H.R.1883 - Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1883, the "Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act," amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. It aims to clarify the registration requirements for lobbyists by requiring disclosure of foreign governments or political parties that participate in directing, planning, supervising, or controlling lobbying activities, even if they are not the direct client.
The bill seeks to increase transparency in lobbying activities by identifying foreign entities exerting influence on the process. This is achieved by modifying Section 4(b) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 5, 2025, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to increase transparency regarding foreign influence in lobbying activities within the United States.
Lobbying firms would be required to disclose the names and addresses of foreign governments or political parties involved in directing their lobbying efforts. This could lead to greater public awareness of potential foreign interests shaping US policy.
It may also deter some foreign entities from attempting to exert undue influence through lobbying, or encourage them to operate more openly.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in lobbying activities, allowing the public to better understand who is influencing policy decisions.
- Greater accountability for lobbying firms and their foreign clients.
- Potential reduction in hidden foreign influence on US policy.
- Enhanced ability for policymakers to assess the motivations behind lobbying efforts.
- Strengthened democratic processes by ensuring more informed public discourse.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on lobbying firms, requiring them to conduct more thorough due diligence on their clients.
- Risk of chilling legitimate advocacy by foreign governments or political parties who may be hesitant to disclose their involvement.
- Possible unintended consequences if the definition of "direction, planning, supervision, or control" is interpreted too broadly, capturing entities with minimal involvement.
- The legislation may not fully capture all avenues of foreign influence, as it focuses specifically on lobbying activities.
- Potential for retaliatory measures from foreign governments, impacting international relations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the First Amendment, which protects the right to petition the government. However, the government also has a legitimate interest in regulating lobbying to ensure transparency and prevent undue foreign influence. The requirement to disclose foreign involvement in lobbying activities does not appear to unduly infringe on free speech or the right to petition, as it primarily aims to provide more information to the public and policymakers.
Congress's power to regulate lobbying stems from its implied powers to ensure the integrity of the legislative process, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. This power allows Congress to enact laws that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out its enumerated powers, including the power to legislate.
By promoting transparency and accountability in lobbying, the bill could be argued to strengthen the democratic process and promote a more informed electorate, which aligns with the overall goals of the Constitution as stated in the Preamble.
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).