According to the Let America Speak Coalition, a campaign finance reform bill containing a provision that would severely hamper non-profits' advocacy abilities could be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives as early as Thursday, March 26, 1998.
Charities are also strictly limited in the amount of lobbying that they can conduct.
Title I of H.R. 3485 seeks to impose new restrictions on policy activities that are not limited under current law. These include not only attempts to influence regulations, but also disseminating analyses of pending legislation or even of existing laws. Some charities would be prevented from becoming involved in complex regulations or even providing vital research and educational activities if they have not been carefully planned and funds allocated in advance. For many others, the flexibility to respond quickly to unforeseen policy developments would be virtually eliminated. The bill is an administrative and regulatory nightmare.