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Adds a new subsection (c) requiring the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House to maintain a joint lobbyist disclosure internet database (lobbyists.gov) and authorizes $100,000 for fiscal year 2026 to carry out the subsection.
Replaces subsection (e)(1) with new text imposing a prohibition on former Senators, Members of the House, or elected officers of either House from knowingly making, with intent to influence, communications or appearances before Members, officers, or employees of either House of Congress or employees of other legislative offices of Congress on behalf of another person (except the United States) in connection with matters on which such former official seeks action by a Member, officer, or employee of either House of Congress; violators are punished as provided in section 216.
Makes conforming amendments to subsection (e)(2), including revising the heading, striking unspecified text, replacing the phrase 'leaves office or employment' with 'leaves employment', and striking unspecified text as indicated in the amendatory instructions.
Amends paragraphs (2), (3)(A), (4), (5)(A), and (6)(A) of 18 U.S.C. 207(e) by striking "1 year" and inserting "6 years".
Amends subsection (a) of 2 U.S.C. 1606 by replacing the text ' 00,000' in the matter following paragraph (2) with '$500,000'.
Inserts a new section (section 6A, "Reporting by substantial lobbying entities") into the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 after existing section 6, adding new annual reporting requirements for 'substantial lobbying entities' and related provisions.
Prohibits former Senators, Representatives, and elected officers of either House from lobbying Congress on behalf of others after leaving office and extends cooling‑off restrictions for many congressional staff from 1 year to 6 years. Creates a joint, searchable lobbyist disclosure website, requires large lobbying entities to report former Members and senior congressional officials they employ, bars Members/committees from hiring recent lobbyists or foreign agents for six years after those lobbyists leave the lobbying role (with narrow waiver authority), and raises a civil penalty to $500,000. The bill includes a $100,000 FY2026 appropriation to build the public database.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced May 21, 2025 by Joseph Neguse · Last progress May 21, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House