Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act
Summary
The Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. It mandates that lobbying registrants disclose whether they are exempt under section 3(h) of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA). This aims to increase transparency regarding potential foreign influence in lobbying activities.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be increased disclosure requirements for lobbyists. This will allow the public and government officials to have a clearer understanding of potential foreign interests influencing lobbying efforts. Ultimately, this could lead to greater accountability in the lobbying process.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced transparency in lobbying activities.
- Improved public awareness of potential foreign influence.
- Greater accountability for lobbyists regarding foreign connections.
- Strengthened enforcement of lobbying regulations.
- More informed decision-making by policymakers.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on lobbying firms.
- Possible chilling effect on legitimate lobbying activities due to increased scrutiny.
- Risk of misinterpretation or misuse of disclosed information.
- Limited impact if exemptions under FARA are easily obtained.
- May not address all forms of foreign influence in lobbying.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the structure of the US government. While the Constitution does not explicitly address lobbying disclosure, the First Amendment protects the right to petition the government, and this act seeks to ensure that such petitioning is done transparently. It does not infringe on freedom of speech but regulates the disclosure of information related to lobbying activities.
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).