Contact Congress about S. 856: Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act

Lobbyists would have to name foreign governments and foreign political parties that help direct their lobbying. The rule would apply even when those foreign groups are not the official client.

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Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act is a House bill awaiting final action. The latest recorded action: Held at the desk.

Latest action on S. 856: Held at the desk.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects lobbyists and the clients they represent when foreign political actors help shape the lobbying work. It also affects foreign governments and foreign political parties that take part behind the scenes. Lawmakers, reporters, watchdog groups, and the public could use the new reports to see more clearly who is helping drive lobbying campaigns.

Why this matters: This bill matters because foreign political actors can help shape lobbying without being easy to spot in public records. The bill would make lobbyists name foreign governments and foreign political parties that help steer the work. That could help people judge lobbying messages with more context. The real effect would depend on how often these foreign groups are involved and how well the existing lobbying system handles the new reports.

Key provisions in S. 856

• The bill changes what lobbyists must put in their federal registration. It amends the part of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 that lists those required details.
• Lobbyists would have to name foreign governments and foreign political parties that help steer their work. They would also have to give each group’s address.
• The rule would cover more than national governments. It also includes foreign government agencies and smaller units, such as regional or city governments.
• The rule would apply even when the foreign group is not the lobbyist’s client. It overrides a separate limit in the same law that might otherwise narrow what must be reported about non-clients.
• The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the bill without changes. That means the committee backed the version as introduced.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 856

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 856

What is S. 856?

Lobbyists would have to name foreign governments and foreign political parties that help direct their lobbying. The rule would apply even when those foreign groups are not the official client.

How do I support or oppose S. 856?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 856?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 856 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.