Protect Against Unlawful Lobbying (PAUL) Act of 2021

Protect Against Unlawful Lobbying (PAUL) Act of 2021

This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a separate unit for the investigation and enforcement of provisions requiring registration of foreign agents. It provides DOJ with the authority to impose civil monetary penalties for violations and requires foreign agents to disclose transactions involving things of financial value conferred on officeholders by foreign principals.

The Protect Against Unlawful Lobbying (PAUL) Act of 2021, also known as Bill 117 hr 1419, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing issues related to lobbying practices. The main goal of the bill is to increase transparency and accountability in the lobbying process, in order to prevent undue influence on government decision-making.

The PAUL Act includes several key provisions. One of the main components of the bill is the requirement for lobbyists to disclose any contributions or gifts they provide to government officials. This is intended to prevent lobbyists from using gifts or other forms of influence to sway decision-making in their favor.

Additionally, the PAUL Act seeks to increase transparency by requiring lobbyists to disclose any meetings or communications they have with government officials. This information would be made publicly available in a searchable database, allowing for greater scrutiny of lobbying activities. The bill also includes provisions aimed at preventing conflicts of interest among government officials. For example, it prohibits former government officials from lobbying on behalf of foreign governments for a certain period of time after leaving office. Overall, the PAUL Act of 2021 is designed to promote ethical behavior and accountability in the lobbying process, in order to ensure that government decisions are made in the best interests of the public.