Victory at the Judiciary Committee

I am happy to report that yesterday the Judiciary Committee defeated the amendment to the lobbying reform legislation offered by Marty Meehan.  Congressman Meehan sought to impose a grassroots lobbying restriction as part of the lobbying reform legislation.  We have launched an aggressive three-prong strategy in dealing with this amendment.  If it were to have passed, the language would have severely restricted the ability of grassroots organizations to mobilize on the key cultural issues of the day. 

Through utilization of our television and radio outreaches, we mobilized hundreds of thousands of citizens to protest this legislation.  Second, we have provided comprehensive legal analysis to a coalition of groups opposing the legislation as well as to members of the House of Representatives and their staff.  Third, we prepared litigation to challenge the bill if it were to have passed. 

Although I am pleased that we have had a successful victory at the Judiciary Committee, word this morning is that Congressman Meehan will try to introduce his legislation on the floor of the House of Representatives next week when its up for a vote.  Our Government Affairs staff is on top of the situation, and we will keep you posted as news develops.   This is a positive development at the Judiciary Committee, and I believe we will win on the Floor of the House of Representatives as well.