Bill · H.R. 8809· House(119-HR-8809)
AIPAC Act
- Introduced
- 5/14/2026
- Last activity
- 5/14/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Thomas Massie
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Americans Insist on Political Agent Clarity Act" or the "AIPAC Act," aims to amend the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938. It seeks to clarify the definition of a "foreign principal" to increase transparency in lobbying for foreign interests. The legislation expands the definition of a foreign principal to include certain domestic organizations whose mission or lobbying aligns with a foreign country's interests. Additionally, the bill creates a private right of action allowing any U.S. citizen to request a Department of Justice investigation into potential violations. Finally, it requires the Attorney General to issue public implementation guidance within 180 days.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill increases transparency by requiring entities with missions aligned with foreign interests to disclose that alignment.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency: The expansion of the "foreign principal" definition aims to ensure that entities engaged in substantial advocacy aligned with foreign state interests disclose that alignment to the public (Section 2, paragraph 3).
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Enhanced Oversight: By adding a new subsection to Section 8, the bill allows any citizen of the United States to file a complaint with the Department of Justice to request an investigation into potential violations by agents of these newly defined foreign principals (Section 3, subsection b).
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Clearer Expectations: The bill mandates that the Attorney General issue public guidance containing illustrative examples and compliance expectations, which helps affected organizations understand how the law applies to them (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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New Burdens for Domestic Organizations: Organizations organized under U.S. laws may now be classified as "foreign principals" if their lobbying or mission influences policy to further the interests of a foreign country where that country is a principal beneficiary (Section 3, subsection a, paragraph 4).
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Potential for Subjective Determinations: The determination of whether an entity is a principal beneficiary can be based on a "preponderance of objective indicia," such as repeated advocacy of legislation that aligns with a foreign country's official diplomatic objectives or coordination with foreign officials (Section 3, subsection a, paragraph 4, sub-paragraphs i and ii).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7
- 5/14/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House