Use of Appropriated Funds for Illegal Lobbying and Partisan Political Activity by Federal Grantees
This executive memorandum directs the Attorney General, working with heads of executive departments and agencies, to investigate whether federal grant funds are being used to illegally support lobbying or partisan political activities. It cites 31 U.S.C. 1352 (the law restricting use of appropriated funds for lobbying) as the basis for enforcement action and requires the Attorney General to report progress to the President within 180 days. The memo also directs that the measure be published in the Federal Register, clarifies that it does not alter existing agency authority or Congressional budget processes, and states that the memorandum does not create enforceable rights. In short, it establishes a federal review and potential enforcement pathway aimed at ensuring grant funds are not used to influence lobbying or political outcomes.
Key Points
- 1Section 1 establishes a formal investigation into whether federal grant funds are being used to illegally support lobbying activities or partisan political activity, noting concerns about waste, abuse, and potential fraud.
- 2The investigation is tied to 31 U.S.C. 1352, the law prohibiting the use of appropriated funds for lobbying, and the Attorney General is to take appropriate enforcement action if violations are found.
- 3The Attorney General must report progress of the investigation to the President within 180 days of the memorandum’s date.
- 4Section 2 provides general provisions: the memorandum does not impair agency authority or the Director of the Office of Management and Budget’s budgetary/administrative functions; it must be implemented consistent with law and subject to appropriations; it does not create enforceable rights.
- 5The memorandum requires publication in the Federal Register and is intended to be a transparent, administratively outward-facing directive rather than a new statute or grant program.