Open Government Act

Open Government Act - Requires each lobbyist to file a notice of representation with the Federal Election Commission not later than fifteen days after becoming a lobbyist. States that the notice of representation shall be in such form and contain such information as the Commission shall prescribe, including: (1) an identification of the lobbyist; (2) an identification, so far as practicable of each person on whose behalf the lobbyist expects to perform services as a lobbyist; (3) a description of the financial terms and conditions, including contingent fee arrangements or other conditions, under which the lobbyist is employed or retained by any person, and the identification of that person; (4) each aspect of the policymaking process which the lobbyist expects to seek to influence, including any committee, department, or agency, or any Federal officer or employee, to whom a communication is to be made, the form of communication is to be used, and whether the communication is to be for or against a particular measure or action; and (5) an identification of each person who, as of the date filing, is expected to be acting for such lobbyist and to be engaged in lobbying.

Requires each lobbyist to maintain such financial and other records of lobbying activity as the Commission shall prescribe. Provides that such records shall be preserved for a period of not less than two years after the date of the activity. Requires that such records shall be available to the Commission for inspection and shall include the following information: (1) the total income received by the lobbyist, and the amount of such income attributable to lobbying; (2) the identification of each person from whom income for lobbying is received and the amount received.

Requires each lobbyist, not later than fifteen days after the last day of a quarterly filing period in which such lobbyist engaged in lobbying, to file a report with the Commission covering the lobbyist's activities during that period. Provides for the content of such reports.

Grants powers to the Federal Election Commission. Provides that the Commission has the power for the purposes of this Act: (1) to require, by special or general orders, any person to submit in writing such reports, records, and answers to questions as the Commission may prescribe relating to the execution of its duties; and such submission shall be made within such a reasonable period of time and under oath or otherwise as the Commission may determine; (2) to administer oaths or affirmations; and (3) to require by subpena, signed by the chairman or the vice chairman, the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all documentary evidence relating to the execution of its duties.

Sets forth the duties of the Commission under this Act.

Provides that any lobbyist who fails to comply with the notice and record-keeping requirements of this Act shall be fined not more than $1,000 and be required to fully comply, retroactively or otherwise, with such requirements.

Provides that any lobbyist who knowingly and willfully violates such requirements of this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than two years.

Provides that any person who knowingly and willfully falsifies all or part of any notice of representation or report which he files with the Commission under this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both.

Directs the Commission to transmit reports to the President of the United States and to each House of the Congress no later than March 31 of each year. Requires that each such report shall contain a detailed statement with respect to the activities of the Commission in carrying out its duties under this Act, together with recommendations for such legislative or other action as the Commission considers appropriate.

Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.