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Proposal:Close the Revolving Door Act of 2019

This proposal is archived and closed to further debate. It was introduced in the 116th Congress, which has concluded, and the bill was not enacted into law.
Geographic Scope
National

Description

Close the Revolving Door Act of 2019

This bill increases restrictions on lobbying and penalties for violations of such restrictions.

Specifically, the bill imposes a lifetime ban on any former Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, or elected officer of the Senate or House of Representatives from lobbying any current Member, officer, or employee of Congress, or any employee of any other legislative office. (Currently, such ban is for two years after a Senator leaves office and one year after a Member of the House of Representatives leaves office.) The ban is extended from one to six years for officers and employees of the Senate, personal staff of Members, committee staff, leadership staff, and other legislative offices.

A registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal may not be hired for a six-year period by a Member of Congress or a congressional committee with whom they have had a substantial lobbying contact.

This bill also (1) requires a substantial lobbying entity (an incorporated entity that employs more than three registered lobbyists during a filing period) to file annual lists with Congress of former Members of Congress and certain highly paid legislative branch officials who provide paid consulting services to the lobbying entity, and (2) increases the civil penalty for violations of disclosure or reporting requirements.

Bill Title

Close the Revolving Door Act of 2019

Linked Goals

Steps

  • 2019-10-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • 2019-10-17: Introduced in Senate

Projected Outcome

A more informed proposal or public response aligned with the Promote General Welfare goal.