Bill > HR3554

This bill aims to close what is known as the "revolving door" between government service and lobbying by implementing several significant restrictions and reporting requirements. The legislation would impose a lifetime ban on members of Congress from lobbying after leaving office, preventing them from attempting to influence other members of Congress on behalf of external entities. For congressional staff, the bill extends the existing post-employment lobbying restriction from 1 year to 6 years. The bill also creates a new requirement for substantial lobbying entities (those with more than 3 registered lobbyists) to annually report detailed information about former government officials they employ, including former senators, representatives, and high-ranking legislative branch staff. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a public, searchable website called lobbyists.gov to increase transparency about lobbying activities, and prohibits registered lobbyists and foreign agents from being hired by congressional members or committees with whom they previously had substantial lobbying contact for 6 years after leaving their lobbying position. The legislation includes a potential waiver for compelling national needs and increases the penalties for lobbying disclosure violations from $200,000 to $500,000, thereby strengthening enforcement mechanisms to discourage improper lobbying practices.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3554/all-info