S-856 — Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act

YourVoice.Now Summary

Transparency & Accountability

Public lobbying records would show which foreign governments help steer the work — not just who pays.

Transparency & Accountability

Foreign governments named on lobbying forms — even when not the client

Lobbyists already file public forms naming the client who pays them. The new line adds each foreign government that helps direct the work, even one that pays nothing.

Foreign political parties added to disclosure — plus regional and city governments

The reach is not just a foreign country's main government. Foreign parties, foreign agencies, and the governments of foreign cities and regions all count.

More about this bill

Anyone who looks up lobbying records would see more about foreign influence. Registered lobbyists already list the client who pays them. They would also have to name each foreign government that helps direct, plan, or supervise their work. That holds even when the foreign government is not the client and pays nothing. The rule would reach foreign political parties too. It would also cover a foreign country's agencies and its city or regional governments. Day to day, most people would notice no change. The Senate passed the measure on December 16, 2025. It would still need the House and the President to become law.

Congressional Summary

Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act This bill requires registered lobbyists to disclose any foreign countries or political parties that are involved in the direction, planning, supervision, or control of the lobbyist's activities.

Legislative Subjects

Government information and archivesLicensing and registrationsPublic participation and lobbying

Details

Congress: 119th
Chamber: Senate
Status: summarized
Action: Reported to Senate
Action Date: 2025-11-03
Date Added: 2026-07-25
Source: Congress.gov →

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