In Harriss, the Supreme Court responded by upholding the act's constitutionality, but also by narrowing the scope and application of the act. The Court ruled that the act applies only to paid lobbyists who directly communicate with members of Congress on pending or proposed federal legislation.
The Supreme Court's decision in Harriss tempered the law's reach by defining its applicability as limited to compensated lobbyists who interact closely with Congress on pending legislation.