WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Lance Gooden introduced legislation to ensure transparency and accountability in the funding of think tanks and nonprofit organizations. The "Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act" is critical to safeguard American interests and policy-making from undue foreign influence.
“We must pull back the curtain on foreign entities that seek to shape U.S. policy and public opinion through covert funding,” said Congressman Gooden. “This legislation is a necessary measure to shed light on the unreported financing behind the research organizations and nonprofits shaping our foreign policy.
Representative Lance Gooden has previously called on Treasury Secretary Yellen to initiate a thorough investigation into potential Russian interference through climate and environmental groups.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
- The bill mandates public reporting of contributions exceeding $50,000 received by charitable organizations from foreign governments and political parties.
- Targets contributions from Russia, the People’s Republic of China, and the Chinese Communist Party, reflecting concerns about their attempts to influence the U.S. political system.
Background:
- Foreign governments and political parties, notably from China, have been influencing American policy through donations to nonprofits, especially think tanks and cultural organizations.
- Reports have indicated that several think tanks and universities have received substantial funding from entities linked to the Chinese government, raising concerns about foreign lobbying and self-censorship.
- Evidence shows foreign governments have utilized these nonprofits to negatively influence American energy production by propping up radical, left-wing, environmental groups.
Read the full text here.
“We must pull back the curtain on foreign entities that seek to shape U.S. policy and public opinion through covert funding,” said Congressman Gooden. “This legislation is a necessary measure to shed light on the unreported financing behind the research organizations and nonprofits shaping our foreign policy.
Representative Lance Gooden has previously called on Treasury Secretary Yellen to initiate a thorough investigation into potential Russian interference through climate and environmental groups.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
- The bill mandates public reporting of contributions exceeding $50,000 received by charitable organizations from foreign governments and political parties.
- Targets contributions from Russia, the People’s Republic of China, and the Chinese Communist Party, reflecting concerns about their attempts to influence the U.S. political system.
Background:
- Foreign governments and political parties, notably from China, have been influencing American policy through donations to nonprofits, especially think tanks and cultural organizations.
- Reports have indicated that several think tanks and universities have received substantial funding from entities linked to the Chinese government, raising concerns about foreign lobbying and self-censorship.
- Evidence shows foreign governments have utilized these nonprofits to negatively influence American energy production by propping up radical, left-wing, environmental groups.
Read the full text here.