Preventing Adversary Influence, Disinformation, and Obscured Foreign Financing Act of 2025; PAID OFF Act of 2025
Summary
The "Preventing Adversary Influence, Disinformation, and Obscured Foreign Financing Act of 2025" (PAID OFF Act) amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938. It aims to limit exemptions for agents of foreign principals owned or controlled by countries of concern. The bill also establishes a mechanism for modifying the definition of "country of concern" through a joint resolution of approval by Congress.
Specifically, the Act targets entities owned or controlled by countries listed in section 1(m)(1)(A) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956. The amendments introduced by this act will terminate five years after its enactment.
This bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability regarding foreign influence in the United States.
Expected Effects
The PAID OFF Act will likely increase scrutiny and regulation of foreign agents operating in the U.S., particularly those linked to countries deemed as adversaries. This could lead to increased compliance costs for affected entities.
It may also impact diplomatic relations with countries designated as "countries of concern." The amendment mechanism allows for dynamic adjustments to the list of countries of concern, subject to Congressional approval.
Ultimately, the Act intends to reduce the potential for undue foreign influence and disinformation campaigns.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Transparency: Requires greater disclosure from foreign agents, making their activities more visible.
- Reduced Foreign Influence: Limits the ability of adversarial nations to exert hidden influence through agents.
- Enhanced National Security: Strengthens defenses against foreign disinformation and propaganda.
- Improved Accountability: Holds foreign agents to a higher standard of compliance.
- Dynamic Adaptation: Provides a mechanism to update the list of "countries of concern" as needed.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Overreach: The broad definition of "control" could inadvertently affect legitimate activities.
- Increased Compliance Costs: Affected entities may face higher costs to comply with stricter regulations.
- Strained Diplomatic Relations: Designating countries as "countries of concern" could negatively impact diplomatic ties.
- Risk of Retaliation: Other nations may retaliate with similar measures against U.S. interests abroad.
- Administrative Burden: The amendment mechanism could create additional work for the State Department and Congress.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The PAID OFF Act appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and provide for the common defense. The Act does not appear to infringe upon individual liberties protected by the Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech or expression, as it focuses on regulating the activities of foreign agents rather than restricting the speech of American citizens.
The mechanism for amending the definition of "country of concern" through a joint resolution of approval adheres to the principle of legislative power vested in Congress. The sunset provision ensures periodic review and potential reauthorization, promoting accountability.
However, careful consideration must be given to ensure that the Act's implementation does not unduly burden legitimate activities or discriminate against individuals based on national origin, which could raise constitutional concerns.
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).