Cracking Down on Foreign Influence: A New Bill to Increase Transparency in US Nonprofits and Think Tanks

The issue of foreign influence on US nonprofits and think tanks has been a topic of concern for many years. With the increasing number of foreign governments and political parties attempting to shape US policy and public opinion through donations to these organizations, there is a growing need for transparency and accountability. In response to this concern, a new bill, the “Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act,” has been introduced by Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, to shed light on the unreported financing behind research organizations and nonprofits shaping US foreign policy.

The bill aims to increase awareness of where these groups get their cash from and whether foreign governments could be using them to promote views hostile to US interests. Under the legislation, donations and other contributions to nonprofits made by other governments or political parties have to be publicly disclosed if the value exceeds $50,000. This requirement is necessary as institutions of higher learning are already required to disclose foreign gifts to the Department of Education pursuant to the Higher Education Act. However, no such requirement exists for think tanks.

The issue of foreign influence on US nonprofits and think tanks is not a new one. China, in particular, has been accused of trying to wage a foreign influence campaign in the US through think tanks and cultural institutions. The State Department, under the Trump administration, urged think tanks that it engaged with to prominently disclose their sources of funding. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tightened transparency provisions around think tank donations. However, it is unclear whether this policy is still active under the Biden administration.

The need for transparency in this area is crucial as foreign governments and political parties seek to exert influence over US foreign policy through lobbyists, external experts, and think tanks. The bill text obtained by Fox News Digital reads, “Foreign governments and foreign political parties attempt to influence the government and political system of the United States through donations to nonprofit charitable organizations, especially think tanks and cultural organizations.”

The bill is a necessary measure to shed light on the unreported financing behind the research organizations and nonprofits shaping US foreign policy. It is essential to ensure that these organizations are not being used as tools for foreign governments to promote views hostile to US interests. The legislation is a step in the right direction towards increasing transparency and accountability in this area.

It is important to note that this is not an attack on free speech or academic freedom. The bill is not aimed at suppressing diverse views or limiting the ability of think tanks and nonprofits to conduct research and engage in policy debates. Instead, it is aimed at ensuring that the sources of funding for these organizations are transparent and publicly disclosed.

In conclusion, the “Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act” is a necessary measure to increase transparency and accountability in the area of foreign influence on US nonprofits and think tanks. It is essential to ensure that these organizations are not being used as tools for foreign governments to promote views hostile to US interests. The bill is a step in the right direction towards increasing transparency and accountability in this area and is a necessary measure to protect US foreign policy and public opinion from foreign influence.

It is important to remember that transparency is key to maintaining the integrity of our democratic institutions and ensuring that they are not being manipulated by foreign actors. The bill is an important step towards achieving that goal and is a necessary measure to protect US interests in the global arena.

In the words of Rep. Lance Gooden, “We must pull back the curtain on foreign entities that seek to shape US policy and public opinion through covert funding.” The “Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act” is a necessary step towards achieving that goal and is a crucial measure to ensure the transparency and accountability of US nonprofits and think tanks.

It is essential to remember that transparency is not only important for maintaining the integrity of our democratic institutions but also for ensuring that US policy is shaped by the best available information and expertise, free from foreign influence. The “Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act” is a necessary measure to ensure that US policy is shaped by the best available information and expertise, free from foreign influence, and is a crucial step towards protecting US interests in the global arena.

In conclusion, the “Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act” is a necessary measure to increase transparency and accountability in the area of foreign influence on US nonprofits and think tanks. It is essential to ensure that these organizations are not being used as tools for foreign governments to promote views hostile to US interests. The bill is a step in the right direction towards increasing transparency and accountability in this area and is a necessary measure to protect US foreign policy and public opinion from foreign influence. It is a crucial measure to ensure that US policy is shaped by the best available information and expertise, free from foreign influence, and is a necessary step towards protecting US interests in the global arena.