Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Help Prevent Foreign Influence in U.S. Policy

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve our nation’s ability to prevent foreign governments, including adversaries like the Chinese and Russian Governments, from attempting to influence U.S. policy without making appropriate disclosures. The legislation would help prevent lobbyists working on behalf of foreign governments and political parties from exploiting an existing Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) provision that exempts Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) registrants who are agents of foreign persons or organizations from registering under FARA.

“Foreign interference in our nation’s political process presents a serious threat to our communities in Michigan and across the country,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense bipartisan bill will help increase transparency around foreign lobbying and ensure our government is working in the best interest of the American people.”

The Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act would require LDA registrants to indicate, as part of their registration, whether they are taking advantage of the FARA exemption. This would help the Department of Justice narrow the pool of LDA registrants they are examining for potential violations, while not imposing any meaningful additional burden on registrants.

In his role on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has worked to ensure government is effectively serving the American people. His bipartisan legislation to strengthen protections for Inspectors General so they can conduct independent oversight to root out waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars has advanced in the Senate. Peters also led several efforts to investigate multiple instances of wasteful spending and conflicts of interest during the previous Administration. The Senate has passed Peters’ bipartisan legislation to help identify and mitigate potential conflicts of interest between taxpayer-funded projects and government contractors. Peters has also introduced a bipartisan bill to require federal agencies to identify and address potential foreign conflicts of interest involving government contractors, including by disqualifying firms from being awarded contracts where necessary to protect national security and foreign policy interests. 

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