Protect Against Unlawful Lobbying (PAUL) Act of 2024

The PAUL Act of 2024 amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to strengthen enforcement by creating a dedicated unit within the Department of Justice, funded with $10 million annually, to investigate and prosecute violations. It increases civil penalties for non-compliance, including up to $200,000 for serious breaches like failing to disclose financial benefits to officials, and requires foreign agents to report any financial transactions (e.g., gifts, favorable treatment) provided to U.S. government officials within the past 60 days. Current registrants must file supplemental disclosures within 90 days of enactment, and collected penalties will fund the new enforcement unit. This directly affects foreign agents representing foreign principals in the U.S., mandating greater transparency about financial interactions with government officials.