The A’s to Z’s of Lobbying
New to lobbying? Here’s the jargon in plain English. Keep it open as you read the rest of the site — the key terms link to the guide where they actually matter.
A
Advocacy. Any effort to influence policy or public opinion. Lobbying is a regulated, professional form of advocacy.
Appropriations. The process Congress uses to set actual federal spending levels — the single most-lobbied area of federal policy.
Astroturfing. A fake “grassroots” campaign secretly organized to look like a spontaneous public movement. A practice to steer clear of — see red flags to avoid.
Authorization. A law that creates or continues a federal program — separate from the appropriations that fund it.
B
Bill. A proposed law under consideration in Congress.
Briefing. A meeting where a lobbyist or expert walks a lawmaker or staffer through an issue.
C
Caucus. A group of legislators organized around a shared interest or issue.
Coalition. Several organizations joining forces to lobby for a shared goal — often more affordable and more persuasive than going it alone.
Conflict of interest. When a firm represents two clients whose interests collide. Always check for it before hiring — see conflicts of interest.
Continuing resolution (CR). A stopgap measure that keeps the government funded when Congress hasn’t passed full appropriations.
D
Direct lobbying. Contacting lawmakers or officials directly, rather than mobilizing the public to do it.
E
Earmark (Community Project Funding). Federal money directed to a specific local project, requested through a member of Congress.
Engagement / retainer agreement. The contract between you and a firm — see retainers and contracts.
F
Filing. A public disclosure report a firm or organization must submit under federal law (forms LD-1, LD-2, and LD-203) — see the Lobbying Disclosure Act explained.
Fly-in (Hill day). Bringing clients or members to Washington for a coordinated day of meetings on Capitol Hill.
G
Grassroots lobbying. Encouraging the public or your members to contact officials in support of your position.
Grasstops. Mobilizing a small set of influential, well-connected individuals rather than the broad public.
H
Hearing. A formal committee session to gather information and testimony on an issue or bill.
I
In-house lobbyist. An employee who lobbies on behalf of their own organization, rather than an outside firm you hire — see firm vs. individual lobbyist.
L
LDA (Lobbying Disclosure Act). The 1995 federal law requiring lobbyists and firms to register and file public reports — the foundation of lobbying transparency. See the LDA explained.
Lobbying firm. A company hired to represent an organization’s interests before government — see what is a Lobbying Firm.
Lobbyist. An individual who makes lobbying contacts for a client above the legal threshold that triggers registration.
M
Markup. The working session where a committee debates and amends a bill.
O
Outside lobbyist. A contract lobbyist or firm you hire, as opposed to an in-house employee.
P
PAC (Political Action Committee). An organization that raises and spends money on political campaigns. Related to politics, but separate from lobbying.
Pay-to-play. Trading money or contributions for official action. It is illegal and it is not lobbying — a line no legitimate firm crosses.
Q
Quarterly report (LD-2). The filing that discloses, each quarter, who a firm lobbied for, on what issues, and roughly how much it was paid.
R
Reconciliation. A special budget procedure that lets certain fiscal bills pass the Senate with a simple majority.
Registrant. The firm or organization registered under the LDA — what you look up when you verify a firm’s registration.
Retainer. The recurring monthly fee most firms charge — see what a lobbying firm costs.
Revolving door. The movement of people between government jobs and lobbying roles.
S
Stakeholder. Any group or person with an interest in how a policy turns out.
T
Testimony. A formal statement delivered to a congressional committee.
Trade association. An organization representing the members of an industry — among the most common lobbying clients. See types of firms.
V
Veto. The president’s rejection of a bill passed by Congress.
W
Whip. A party leader responsible for counting and rallying votes.
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