Bill > S1850

This bill aims to strengthen regulations around lobbying and the movement of government officials into lobbying roles, known as the "revolving door." The legislation imposes a lifetime ban on members of Congress from lobbying after leaving office, extending the existing one-year restriction to a six-year restriction for congressional staff. The bill requires the creation of a joint, publicly accessible website called lobbyists.gov to provide transparency about lobbying activities. It prohibits registered lobbyists and foreign agents from being hired by congressional members or committees with whom they previously had substantial lobbying contact for six years after leaving their lobbying position, with potential waivers for compelling national needs. The bill also mandates that substantial lobbying entities (those with more than three registered lobbyists) annually report details about former government officials they employ, including their previous roles and job descriptions. Additionally, the legislation increases penalties for lobbying disclosure violations, raising the maximum fine from $200,000 to $500,000. The goal of these provisions is to reduce potential conflicts of interest, increase transparency in government-lobbying interactions, and prevent improper influence in legislative processes.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1850/all-info