Sponsors (5)
The bill increases transparency and places temporary, focused restrictions on former senior officials to reduce foreign influence and boost oversight, but does so in ways that may chill lawful post‑government work, leave current officials unprotected, and slow time‑sensitive foreign‑policy decisions.
Taxpayers and federal employees get clearer, more transparent oversight: the bill requires joint review of post‑employment restrictions and a formal consult/notification (and potential congressional approval) process before changing the covered‑country list, increasing accountability and public trust.
Former Senate‑confirmed officials are barred from advising or lobbying specified foreign governments, reducing the risk that hostile states could improperly influence U.S. policy.
Federal appointees receive explicit notice at appointment and separation about post‑employment restrictions, reducing inadvertent violations and clarifying obligations for officials.
Former senior officials and attorneys face reduced job opportunities and legal work because the criminal ban and prospect of stricter post‑employment limits could chill lawful post‑government employment and representation.
Current officials are largely excluded because the rule is prospective‑only, leaving a near‑term gap in protections against foreign influence for many acting or already‑serving officials.
A five‑year sunset for new appointees creates temporary protections and enforcement uncertainty, weakening long‑term deterrence and complicating planning for agencies and state partners.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Creates a criminal ban on former Senate‑confirmed officials representing or advising designated foreign governments to influence U.S. officials, adds notice rules, a congressional approval process for the country list, and a five‑year sunset for new appointees.
Introduced June 18, 2025 by John Cornyn · Last progress April 22, 2026
Creates a criminal ban on certain post‑government work for people who served in Senate‑confirmed executive branch positions: after leaving government, they would be prohibited from knowingly representing, aiding, or advising designated foreign governments to influence U.S. executive or legislative branch officials. The measure requires agencies to give notice at appointment and separation, sets rules for how countries get added or removed from the designated list (requiring a narrowly framed congressional approval resolution), applies prospectively to appointments made on or after enactment, and includes a five‑year sunset for new appointee coverage while preserving enforcement of conduct that occurs before the sunset.