WASHINGTON – Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (MI-11) introduced legislation Thursday to stop American lobbyists from representing any government, political party or organization based in terrorist states.
The legislation, named the Barring Lobbyist Arrangements with Sponsors of Terrorism (BLAST) Act, restricts lobbyists from being employed by governments designated by the U. S. State Department as sponsors of terrorism. According to the Justice Department, North Korea and Libya currently employ lobbying firms in the United States.
“As we Americans prosecute the world War on Terror, for American lobbyists to promote the interests of terrorist states is indefensible, immoral, and insane,” McCotter said.
The legislation calls for a penalty of up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine which, under title 18, USC, can be raised to $250,000 for each violation. Importantly, the legislation will NOT in any way restrict the free speech or voluntary activities of any American, or any recognized diplomatic personnel.
“Because this legislation will only prevent paid advocacy on behalf of a terrorist state, it is in full harmony with the First Amendment,” McCotter emphasized.
Currently, the State Department lists Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria as state sponsors of terrorism.