Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) announced Thursday he introduced the Americans Insist on Political Agent Clarity (AIPAC) Act, stating the legislation would subject foreign political lobbying activities to the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). “We need more transparency in the foreign interest lobbying on Capitol Hill,” Massie said. “That’s why I introduced the Americans Insist on Political Agent Clarity Act today.”
Massie emphasized that current foreign political agents remain immune under existing rules, adding: “Whether it’s Great Britain, Australia, Turkey, Qatar, or Israel. It needs to be reported.” He also advocated requiring social media influencers to disclose receipt of foreign money, asserting: “I believe we should have that same sort of truth and advertising on social media. Because if it’s a good idea in the other outlets, it would be a good idea on social media.”
Massie’s bill comes days before his highly-anticipated GOP primary against Trump-endorsed Ed Gallrein. The Kentucky Republican has previously angered President Trump by voting against his signature tax legislation over national debt concerns and opposing decisions regarding Iran. Massie stated his positions reflect “America First” promises Trump initially made during the campaign.
In a district where Trump won by 35 points two years ago, Massie told reporters the upcoming primary is “by far the most challenging reelection I’ve ever faced.” A recent poll conducted Monday and Tuesday showed Massie trailing Gallrein by five points among 908 respondents—48.3 percent supported Gallrein compared to 43.1 percent backing Massie. Among undecided voters, Gallrein received support from 52.2 percent while Massie garnered 20.3 percent backing.
Massie has represented Kentucky’s fourth congressional district since 2012 and is the third-longest-tenured member of the state’s House delegation. After breaking with Trump over issues including U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, the administration withdrew support for Massie, endorsing Gallrein—a retired U.S. Navy SEAL who lost to state Sen. Aaron Reed in Kentucky’s 2024 GOP primary for the state Senate.