Sponsors (2)
The bill strengthens post‑government restrictions and Congressional oversight to reduce foreign influence and increase transparency, at the cost of limiting former officials' employment options, adding procedural hurdles that may slow diplomatic responsiveness, and increasing administrative and political friction.
Former Presidential appointees confirmed by the Senate are barred from representing or lobbying for specified foreign governments for five years, reducing the risk that hostile foreign actors will directly influence U.S. policy.
Agencies must notify appointees at appointment and termination and Congress is encouraged to review post‑employment rules, increasing transparency and awareness of restrictions for officials and the public.
Congressional committees (Foreign Relations and Judiciary) and consultation with the Attorney General are required for changes to the statutory country list, adding legislative oversight and legal review to reduce legally vulnerable or inconsistent designations.
Former senior officials face significant limits on post‑government employment and earnings because the bill bars certain types of advising or representation for up to five years.
Transferring final approval over the country list to Congress risks delaying or blocking timely updates, reducing diplomatic flexibility and the government's ability to respond quickly to changing threats.
The five‑year ban could chill legitimate private‑sector, NGO, or informational engagement with listed governments by former officials, constraining useful diplomacy and exchanges.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Imposes a temporary extended ban preventing certain Senate-confirmed appointees from representing or advising specified foreign governments before U.S. officials and creates a joint-resolution process for adding/removing countries.
Official title: To amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent and mitigate the potential for conflicts of interest following government service, and for other purposes.
Introduced November 18, 2025 by August Pfluger · Last progress November 18, 2025
Creates a new temporary restriction that bars certain senior, Senate-confirmed presidential appointees from representing, advising, or aiding specified foreign governments before U.S. executive or legislative branch officials for a limited period, adds procedures for recommending changes to the list of covered countries, and directs agencies to notify appointees about the restriction. The ban applies to appointees starting on enactment (with a short delay in some cases), includes a five-year sunset for the new rule, and requires congressional approval by joint resolution to add or remove countries from the list.