Lobbyists now will have to file more detailed reports twice a year about their activities, which should provide a clearer picture of whether and how lobbying practices have changed. The first reports, covering the first half of 2008, will be due July 30, said Cindi Berry, a partner with Powell Golsdtein LLP. Berry's firm lobbies on Capitol Hill and also counsels corporate clients on how to comply with the new laws.

The new restrictions were largely prompted by the corruption scandal surrounding former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, but the defense industry has had its own black marks in dealings with government officials.

In 2004, a corruption probe led to convictio ns for Boeing executive Michael Sears and Air Force official Darlene Druyun when it was disc overed Boeing arranged a position for her after she helped set up a lucrative leasing d eal of Boeing's 767 refueling tankers.

Now, lobbyists in all industries are being more cautious when interacting with members of Congress, observers say.

"No one wants to be the test case. No one wants to stumble and do something wrong, even inadvertently, and then have some enforcement actions taken against them," Berry said.

Lobbyists consulting Berry's firm are showing more caution, even reviewing menus for neighborhood parties to which Capitol Hill staff are invited, she said.

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