Bill Overview
Title: PAID OFF Act of 2022
Description: 2022 This bill requires certain persons to register as agents of a foreign principal if the foreign principal in question is a foreign adversary. For the purposes of this bill, a foreign adversary is a foreign government or person (individual or entity) that has engaged in a long-term pattern of conduct significantly adverse to U.S. national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons. Currently, the Foreign Agents Registration Act exempts certain agents from the act's registration requirements, including agents (1) engaged only in private and nonpolitical activities to advance a foreign principal's bona fide trade or commerce interests, or (2) engaged in certain lobbying activities and where the agent has registered as a lobbyist. Under this bill, these exemptions shall not apply if the foreign principal is a foreign adversary.
Sponsors: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: People registered as agents for foreign principals
Estimated Size: 5000
- The bill impacts individuals and entities that act as agents for foreign principals, specifically those considered foreign adversaries.
- This includes groups who previously were exempt under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, such as those involved solely in private and nonpolitical activities or certain registered lobbying activities, if connected to a foreign adversary.
- Globally, any individuals or entities, possibly including corporate or nonprofit entities, affiliated with nations deemed to be foreign adversaries and involved in advocacy or representation impacting U.S. security may be affected.
- U.S.-based entities and individuals representing foreign principals may face new registration requirements, influencing their operational compliance.
Reasoning
- The bill targets individuals and entities that act as agents for foreign adversaries, potentially affecting their operational requirements and compliance costs.
- Wellbeing impact will vary; individuals highly reliant on foreign adversary affiliations may face increased stress due to registration and public scrutiny.
- Some agents may see minimal changes if additional registration does not significantly alter their work.
- Organizations with sufficient resources might manage compliance more easily than smaller entities or individuals, who may face economic pressures.
Simulated Interviews
Lobbyist (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The additional registration could complicate my work as I'll need to track more paperwork.
- If my clients are deemed adversaries, it may affect my reputation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Attorney (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The PAID OFF Act will require thorough checks on my client list.
- Legal compliance is doable, but adds more to our workload.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Tech Company Executive (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 37 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our global model doesn't heavily rely on foreign adversaries, but legal checks might increase.
- I appreciate the security intent, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Consultant (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I will have to be more cautious about whom I consult for.
- The policy adds diligence, which is fine by me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Former Diplomat (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This law feels restrictive for my consulting activities.
- I might avoid certain clients to simplify oversight.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Nonprofit Director (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't foresee direct impacts, but will review funding sources more carefully.
- The policy's protective measure is understandable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Risk Management Advisor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill's requirements could alter risk profiles for foreign clients.
- I need to understand implications better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Academic Researcher (Seattle, WA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is unlikely to change my work, but heightens awareness on international partnerships.
- I'm already cautious about affiliations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Freelance Journalist (Boston, MA)
Age: 31 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'll need to watch for evolving issues with contacts abroad.
- The policy aligns with journalistic diligence for security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Independent Contractor (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The compliance of this policy doesn't impact me much as I work mostly with neutral firms.
- I'm staying informed on which firms might be affected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The reach and effectiveness of enforcing new registration requirements against foreign adversaries.
- Determining which foreign entities qualify as foreign adversaries could require additional inter-agency coordination.
- The capacity of existing regulatory bodies to handle increased registration and monitoring workload.
- The impact on U.S. businesses and nonprofit organizations that engage in foreign activities and how they might adjust their operations.