U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) today introduced the Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act, legislation to close a loophole the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) frequently exploits to conceal its role in lobbying efforts. Text of the bill may be found here.
“Iowans have a right to know who is funding efforts to influence their government officials. For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has taken advantage of loopholes in federal law to push their agenda, and that is unacceptable,” said Representative Miller-Meeks. “Federal policy decisions should be made with the best interests of the American people in mind, not Xi Jinping’s dictatorship. I am proud to lead this bipartisan group to ensure that our government serves the people it represents.”
“We cannot allow clandestine attempts by foreign adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party and Russia to circumvent federal lobbying law and threaten our national security,” said Representative Krishnamoorthi. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan, commonsense bill that will increase transparency in foreign lobbying and ensure that our government works in the best interests of the United States, free of interference from any foreign adversary.”
“The Chinese Communist Party’s increased aggression is a growing threat to our national security. For years, Xi Jinping and CCP officials have taken advantage of loopholes in federal law to conceal their lobbying efforts and influence policy decisions in Washington,” said Representative LaTurner. “This is unacceptable and puts America at risk. I am proud to support the Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act to close this loophole and keep our adversaries out of America’s lawmaking process.”
“This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will help us combat foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and oppressive regimes, and their attempts to influence our political process,” said Representative Gottheimer. “With this bill, we’re fighting to close loopholes to better protect our own national security and democracy.”
“Attempts by foreign governments – including Russia and the Chinese Communist Party – to influence our lawmaking process poses a credible threat to our national security. If foreign adversaries are seeking to lobby our government officials, the United States Congress must be aware,” said Representative Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will close a dangerous gap in our laws that is frequently exploited by the CCP, and further protect our governing process.”
“Foreign governments, particularly the Russian and Chinese governments, are constantly looking for ways to influence American politics, so it’s vital that we close any and all loopholes that may allow them to do so. This bill makes sure that foreign governments can’t conceal their influence via American proxy organizations,” said Representative Slotkin. “Michiganders want to know that foreign actors aren’t playing a role in our democracy. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and this is an important step forward towards bringing more transparency to lawmaking.”
