Smithfield Foods lobbyist Greenberg Traurig has been forced to disclose that its lobbying work on the Farm Bill and foreign ownership of US land benefits the company's Chinese owner, WH Group, following a federal complaint.
The lobbying firm had initially checked "none" on federal disclosure forms when asked about foreign entity interests—despite Smithfield being controlled by Chinese ownership with reported ties to the CCP.
Federal lobbying rules require lobbyists to disclose who they represent, what they're lobbying for, and whether any foreign entity has an interest in their work. Greenberg Traurig lobbyist Christopher DeLacy allegedly failed to properly disclose the Chinese ownership connection.
The case raises questions about how many other lobbyists may be skirting disclosure requirements on foreign ownership.
The lobbying firm had initially checked "none" on federal disclosure forms when asked about foreign entity interests—despite Smithfield being controlled by Chinese ownership with reported ties to the CCP.
Federal lobbying rules require lobbyists to disclose who they represent, what they're lobbying for, and whether any foreign entity has an interest in their work. Greenberg Traurig lobbyist Christopher DeLacy allegedly failed to properly disclose the Chinese ownership connection.
The case raises questions about how many other lobbyists may be skirting disclosure requirements on foreign ownership.