Think Tank Transparency Act

Hozzl · 2023-12-09T17:40:07Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1438 Think Tank Transparency Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on International Affairs. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/9/2023, 5:40 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1438

The Think Tank Transparency Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 1438, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to increase transparency and accountability in the operations of think tanks that receive funding from foreign governments.

Under this bill, think tanks that receive more than $50,000 in funding from foreign governments would be required to disclose this information to the public. This includes details on the amount of funding received, the source of the funding, and how the funding is being used.

The bill also requires think tanks to disclose any conflicts of interest that may arise from their foreign funding. This is aimed at ensuring that the research and policy recommendations produced by these think tanks are not unduly influenced by foreign interests. Overall, the Think Tank Transparency Act seeks to promote greater transparency in the think tank industry and to protect the integrity of policy research in the United States. It is currently being debated in Congress and has garnered support from both Democrats and Republicans.

Congressional Summary of HR 1438

Think Tank Transparency Act

This bill requires certain nonprofit organizations to file a disclosure report with the Department of Justice (DOJ) after (1) receiving a gift, donation, or contribution of $10,000 or more in a calendar year from foreign governments, entities, or individuals; or (2) entering into or modifying a contract or agreement with such foreign sources. These disclosure reports shall be available to the public on the DOJ website.

Generally, these requirements shall apply to certain nonprofit organizations that (1) seek to influence U.S. public policy or public opinion; (2) engage in or publish substantial policy-related research or scholarship; or (3) regularly promote events featuring reporters, journalists, or government officials.

Furthermore, if such a nonprofit organization presents research (e.g., briefings or testimony) that was funded by a foreign source to Members of Congress, congressional employees, or executive branch officials, that foreign source must be prominently identified on any presented written materials.

The bill permits the DOJ to bring a civil action against an organization to compel compliance.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 1438

Bill HR 1438 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 8, 2023. Bill HR 1438 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 8, 2023. Bill HR 1438's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of March 8, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1438

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1438

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1438

Think Tank Transparency Act

To require certain nonprofit and not-for-profit social welfare organizations to submit disclosure reports on foreign funding to the Attorney General; and for other purposes.