Transnational Repression Policy Act - (H.R.3654/S.831): inclusion of broad definition of individuals impacted by transnational repression, specifically focused on writers/artists
Stop Transnational Repression Act - (H.R.5907): inclusion of broad definition of individuals impacted by transnational repression, specifically focused on writers/artists
Jamal Khashoggi Protection of Activists and Press Freedom Act - (H.R.5855): support protection for dissidents and journalists and codify the Khashoggi Ban
Human Rights Defenders Protection Act - (S.3705/H.R.7175): support a visa category for human rights defenders and broad protections for human rights defenders
Fight Book Bans Act - (H.R.6592): support protecting the right to read and helping to defray the cost of costly book challenges
Right to Read Act - (H.R.2889, S.1307): seeking inclusion of anti-censorship provisions
Prison Libraries Act - (H.R.2825): support access to free libraries in federal carceral institutions
PRESS Act - (H.R.4250/S.2074): supporting federal shield law for journalists
Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act - (H.R.4639/S.2576): protect the data privacy of Americans
Local News Month Resolution - (S.Res.651): support local news as integral to democracy
Saving Local News Act - (H.R.7306): support local newspapers ability to become nonprofits
Building Civic Bridges Act - (H.R.7698): support U.S. democracy by addressing polarization and creating a civic bridgebuilding office
EARN IT Act - (H.R.2732/S.1207): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to end-to-end encryption
Kids Online Safety Act - (S.1409): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to the potential for censorship
Stop CSAM Act - (S.1199): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to end-to-end encryption
Platform Accountability and Transparency Act - (S.1876): support the increased transparency and accountability of platforms to better protect Americans' privacy and data
AI Labeling Act - (H.R.6466/S.2691): support information transparency by labeling AI generated content
Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act - (H.R. 7521): expressing First Amendment concerns regarding a potential ban on a social media platform
Duration: January 18, 2022
to
present
General Issues: Foreign Relations , Education , Civil Rights/Civil Liberties , Science/Technology , Arts/Entertainment , Communications/Broadcasting/Radio/TV
Spending: about $10,000 (But it's complicated. Here's why.)
It can be tricky to figure out how much an organization spent on a particular lobbying engagement. The law only requires lobbyists to report the amount they were paid for federal lobbying each quarter rounded to the nearest $10,000—and if it's less than $3,000 in a given quarter (or less than $13,000 for organizations with in-house lobbyists), they don't have to disclose it at all. Plus, some organizations include spending that doesn’t belong in the report—for instance, money spent lobbying state governments or other legal work.
Agencies lobbied since 2022: U.S. Senate, House of Representatives
Lobbyists
Lobbyists named here were listed on a filing related to this lobbying engagement. They may not be working on it now. Occasionally, a single lobbyist whose name is spelled two different ways on filings may be represented twice here.
Disclosures Filed
Once a lobbying engagement begins, the lobbyist or firm is required to file updates four times a year. Those updates sometimes change which lobbyists are involved or add new issues being discussed. When lobbyists stop working for a client, the firm is also supposed to file a report disclosing the end of the relationship.
1st Quarter, 2024
In Q1, PEN AMERICA had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on May 16.
Original Filing: 301579439.xml
Lobbying Issues
Transnational Repression Policy Act - (H.R.3654/S.831): inclusion of broad definition of individuals impacted by transnational repression, specifically focused on writers/artists
Stop Transnational Repression Act - (H.R.5907): inclusion of broad definition of individuals impacted by transnational repression, specifically focused on writers/artists
Jamal Khashoggi Protection of Activists and Press Freedom Act - (H.R.5855): support protection for dissidents and journalists and codify the Khashoggi Ban
Human Rights Defenders Protection Act - (S.3705/H.R.7175): support a visa category for human rights defenders and broad protections for human rights defenders
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
Fight Book Bans Act - (H.R.6592): support protecting the right to read and helping to defray the cost of costly book challenges
Right to Read Act - (H.R.2889, S.1307): seeking inclusion of anti-censorship provisions
Prison Libraries Act - (H.R.2825): support access to free libraries in federal carceral institutions
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
PRESS Act - (H.R.4250/S.2074): supporting federal shield law for journalists
Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act - (H.R.4639/S.2576): protect the data privacy of Americans
Local News Month Resolution - (S.Res.651): support local news as integral to democracy
Saving Local News Act - (H.R.7306): support local newspapers ability to become nonprofits
Building Civic Bridges Act - (H.R.7698): support U.S. democracy by addressing polarization and creating a civic bridgebuilding office
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Type of Issue
Civil Rights/Civil Liberties
Lobbying Issues
EARN IT Act - (H.R.2732/S.1207): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to end-to-end encryption
Kids Online Safety Act - (S.1409): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to the potential for censorship
Stop CSAM Act - (S.1199): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to end-to-end encryption
Platform Accountability and Transparency Act - (S.1876): support the increased transparency and accountability of platforms to better protect Americans' privacy and data
AI Labeling Act - (H.R.6466/S.2691): support information transparency by labeling AI generated content
Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act - (H.R. 7521): expressing First Amendment concerns regarding a potential ban on a social media platform
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
4th Quarter, 2023
In Q4, PEN AMERICA had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Feb. 5.
Original Filing: 301543453.xml
Lobbying Issues
Transnational Repression Policy Act - (H.R.3654, S.831): inclusion of broad definition of individuals impacted by transnational repression, specifically focused on writers/artists
Stop Transnational Repression Act - (H.R.5907): inclusion of broad definition of individuals impacted by transnational repression, specifically focused on writers/artists
Jamal Khashoggi Protection of Activists and Press Freedom Act - (H.R.5855): support protection for dissidents and journalists and codify the Khashoggi Ban
National Defense Authorization Act - (H.R.2670, S.2226): oppose provisions restricting the freedom to learn and in support of the provision to stop warrantless surveillance and protect the data privacy of Americans
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
Fight Book Bans Act - (H.R.6592): support protecting the right to read and helping to defray the cost of costly book challenges
Right to Read Act - (H.R.2889, S.1307): seeking inclusion of anti-censorship provisions
Prison Libraries Act - (H.R.2825): support access to free libraries in federal carceral institutions
Books Save Lives Act - (H.R. 6830): support the aim to increase access to diverse books but sought to remove requirement to stock them
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
PRESS Act - (H.R.4250/S.2074): supporting federal shield law for journalists
Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act - (H.R.4639/S.2576): protect the data privacy of Americans
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Type of Issue
Civil Rights/Civil Liberties
Lobbying Issues
EARN IT Act (H.R.2732/S.1207): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to end-to-end encryption
Kids Online Safety Act - (S.1409): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to the potential for censorship
Stop CSAM Act - (S.1199): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to end-to-end encryption
Platform Accountability and Transparency Act - (S.1876): support the increased transparency and accountability of platforms to better protect Americans' privacy and data
AI Labeling Act - (H.R.6466/S.2691): support information transparency by labeling AI generated content
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
3rd Quarter, 2023
In Q3, PEN AMERICA had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Nov. 20, 2023.
Original Filing: 301519222.xml
Lobbying Issues
Transnational Repression Policy Act, S.831: inclusion of broad definition of individuals impacted by transnational repression, specifically focused on writers/artists
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
Right to Read Act (H.R.2889, S.1307): seeking inclusion of anti-censorship provisions
Prison Libraries Act (H.R.2825): support access to free libraries in federal carceral institutions
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
PRESS Act (H.R.4250/S.2074): supporting federal shield law for journalists
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Type of Issue
Civil Rights/Civil Liberties
Lobbying Issues
Platform Accountability and Transparency Act (S.1876): supporting the increased transparency by and accountability of platforms to better protect Americans' privacy and data
Stop CSAM Act (S.1199): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to end-to-end encryption
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
2nd Quarter, 2023
In Q2, PEN AMERICA had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 2, 2023.
Original Filing: 301494098.xml
Lobbying Issues
Transnational Repression Policy Act, S.831: inclusion of broad definition of individuals impacted by transnational repression, specifically focused on writers/artists
RESTRICT Act, S.686: expressing concerns about breadth of bill to ban social media sites due to free expression and First Amendment protections
World Press Freedom Day Resolution (S.Res.191/H.Res.357): urge signing to support a free press around the globe
Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Security Accountability Act (MAHSA Act - H.R.589): support accountability for human rights violations and sanctions against the Government of Iran
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
Right to Read Act (H.R.2889, S.1307): seeking inclusion of anti-censorship provisions
Prison Libraries Act (H.R.2825): support access to free libraries in federal carceral institutions
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
PRESS Act (H.R.4250/S.2074): supporting federal shield law for journalists
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Type of Issue
Civil Rights/Civil Liberties
Lobbying Issues
Platform Accountability and Transparency Act (S.1876): supporting the increased transparency by and accountability of platforms to better protect Americans' privacy and data
Preserving and Protecting Local News Month Resolution, S. Res. 147: supporting the importance of local journalism to democracy and communities
EARN It Act (H.R.2732/S.1207): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to end-to-end encryption
Stop CSAM Act (S.1199): expressing concerns about the free expression implications of the legislation, particularly with respect to end-to-end encryption
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act, H.R.2952: protecting the free expression of artists, specifically with respect to limiting the use of lyrics as evidence in criminal proceedings
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
1st Quarter, 2023
In Q1, PEN AMERICA had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on May 4, 2023.
Original Filing: 301470351.xml
Lobbying Issues
Transnational Repression Policy Act, S.831: inclusion of broad definition of individuals impacted by transnational repression, specifically focused on writers/artists
RESTRICT Act, S.686: expressing concerns about breadth of bill to ban social media sites due to free expression and First Amendment protections
DATA Act, H.R. 1153: expressing concerns about breadth of bill to ban social media sites due to free expression and First Amendment protections
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
Educating Against Misinformation and Disinformation Act (to be introduced): Supporting promulgation of a bill to stop mis- and disinformation
Right to Read Act: Seeking inclusion of anti-censorship provisions
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
Restoring Artistic Protection Act: Reaffirming that criminal proceedings should not use elements of artistic free expression
PRESS Act: Supporting federal shield law for journalists
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Type of Issue
Civil Rights/Civil Liberties
Lobbying Issues
Platform Accountability and Transparency Act: supporting the increased transparency by and accountability of platforms to better protect Americans' privacy and data
Preserving and Protecting Local News Month Resolution, S. Res. 147: supporting the importance of local journalism to democracy and communities
4th Quarter, 2022
In Q4, PEN AMERICA had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 30, 2023.
Original Filing: 301445247.xml
Lobbying Issues
S 1601 / HR 3169 - Future of Local News Act. Support the strengthening of local news and studying the state of local news.
S.2434/H.R.3940 - Local Journalism Sustainability Act. Support a tax credit for local news.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Type of Issue
Communications/Broadcasting/Radio/TV
Lobbying Issues
S.2937/H.R.5497 - BURMA Act. Support human rights defenders and organizations and sanctions for the military junta.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
S.5064/H.R.9056 - Right to Read Act of 2022 - Support access to libraries and condemn actions to ban books.
S.Res.838 - Banned Books Resolution. Support the free access to information especially books and recognize the widespread nature of booking banning occurring in the United States.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
S.2457/H.R.4330 - PRESS Act. Support a federal shield law for journalists.
Type of Issue
Civil Rights/Civil Liberties
3rd Quarter, 2022
In Q3, PEN AMERICA had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 30, 2023.
Original Filing: 301445242.xml
Lobbying Issues
S 1601 / HR 3169 - Future of Local News Act. Support the strengthening of local news and studying the state of local news.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Type of Issue
Communications/Broadcasting/Radio/TV
Lobbying Issues
S.2937/H.R.5497 - BURMA Act. Support human rights defenders and organizations and sanctions for the military junta.
H.R.4546 - Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act. Support for the release of prisoners of conscience and financial support after their release.
S.Res.702 - Mexican Journalists Resolution. Support for freedom of the press and free expression at large.
S.226 - Jamal Khashoggi Press Freedom Accountability Act of 2021. Support for the human rights of journalists and free expression.
H.R.1392 - Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2021. Support to limit arm sales to Saudi Arabia and seek accountability for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.
H.R.1464 - Saudi Arabia Accountability for Gross Violations of Human Rights Act. Support visa sanctions for the those responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
H.R.8531 - RAP Act. Support limiting evidence of creative and artistic expression which could be used against a defendant.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
H.Res. 1392 - Banned Books Week Resolution. Support the free access to information especially books and recognize the widespread nature of booking banning occurring in the United States.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
S.5339 - Platform Accountability and Transparency Act. Support of research into and transparency of platforms.
S.3538 - EARN IT Act. Support end to end encryption to protect free expression.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives
1st Quarter, 2022
PEN AMERICA filed a lobbying registration on Jan. 10, 2023 for in-house lobbying efforts, effective Jan. 18, 2022.
Original Filing: 301425974.xml
Issue(s) they said they’d lobby about: Civil and human rights; foreign relations related to human rights; education; local news; technology policy. .
Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and Secretary of the Senate