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Congress·Passed Senate·3 months ago

Senate Passes Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act, Requiring Lobbyists to Reveal Foreign Government Ties

Also known as: Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
✓ Review
✓ Senate
House
President

Key Points

  • Lobbyists would have to publicly list any foreign governments or foreign political parties that help direct their work, not just their main client
  • This makes it easier for the public, reporters, and watchdogs to see when another country is trying to shape U.S. laws or policies
  • The rule covers all levels of foreign government, like national, regional, or city offices, as well as foreign political parties
  • Everyday people could more easily check who is really behind ads, meetings, and pressure campaigns aimed at Congress and federal agencies
  • This does not ban foreign influence, but it shines more light on it so voters and lawmakers can judge it for themselves
Foreign PolicyNational SecurityData PrivacyEconomy

Milestones

7 milestones11 actions
Dec 17, 2025House

Held at the desk.

Dec 17, 2025House

Received in the House.

Dec 17, 2025Senate

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Dec 16, 2025Senate

Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8794; text: CR S8794)

Dec 16, 2025

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Soon after the bill becomes law

Lobbying registration forms and filing instructions are updated to require listing foreign governments/parties that direct or control lobbying

Lobbyists and compliance staff will need to collect and report extra identifying details (name and address) when foreign entities are involved

Starting with the first filing cycle after the effective date

New registrations and amended registrations begin including the added foreign-influence disclosures

The public can more easily see when a foreign government or foreign political party is helping guide lobbying efforts, even if it is not the official client

Over the months following enactment

Lobbying firms and companies update contracts and compliance checklists to ask about foreign direction or supervision

Clients may face extra questionnaires and certifications, and some firms may decline work if foreign involvement would need to be disclosed

Related News

14 articles
The Hill·7 months ago

Senate committee advances bipartisan bills to curb foreign influence in U.S. lobbying

A Senate panel advanced bipartisan legislation, including the Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act, to require lobbyists to name foreign governments and political parties that help direct their work under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.

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Roll Call·7 months ago

Senate Homeland Security Committee backs bills to expose hidden foreign lobbying

The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act, which would force disclosure of any foreign government or political party that participates in directing a lobbyist’s activities.

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Politico·12 months ago

Grassley, Peters push bill to reveal foreign governments behind K Street lobbying

Sens. Chuck Grassley and Gary Peters introduced the Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act to require lobbyists to list any foreign governments or political parties that direct or control their advocacy, even when they are not the named client.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act

Bill NumberS 856
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionPassed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(5)
D: 3R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.