Party ConventionsGratuity or Gift? The Supreme Court May Soon Delineate the Difference
By Peter Koski & Samuel Klein on
Posted in Government Ethics
Federal circuit courts are split on a core question of corruption law: whether state and local officials, and agents of organizations that contract with or receive benefits from the federal government, may lawfully accept gratuities.
It is generally a federal crime for state and local officials to act in their…
Continue Reading Gratuity or Gift? The Supreme Court May Soon Delineate the DifferenceCovington Releases Updated Survey of Federal and State Campaign Finance, Lobbying, and Gift Rules (2023 Edition)
Covington annually publishes a detailed survey of state campaign finance, lobbying, and gift rules. Now, for the first time, Covington is releasing an updated survey that details federal campaign finance, lobbying, and gift rules, in addition to those of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Corporations, trade associations, non-profits…
Continue Reading Covington Releases Updated Survey of Federal and State Campaign Finance, Lobbying, and Gift Rules (2023 Edition)Covington Releases 50-State Survey of Campaign Finance, Lobbying, and Gift Rules (2022 Edition)
Corporations, trade associations, non-profits, other organizations, and individuals face significant penalties and reputational harm if they violate state laws governing corporate and personal political activities, the registration of lobbyists, lobbying reporting, or the giving of gifts or items of value to government officials or employees. To help organizations and individuals …