The 'Foreign Funding Transparency Act' (H.R. 9772) is a proposed U.S. law that aims to increase transparency regarding foreign financial contributions to American think tanks and non-profit organizations. It requires these entities to publicly disclose any funding received from foreign sources, as well as any contracts or agreements made with foreign entities. The goal is to ensure that the American public is aware of potential foreign influences on U.S. policy and public opinion. Non-compliance with these disclosure requirements would result in penalties, including daily fines and potential civil action by the Department of Justice.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to safeguard U.S. policy-making from covert foreign influence. Senator Chuck Grassley emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that the American public should know who is influencing research and public policy in the country. Representative Jack Bergman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for the public to be aware of the activities and affiliations of think tanks, especially given the increasing foreign funding they receive. Proponents believe that the bill will enhance accountability and protect the integrity of U.S. policy decisions.
Critics of the bill express concerns that the stringent disclosure requirements could place undue burdens on non-profit organizations and think tanks, potentially hindering their operations and collaborations. There is apprehension that the legislation might discourage valuable international partnerships and the exchange of ideas. Additionally, some worry that the penalties for non-compliance could be overly punitive, leading to legal challenges and administrative complications for organizations striving to comply with the new regulations.
The Foreign Funding Transparency Act, sponsored by David Schweikert, does not show any direct industry overlaps with the sponsor's top donor industries, indicating a low risk for conflicts of interest. The lobbying activity in this policy area includes significant contributions from various companies, such as Cormedix Inc. with $220,000, but these do not directly connect to the bill's subject matter of foreign funding transparency. The lack of direct ties between the bill's focus and the sponsor's financial backers suggests that the motivations behind the bill are less likely to be influenced by donor interests. Voters should be aware that while lobbying exists in this area, the absence of direct donor overlap minimizes potential conflicts.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CORMEDIX INC. | CORMEDIX INC. | $220,000 |
| BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE | BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE | $180,000 |
| TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION | TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION | $70,000 |
| TERRANOVA INC | FRONTERA GROUP | $30,000 |
| POSEIDON AEROSPACE | FRONTERA GROUP | $30,000 |
| OBSIDIA SEMICONDUCTORS | FRONTERA GROUP | $20,000 |
| SAALEX CORPORATION | FRONTERA GROUP | $20,000 |
| HERTHA METALS | FRONTERA GROUP | $15,000 |
| MN8 ENERGY LLC | MN8 ENERGY LLC | $15,000 |
| RISK AND INSURANCE MANAGEMENT SOCIETY | MCINTYRE & LEMON, PLLC | $10,000 |
| VERMONT CAPTIVE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION | MCINTYRE & LEMON, PLLC | $8,000 |
| AMERICAN TRAILER MANUFACTURERS COALITION | WILEY REIN LLP | undisclosed |
| UNCAC COALITION | UNCAC COALITION | undisclosed |
| CFA INSTITUTE | CFA INSTITUTE | undisclosed |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA STUDENT ASSOCIATION | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA STUDENT ASSOCIATION | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding David Schweikert, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
