The Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act (S. 865) is a bill that aims to increase transparency in lobbying activities by requiring lobbyists to disclose whether they are exempt from registering under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This means that when lobbyists register under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), they must indicate if they are claiming an exemption from FARA, which is a law that mandates individuals representing foreign interests to disclose their activities. The bill was introduced by Senator Gary Peters on March 5, 2025, and passed the Senate without amendment by unanimous consent on December 16, 2025. As of December 17, 2025, it has been received in the House and held at the desk.
Supporters of the Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act argue that it enhances government accountability by closing information gaps between the LDA and FARA, making it more difficult for foreign influence to operate without public knowledge. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that implementing the bill would not significantly increase administrative costs and that any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Additionally, the bill is seen as a step toward greater transparency in lobbying activities involving foreign entities.
Critics of the bill express concerns that the additional disclosure requirements may impose new administrative burdens on lobbyists, particularly those who are already compliant with existing regulations. There is also skepticism about the bill's effectiveness in deterring foreign influence, as it relies on self-reporting by lobbyists. Some argue that without stringent enforcement mechanisms, the bill may not achieve its intended goal of increased transparency.
There are two potential conflicts of interest between Senator Gary Peters' donors and the Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act. The first is the 'Retired' industry, which has donated $237,500,000 to Peters' campaigns. The second is the 'Government' sector, which has donated $95,000,000. Both of these sectors could potentially be affected by the Lobbying Disclosure Improvement Act, which aims to improve transparency in government operations and politics. While it is not unusual for politicians to receive donations from industries they regulate or legislate on, the size of these donations raises some concern. The total overlap amount is $332,500,000, which is a significant portion of Peters' campaign funding. Voters should be aware of these potential conflicts and consider how they might influence Peters' decision-making on this bill.
These industries are both affected by this bill and among the sponsor's top donors.
| Industry | Match Type | Related Subject | Donations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retired (W06) | Sector | Government Operations and Politics | $237,500,000 |
| Government (W02) | Sector | Government Operations and Politics | $95,000,000 |
| Total from overlapping industries | $332,500,000 | ||
Top industries funding Gary Peters, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
