A perceived lack of consequences has led to little FARA compliance by foreign lobbyists, who influence U.S. politics without disclosing their foreign relationships. Enforcing FARA with both criminal and civil consequences to ensure compliance is common sense.
Lack of enforcement by the Dept. of Justice — not lack of consequences for non-compliance — is the real issue facing FARA today. Without addressing that problem, this bill won’t make any difference in lobbyists’ compliance with FARA.