Manufacturing group challenges new lobbying law

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) filed suit today, challenging a new law that requires lobbyists to make public a more comprehensive list of their backers.

The group asked a U.S. district court judge to declare a section of the 2007 law unconstitutional, arguing the requirement is burdensome and too broad.

The new law, which was enacted in September 2007 and has an April 21 compliance deadline, requires trade associations to identify any other group that “participates actively” in their lobbying efforts. Prior to this law, lobbyists were required to release the names of organizations that “in whole or in major part” participated in their lobbying efforts.

Group President John Engler said this law will could dissuade organizations from becoming members of NAM since the lobbyists will face stiff penalties, according to an article in Congressional Quarterly. The association is also seeking an injunction to suspend enforcement of the April 21 deadline.