Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act
Summary
The Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. It clarifies the registration requirements for lobbyists, specifically regarding the disclosure of foreign entities involved in directing lobbying activities. The bill aims to enhance transparency by requiring lobbyists to identify foreign governments or political parties that participate in the direction, planning, supervision, or control of their lobbying efforts, even if those entities are not the direct client.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase transparency in lobbying activities. It will provide the public and policymakers with more information about the foreign influence on lobbying efforts. This could lead to more informed decision-making and potentially reduce the risk of undue foreign influence in US policy.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in lobbying activities.
- Greater awareness of foreign influence on US policy.
- More informed decision-making by policymakers.
- Potential reduction in undue foreign influence.
- Strengthened public trust in government.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased compliance costs for lobbyists.
- Possible chilling effect on legitimate lobbying activities.
- Risk of misinterpretation or misuse of disclosed information.
- Potential for foreign entities to seek alternative, less transparent channels of influence.
- May not capture all forms of foreign influence.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the First Amendment by promoting transparency in government and informing the public about potential influences on policy. While the First Amendment protects the right to petition the government, it does not shield lobbying activities from reasonable disclosure requirements. The act does not restrict speech but rather requires disclosure, which supports informed public discourse.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).