Justice Manual § 1-8.200

The Assistant Attorney General (AAG) for the Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA) is responsible for communications between Congress and the Department under the authority of the Attorney General and the direction of the Deputy Attorney General. See 28 C.F.R. § 0.27. Communications between the Department and Congress, including those pertaining to policy, legislation, political appointments, nominations, intergovernmental and public liaison relations, cases and investigations, and administrative matters, will be managed or coordinated by OLA to ensure that relevant Department or Executive Branch interests are fully protected. Communication between OLA and Department components may be aided by designated component or law enforcement congressional liaisons, as appropriate. However, all component and law enforcement congressional liaisons will follow the direction of the AAG of OLA with regard to communications with Congress.

Except as provided in this chapter, no Department employee may communicate with Senators, Representatives, congressional committees, or congressional staff without advance coordination, consultation, and approval by OLA. All congressional inquiries and correspondence from Members, committees, and staff should be immediately directed to OLA upon receipt. The Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs, in consultation with the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and Associate Attorney General, will determine how best to proceed on particular legislative and oversight matters, including timing, presentation, and selection of Department witnesses to appear before congressional committees. This policy includes requests from Congress for technical and advisory assistance on legislative language or bill text. OLA will also accompany Departmental and component representatives when they represent the Department at hearings, briefings, and meetings with Members of Congress, committees, and staff.