Bill would close FARA loopholes for firms tied to rival governments
Placed on the calendarS. 3050Latest action
Sponsor: John Cornyn · Senator · TX
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Official title: PAID OFF Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The PAID OFF Act of 2025 would end FARA exemptions for foreign agents controlled by "countries of concern" like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill removes current FARA exemptions (for commercial, legal, and public relations work) for any foreign agent owned or controlled by a government on the State Department's "countries of concern" list. It also creates a process where the Secretary of State and Attorney General can propose changes to that list, but Congress must approve any change through a . The changes expire five years after enactment unless Congress renews them.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects businesses, lobbyists, consultants, and organizations working in the U.S. on behalf of governments like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It also affects people or companies who hire or partner with such entities.
Why does it matter?
Affected entities would face stricter registration and disclosure requirements and lose access to certain exemptions previously used to avoid registering as foreign agents. Congress, rather than the executive branch alone, would control future changes to the list of covered countries.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedOct 23, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Jul 27, 2026
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 500.