H.R. 9028 aims to amend existing securities laws to prevent brokers, dealers, and investment advisers who have specific ties to the People's Republic of China from registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This legislation seeks to limit the involvement of entities connected to China in the U.S. financial markets, likely as a measure to enhance national security and protect investors.
Supporters of H.R. 9028 have praised the bill as a necessary step to safeguard U.S. financial markets from foreign influence, particularly from China. They argue that it will help protect American investors and maintain the integrity of the U.S. financial system. The bill is seen as a proactive measure to address concerns about espionage and financial misconduct linked to foreign entities.
Critics of H.R. 9028 have raised concerns that the bill may lead to increased tensions between the U.S. and China, potentially harming economic relations. Some argue that it could unfairly discriminate against legitimate investment opportunities and limit market access for Chinese firms that operate within U.S. regulations. There are fears that such legislation may escalate trade conflicts and impact global financial markets.
The analysis of H.R. 9028 reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor, Michael Lawler's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter, which focuses on prohibiting certain brokers and investment advisers connected to China from registering with the SEC. The lobbying activity in this area primarily involves companies and associations related to freight and transportation, with significant contributions from Tencent America LLC totaling $410,000. However, these entities do not have a direct stake in the securities laws or the specific prohibitions outlined in the bill. Therefore, the potential for conflicts of interest appears minimal. Voters should be aware that while substantial lobbying exists, it does not directly influence the sponsor's legislative agenda regarding this bill.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| HOGAN LOVELLS, LLP OBO ZHONGJI INNOLIGHT CO., LTD. | MO STRATEGIES, INC. | $530,000 |
| TENCENT AMERICA LLC | MO STRATEGIES, INC. | $530,000 |
| TENCENT AMERICA LLC | HOGAN LOVELLS US LLP | $410,000 |
| BORDER TRADE ALLIANCE | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $60,000 |
| ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED | MO STRATEGIES, INC. | $60,000 |
| FRESH PRODUCE ASSOCIATION OF THE AMERICAS | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $45,000 |
| WERNER ENTERPRISES | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $45,000 |
| OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE, INC. | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $45,000 |
| NATIONAL TANK TRUCK CARRIER, INC. | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $37,500 |
| STEVENS TRUCKING | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $30,000 |
| NATIONAL MOTOR FREIGHT TRAFFIC ASSOCIATION | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $22,500 |
| STARR-CAMARGO BRIDGE COMPANY | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $15,000 |
| STRAUNS CUSTOMHOUSE BROKERS, LLC | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $7,500 |
| CLEAN FREIGHT COALITION | MULLEN CONSULTING LLC | undisclosed |
| CITY OF ASHEBORO | CRANFILL SUMNER LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Michael Lawler, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
