Congress

If the upcoming midterm elections result in a Democratic majority in the House next year, companies, organizations, and individuals can expect a new wave of congressional investigations, hearings, and oversight, with a familiar focus on the Trump administration and an emphasis on a variety of private sector targets. The Democratic…

Continue Reading Democratic Investigations Agenda is Coming Into Focus

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 Staff

Following a string of high-profile investigations targeting Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, congressional ethics investigations are more visible than ever. Indeed, as we recently explored, the House Ethics Committee in particular may be moving toward a more active and transparent enforcement posture, with its…

Continue Reading Congressional Ethics Investigations: An Overview of Processes, Challenges, and Implications for Private Actors

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 Enforcement

Assistance from congressional offices can be invaluable to an organization with interests before executive branch agencies.  But it also can pose legal and optics risks to both the organization requesting the assistance and the congressional office and Member of Congress doing the outreach.  A number of high-profile scandals, including the…
Continue Reading Requesting Congressional Outreach: Key Compliance Considerations

The scenario is all too common: After months of searching for the right candidate and weeks negotiating duties and compensation, a company finally hires a new employee to a position that will entail work on certain government policy issues. The employee seems to be a perfect fit, but after a…
Continue Reading Covington Publishes Detailed Guide To The Revolving Door Rules

The influential Washington publication, National Journal, published this week a lengthy examination of two exceptions to the congressional travel rules.  The exceptions have permitted Members of Congress to participate in extensive overseas travel, paid by outside interests and often organized by registered lobbyists, in spite of earlier reform efforts…
Continue Reading National Journal Focuses on Widely Used Exceptions to the Congressional Travel Rules