Charities Largely Untouched By New Congressional Ethics Law

Nonprofit groups can continue to invite members of Congress and their staff members to fund-raising events, under a measure that President Bush signed into law last week.

An early draft of the law, which was designed to tighten Congressional ethics rules, included language that would have prevented such appearances if the charity had hired lobbyists to represent their views in Congress. But, according to Independent Sector, a Washington organization that represents charities and foundations, that language was dropped before the legislation was passed.

But charities that hire lobbyists still have to be careful with such arrangements.

“The invitation to the event must come from the sponsoring charity and not another individual or organization, the net proceeds of the event must benefit a charity, and reimbursement of any related local transportation and lodging must be paid by the sponsoring charity,” Independent Sector says. “Members and staff still cannot accept entertainment collateral to the event or food or refreshments taken other than in a group setting with all or substantially all other attendees.”