Title 5, Government Organization and EmployeesRelease 119-102
§501 Advertising Practice; Restrictions
Title 5 › PART I — THE AGENCIES GENERALLY › CHAPTER 5 — ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE › SUBCHAPTER I — GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 501
Summary
You must not use a Member of Congress's name or the name of any U.S. government employee when advertising if you, your firm, or your company represent clients before a U.S. government agency.
Full Legal Text
Title 5, §501
Government Organization and Employees, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
An individual, firm, or corporation practicing before an agency of the United States may not use the name of a Member of either House of Congress or of an individual in the service of the United States in advertising the business.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
DerivationU.S. CodeRevised Statutes andStatutes at Large 5 U.S.C. 101.Apr. 27, 1916, ch. 89, § 1, 39 Stat. 54. The words “may not” are substituted for “It shall be unlawful for”. The words “agency of the United States” are substituted for “any department or office of the Government”. The words “an individual in the service of the United States” are substituted for “officer of the Government” in view of the definitions in section 2104 and 2105. Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
5 U.S.C. § 501
Title 5, Government Organization and Employees
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102