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Foreign Political Influence Elimination Act of 2021
4/17/2024, 11:45 PM
Summary of Bill HR 4847
One key provision of the bill is the requirement for all individuals and organizations engaged in political activities to disclose any foreign financial contributions or support they receive. This information would be made publicly available to ensure transparency and prevent covert foreign influence.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to enhance cybersecurity protections for political campaigns and parties to safeguard against foreign hacking and interference in the electoral process. This includes providing resources and support for campaigns to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. Furthermore, the bill establishes a task force to monitor and investigate potential instances of foreign political influence. This task force would work closely with federal agencies and law enforcement to identify and address any threats to the integrity of US elections and political processes. Overall, the Foreign Political Influence Elimination Act of 2021 aims to protect the integrity of American democracy by preventing foreign entities from exerting undue influence on US politics. By enhancing transparency, cybersecurity, and enforcement measures, the bill seeks to safeguard the democratic process and ensure that decisions made by elected officials are in the best interests of the American people.
Congressional Summary of HR 4847
Foreign Political Influence Elimination Act of 2021
This bill expands the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals. It also revises foreign-agent disclosure requirements.
Specifically, the bill expands the ban on campaign spending by foreign nationals to include corporations that are subject to specified levels of ownership or control by foreign nationals or governments.
The bill prohibits certain types of tax-exempt, foreign-affiliated organizations from taking certain campaign-related actions, such as contributing to a super political action committee.
Further, the bill prohibits foreign nationals from (1) participating in the decision-making process regarding an election expenditure, or (2) making contributions in connection with state or local ballot initiatives or referenda.
The bill prohibits political committees from accepting direct or bundled contributions from registered foreign agents.
Next, the bill makes various changes to the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA), such as by (1) repealing an exemption from FARA requirements for individuals registered as lobbyists, and (2) expanding filing and labeling requirements related to the transmission of informational materials in the interests of a foreign principal.
In addition, the bill provides the Department of Justice (DOJ) with a mechanism to demand evidence for investigating compliance with FARA.
Further, the bill provides for various civil penalties for failing to meet agent registration requirements. The foreign principal of a penalized agent may not pay the imposed fines.
DOJ must establish a unit for the investigation and enforcement of FARA.
The Government Accountability Office must analyze the effectiveness of FARA enforcement.
