Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act
Summary
The Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. It requires registrants to disclose whether they are exempt under section 3(h) of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA). This aims to increase transparency regarding potential foreign influence in lobbying activities.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be increased transparency in lobbying activities. This will allow the public and government officials to better understand potential foreign influence. It will also ensure compliance with FARA.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in lobbying activities.
- Better understanding of potential foreign influence.
- Improved compliance with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
- More informed decision-making by policymakers.
- Greater accountability for lobbyists.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on registrants.
- Possible chilling effect on legitimate lobbying activities.
- Risk of misinterpretation or misuse of disclosed information.
- Enforcement challenges in ensuring accurate and complete disclosures.
- Limited impact if exemptions are easily obtained or loopholes exist.
Constitutional Alignment
The Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the structure of the US Constitution. While the Constitution does not explicitly address lobbying disclosure, the First Amendment protects the right to petition the government. This act seeks to regulate lobbying activities to ensure transparency without infringing on that right. It is consistent with Congress's power to legislate on matters related to its own procedures and the functioning of government.
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).