If enacted, HB 2514 will have a substantial impact on the lobbying landscape by enforcing longer waiting periods for former Congressional members and staff before they can engage in lobbying activities. This is intended to reduce the potential for conflicts of interest and increase transparency in government processes. The increased restrictions are seen as a step towards improving public trust in government accountability, as they would limit the ability of former officials to leverage their past positions for personal gain shortly after leaving office.
Summary
House Bill 2514, titled the 'Public Service Integrity Act', aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code to establish stricter regulations on lobbying by former members and employees of Congress. The bill proposes a significant increase in the duration of the post-employment ban on lobbying, extending it from two years to five years for former Members of Congress. It also introduces a two-year ban for former congressional officers and employees, doubling the previous one-year limit. Furthermore, the legislation lowers the income threshold required for applying these restrictions from 75% to 50% of the basic pay rate, ensuring that more individuals fall under these new regulations.
Contention
Despite its intentions, HB 2514 has sparked debate among lawmakers and interest groups. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to curb unethical lobbying practices and enhance the integrity of public service. However, opponents raise concerns that extending the lobbying ban could inadvertently discourage experienced individuals from entering public service, as they may be hesitant to give up lucrative opportunities in lobbying sectors. Additionally, some critics worry that the stringent restrictions could lead to a brain drain in the government sector, limiting the diversity of expertise and experiences available in public policy discussions.
Ban Congressmen Lobbyists Act This bill prohibits Members of Congress from lobbying Congress or federal agencies at any point after leaving office. Currently, Senators are prohibited from lobbying Congress for two years after leaving office. Members of the House of Representatives are prohibited from lobbying Congress for one year after leaving office. The bill applies to any person who is a Member of Congress during the 118th Congress or any succeeding Congress.
Urges Congress to provide for joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of semiquincentennial of Declaration of Independence.
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Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.
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