Covered Official

Under the LDA, a "covered executive branch official" includes the President, Vice President, officers and employees in the Executive Office of the President, members of the uniformed services at pay grade O-7 or above, and any officer or employee in any executive agency in a position designated by the Office of Personnel Management as meeting the GS-17 pay level or above. A "covered legislative branch official" includes any member of Congress, any elected officer of either chamber, and any employee of a member, committee, leadership office, or other legislative office. The concept of "covered official" is central to the LDA's definition of lobbying. A "lobbying contact" is defined as any oral or written communication to a covered official made on behalf of a client regarding federal legislation, regulations, executive orders, or other specified matters.

Only contacts with covered officials trigger reporting requirements. Communications with lower-ranking government employees, state or local officials, or the general public are not considered lobbying contacts under the LDA, even if they concern federal policy. This definition has been criticized for being too narrow, as significant influence activities may target staff below the covered threshold or focus on regulatory proceedings that fall outside the LDA's scope.