To:     Archaeology & Historic Preservation Community
From:   Loretta Neumann
Subject:        Followup on Lobby Restrictions
 
TEMPORARY GOOD NEWS - HOUSE REJECTS LOBBY RESTRICTIONS
 
November 10:   In a surprise move, this afternoon the House Republican
leadership dropped all of the  anti-lobbying restrictions from the Continuing
Resolution and then voted to approve the bill.  Because of the change,
however, the bill must go back to the Senate,  which is out of session today
and will not return until Monday. The Senate is expected to agree to the bill
and send it to the President (who may veto it for other reasons).
 
        The rumor is that the "true believers" among the House Republicans felt that
the Senate bill was too weak, while others felt it went too far (e.g., it
included colleges and universities, state & local governments, etc.). Indeed,
most of the provisions that the ultra-conservative,  freshmen House
Republicans want enacted are far worse than the Senate's.
 
        Meanwhile, Congressman Istook (R-Oklahoma)  and Rep. McIntosh (R-Indiana)
say they intend to persist in their efforts. Rumor now is that a version of
it will come back on the Treasury/Postal Service appropriations bill, since
Representative Istook is on the House-Senate conference committee considering
that legislation.  It is also likely to get attached to the Senate-passed
lobbying  reform bill, which is scheduled for House consideration next week.
 
        Hence, it is exceedingly important for people to continue contacting your
Representatives to urge them to oppose any version of the Istook Amendment.
It is nothing short of an attempt to intimidate people and to muzzle
organizations that receive government grants.
 
        Call your Representatives at (202) 225-3121.