To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit former Members of Congress from engaging in lobbying contacts.
Impact
The proposed changes would specifically amend Section 207(e), reinforcing existing rules regarding lobbying contacts by former members. The intended effect is to discourage any form of lobbying that could lead to a conflict of interest or the perception of corruption. By placing a ban on such activities within a specified period after leaving office, the legislation seeks to promote public trust in governmental processes and the integrity of elected officials.
Summary
House Bill 8173 aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit former Members of Congress from engaging in lobbying contacts. The bill introduces stricter regulations governing the interactions that former lawmakers can have with current legislators and executive branch officials after leaving office. This move is aimed at enhancing transparency and ethics in government, ensuring that individuals who have served in legislative capacities do not have undue influence in lobbying efforts soon after their tenure.
Contention
While the bill is geared towards strengthening the ethical framework surrounding lobbying, it may face opposition from those who view it as overly restrictive. Critics may argue that such regulations could inadvertently limit the ability of experienced public servants to engage in valuable civic discourse or advocacy after their time in office. The balance between preventing corruption and allowing former officials to contribute to discussions will likely be a point of contention in legislative debates surrounding this bill.
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.
Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust Act or the BLAST Act This bill revises the post-employment lobbying ban on former Members and elected officers of Congress. Specifically, it imposes a permanent ban on lobbying contacts by a former Senator (currently, a two-year ban), a former Member of the House of Representatives (currently, a one-year ban), or a former elected officer of the House or Senate (currently, a one-year ban).
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Amendment to Prohibited Transaction Exemption 84-24".
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Amendment to Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02".