Foreign Lobbying in the United States
Foreign governments, companies, and organizations spend billions of dollars lobbying the U.S. government to influence policy decisions. Under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and the Lobbying Disclosure Act, these activities are tracked and reported to Congress. During the 2024 cycle, 1,131 lobbying firms reported $172.9M in total income, and 3,592 clients spent $0 on lobbying activities.
Top Lobbying Firms Handling Foreign Accounts
The largest lobbying firms in Washington often handle foreign accounts alongside domestic clients. Here are the top firms by total income:
| Rank | Firm | Total Income | Clients |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holland & Knight Llp | $19.0M | 0 |
| 2 | Cassidy & Associates, Inc. | $6.0M | 0 |
| 3 | Penn Avenue Partners | $5.2M | 0 |
| 4 | Mcdermott+ Llc | $4.0M | 0 |
| 5 | Red+blue Strategies | $3.8M | 0 |
| 6 | Ats Communications, Inc. (dba Silbey Strategies) | $3.5M | 0 |
| 7 | Nexxus Consulting, Llc | $3.2M | 0 |
| 8 | Stonington Global | $3.2M | 0 |
| 9 | Republic Consulting, Llc | $3.1M | 0 |
| 10 | Daly Consulting Group | $2.9M | 0 |
| 11 | MG Housing Strategies Llc | $2.8M | 0 |
| 12 | Fierce Government Relations | $2.7M | 0 |
| 13 | Squire Patton Boggs | $2.5M | 0 |
| 14 | The Majority Group, Llc | $2.4M | 0 |
| 15 | Dentons US Llp | $2.3M | 0 |
FARA and Disclosure Requirements
The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires individuals and organizations acting as agents of foreign principals to register with the Department of Justice and disclose their activities, receipts, and disbursements. This law ensures transparency in foreign influence operations.
Key Requirements
- Registration — Foreign agents must register within 10 days of agreeing to act
- Disclosure — Activities, compensation, and expenses must be reported semi-annually
- Labeling — Informational materials distributed on behalf of foreign principals must be labeled
- Record keeping — Agents must maintain records of all activities for at least three years
Top Lobbying Clients
| Rank | Client | Total Spent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $0 |
| 2 | Zurich North America | $0 |
| 3 | Zurich American Insurance Company | $0 |
| 4 | Zoll | $0 |
| 5 | Zions Therapeutics | $0 |
| 6 | Zions Bancorp | $0 |
| 7 | Zimmer Biomet, Inc. | $0 |
| 8 | Zelis | $0 |
| 9 | Zeda, Inc. | $0 |
| 10 | Zebra Technologies Corporation | $0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does foreign lobbying cost in the US?
During the 2024 cycle, lobbying firms reported $172.9M in total income and clients spent $0 on lobbying. Not all of this involves foreign principals, but foreign-related lobbying represents a significant portion.
What is FARA?
The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is a federal law requiring individuals and organizations acting on behalf of foreign governments or entities to register with the Department of Justice and publicly disclose their activities and compensation.
Which countries lobby the most in the US?
Historically, countries with major trade, defense, or diplomatic relationships with the US spend the most on lobbying. This includes allied nations, major trading partners, and countries seeking favorable policy outcomes on issues like sanctions, trade, and military aid.
Is foreign lobbying legal?
Yes. Foreign lobbying is legal in the United States, provided agents comply with FARA registration and disclosure requirements. The law does not prohibit lobbying by foreign entities but requires transparency about the nature and funding of such activities.