January 12, 2026 •
Georgia Congressional Special Election Scheduled
Gov. Brian Kemp called a special election for U.S. House District 14 following the resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Her resignation is cited to be due to disagreements with President Trump over healthcare, foreign policies, and domestic scandals. The special general […]
Gov. Brian Kemp called a special election for U.S. House District 14 following the resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Her resignation is cited to be due to disagreements with President Trump over healthcare, foreign policies, and domestic scandals. The special general election will be held on March 10, with a special runoff election held on April 7, 2026, if necessary.
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On October 23, legislation was introduced in the U.S. Congress to amend and expand the Foreign Agents Registration Act to compel lobbyists for Chinese companies to register as foreign agents. The Chinese Communist Party Influence Transparency Act, introduced as identical […]
On October 23, legislation was introduced in the U.S. Congress to amend and expand the Foreign Agents Registration Act to compel lobbyists for Chinese companies to register as foreign agents.
The Chinese Communist Party Influence Transparency Act, introduced as identical bills in both houses of Congress by Rep. Mike Gallagher and Sen. Tom Cotton, would repeal the exemption from registration for persons, acting as agents of a covered Chinese business organization, providing private and nonpolitical representation of trade and commercial interests.
House Bill 8663 and Senate Bill 4843 would also remove the exemption for persons filing disclosure reports under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 in connection with the representation of business organizations organized under the laws of, or having their principal place of business in, the People’s Republic of China. The bill defines a covered Chinese business organization as an entity designated by the Attorney General as subject to the extrajudicial direction of the Chinese Communist Party or an entity organized under the laws of, or having its principal place of business in, the People’s Republic of China (including any subsidiary or affiliate of such an entity).
The legislation would become effective 180 days after enactment.
March 12, 2020 •
U.S. Capitol Limits Access to Public Over Virus Concerns
Starting today at 5 p.m. and ending on April 1 at 8 p.m., the public will have limited access to the United States Capitol because of concerns of the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Michael C. Stenger, the Sergeant […]
Starting today at 5 p.m. and ending on April 1 at 8 p.m., the public will have limited access to the United States Capitol because of concerns of the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
Michael C. Stenger, the Sergeant at Arms of U.S. Senate, and Paul D. Irving, the Sergeant at Arms of U.S. House of Representatives, in consultation with the Office of the Attending Physician, issued a statement on March 12.
They stated the Capitol Visitor Center will close all tours of the Capitol and other congressional office buildings, including the House and Senate office buildings and the Capitol grounds.
“Lawmakers, staff, credentialed journalists and visitors with official business would still be allowed entry,” according to Reuters.
November 1, 2017 •
Legislation Introduced in U.S. Congress to Strengthen FARA Enforcement
On October 31, identical bills were introduced in both houses of the U.S. Congress to strengthen the laws and penalties concerning lobbyists serving as the agents of foreign principals. Senate Bill 2039 and House Bill 4170 amend the Foreign Agents […]
On October 31, identical bills were introduced in both houses of the U.S. Congress to strengthen the laws and penalties concerning lobbyists serving as the agents of foreign principals.
Senate Bill 2039 and House Bill 4170 amend the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA) in order to provide the U.S. Attorney General with greater authority to investigate alleged violations of FARA and bring increased criminal and civil actions against persons committing such violations.
If the legislation passes, an exemption from registering and filing disclosure reports under FARA established in Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 would be eliminated. Additionally, the Department of Justice would be empowered to demand documents and testimony when investigating alleged violations of compliance.
The pair of bills were introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley and Rep. Mike Johnson.
May 8, 2017 •
US Spending Bill Has Campaign Finance Provisions
Among the amendments in the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act that passed into law on May 5 are two provisions affecting campaign financing. House Resolution 244 explicitly prohibits the Internal Revenue Service from making new rules concerning the political speech or […]
Among the amendments in the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act that passed into law on May 5 are two provisions affecting campaign financing.
House Resolution 244 explicitly prohibits the Internal Revenue Service from making new rules concerning the political speech or activity of 501(c)(4) organizations. The legislation also prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission from finalizing, issuing, or implementing any rule, regulation, or order regarding the disclosure of political contributions, contributions to tax exempt organizations, or dues paid to trade associations.
The 708 page omnibus spending bill, passed by Congress on May 4 and signed by the president on May 5, funds the U.S. government through September 30.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
