Bill would force lobbyists to disclose hidden foreign government influence
Passed one chamberS. 856Latest action
Sponsor: Chuck Grassley · Senator · IA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
Lobbyists would have to disclose foreign governments or parties that secretly direct their work, even if not a paying client.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill updates the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require registered lobbyists to disclose the name and address of any foreign government or foreign political party that helps direct, plan, supervise, or control their lobbying activity, even if that entity is not their official client. This closes a gap where such foreign involvement could otherwise go unreported.
Who does it affect?
This affects professional lobbyists and lobbying firms in the U.S., especially those working on behalf of foreign interests. It also affects government watchdog agencies and the public, who would gain clearer information about foreign influence on lobbying.
Why does it matter?
The change increases transparency around foreign involvement in U.S. lobbying campaigns aimed at lawmakers and policy. It is a narrow, technical addition to existing disclosure rules rather than a new regulatory system.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 5, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- HouseYou are here · Dec 17, 2025
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the Senate, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Held at the desk.