According to a recent article in USAE Magazine, the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) recently issued a statement relaxing the rules that apply to executive branch appointees' attendance at charity-organized events. Appointees are now able to accept free attendance at dinners and events as long as they are speaking or presenting in an official capacity. Executive branch appointees can still attend events where they do not have an official role as long as they pay registration and food costs.
"This is a relatively minor change, but one that will allow officials to interact with associations without constant fear of breaking the rules," said Venable attorney Ronald M. Jacobs.