Understanding the Covered Legislative Branch Official and Its Role in Congress

Definition & Meaning

The term covered legislative branch official refers to specific individuals within the legislative branch of the U.S. government. This includes:

  • Members of Congress
  • Elected officers of either House of Congress
  • Employees or individuals acting in an employee capacity for:
    • A Member of Congress
    • A committee of either House of Congress
    • The leadership staff of the House of Representatives or the Senate
    • A joint committee of Congress
    • A working group or caucus that provides legislative services or assistance to Members of Congress
  • Other legislative branch employees as defined under section 109(13) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Here are a couple of examples of covered legislative branch officials:

  • A U.S. Senator who is actively involved in legislative processes.
  • An aide working for a Congressional committee that drafts legislation. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Differences
Legislative Employee Any individual employed by a legislative body. Covered legislative branch officials include specific roles and responsibilities, while legislative employees may encompass a broader category.
Member of Congress An elected representative in the U.S. Congress. Members of Congress are a subset of covered legislative branch officials.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are a covered legislative branch official or are involved with one, it is essential to understand your ethical obligations. Consider the following steps:

  • Review the relevant ethical guidelines and compliance requirements.
  • Utilize resources like US Legal Forms for templates related to ethics reporting.
  • If you encounter complex issues, seek professional legal advice to ensure compliance.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical Roles Members of Congress, committee staff, leadership staff
Key Legislation Ethics in Government Act of 1978
Compliance Requirements Adherence to ethical standards and reporting obligations

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Individuals such as Members of Congress, elected officers, and certain employees of Congress qualify.