S. 856 – Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act

AI-Generated Summary

Updated December 17, 2025 at 6:31 AM UTC

The Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require lobbyists to list foreign governments and foreign political parties that help direct or control their lobbying activities. It adds this disclosure requirement to the registration forms that lobbyists must file, aiming to increase transparency about foreign influence in U.S. lobbying. The rule applies to any registrant who receives direction, planning, supervision, or control from a foreign government entity or political party, beyond the client they represent.

Key Provisions

Amends Section 4(b) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act by adding a new paragraph (8) that requires registrants to disclose the name and address of each foreign government (including agencies, subdivisions, regional or municipal units) and foreign political party involved in directing or controlling lobbying activities.
Removes minor wording (“and” at the end of paragraph 6 and “the offense.” in paragraph 7) to accommodate the new disclosure requirement.

Legislative Activity

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8 earlier actions

HouseFloor Latest Action

Held at the desk.

December 17, 2025 • 10:21 AM

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

March 5, 2025

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

March 5, 2025

SenateCommittee

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

July 30, 2025

SenateCommittee

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Paul without amendment. Without written report.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

November 3, 2025

SenateCalendars

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 257.

November 3, 2025

SenateFloor

Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8794; text: CR S8794)

December 16, 2025

SenateFloor

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

December 17, 2025

HouseFloor

Received in the House.

December 17, 2025 • 9:58 AM

HouseFloor

Held at the desk.

December 17, 2025 • 10:21 AM

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about S. 856 on the floor

1 Republican

Sen. John ThuneR-SD · Dec 16, 2025

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 257, S. 856. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and…

Bill Text

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Engrossed in SenateIssued December 16, 2025

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 856

AN ACT

To amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to clarify a provision relating to certain contents of registrations under that Act.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act.

2.

Clarification of contents of registration

Section 4(b) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1603(b)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (6), by striking and at the end; and

(2)

in paragraph (7), by striking the offense. and inserting the following:

the offense; and

(8)

notwithstanding paragraph (4), the name and address of each government of a foreign country (including any agency or subdivision of a government of a foreign country, such as a regional or municipal unit of government) and foreign political party, other than the client, that participates in the direction, planning, supervision, or control of any lobbying activities of the registrant.

.

Passed the Senate December 16, 2025.

Secretary