[20080509]RS20725_说客和利益集团：信息来源.pdf

1 This report was originally authored by Mari-Jana “M-J” Oboroceanu, who no longer covers thisissue.Order Code RS20725Updated May 9, 2008Lobbyists and Interest Groups: Sources of InformationZina L. WatkinsInformation Research SpecialistKnowledge Services GroupSummaryLobbyists and interest groups play an active role in the American legislativeprocess. Information on lobbyist registrations and on interest groups in general isavailable from a variety of online and printed sources, including files available forpublic inspection.This report is a guide for locating governmental sources that maintain files onlobby groups, their registrations, and finances. Also included in this report arenongovernmental sources that offer background information on the lobbyists andinterest groups who focus on legislation in Washington. Many of the works listed areavailable to congressional staff in the Jefferson and La Follette Congressional ReadingRooms, CRS research centers, and to constituents in large public and research libraries.This report1 will be updated yearly or if current lobbying regulations are changedby Congress. Current legislative proposals related to lobbying disclosure are discussedin C