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ARTICLE · 17 NOVEMBER 2010

A Question of Ethics: Tread Carefully While Treating A Member-Elect (Roll Call)

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I am the president of a small lobbying firm and I have a question about gifts to newly elected Members. Employees of my firm strongly supported a candidate who was recently elected to the House for the first time.

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
C. Simon Davidson
C. Simon Davidson

Q: I am the president of a small lobbying firm and I have a question about gifts to newly elected Members. Employees of my firm strongly supported a candidate who was recently elected to the House for the first time. We were thrilled by his election and we would love to take him to a celebratory dinner. But before doing so, I wanted to make sure that it is allowed. I know that rules prohibit us from taking a current Member to dinner. What about a Member-elect?

A: As you appear to be well aware, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 established new restrictions on gifts from lobbying firms to Members. Specifically, the act prohibits your firm from making a gift to a covered legislative branch official with knowledge that the gift may not be accepted under House or Senate rules. Violations could lead to civil or even criminal penalties.

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