H.R.1887 - Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1887, the Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act, aims to amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. It seeks to enhance transparency by requiring lobbyists to disclose whether they are exempt from registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Neguse and Mr. Roy and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be increased transparency in lobbying activities. Specifically, it would shed light on potential foreign influence by requiring lobbyists to disclose if they are claiming exemptions under FARA. This could lead to greater public awareness of who is lobbying on behalf of foreign interests and whether those interests are being properly scrutinized.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in lobbying activities.
- Greater public awareness of potential foreign influence.
- Improved enforcement of lobbying regulations.
- More informed decision-making by policymakers.
- Reduced opportunities for hidden foreign interference.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased compliance costs for lobbyists.
- Possible chilling effect on legitimate lobbying activities.
- Risk of overly broad interpretation of disclosure requirements.
- Potential for harassment of individuals who are properly disclosing.
- May not fully address all avenues of foreign influence.
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 for disclosure is a reasonable restriction that is narrowly tailored to serve this interest. The bill does not appear to violate any other specific constitutional provisions.
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).