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Amends the matter following paragraph (2) of 2 U.S.C. 1606(a) by replacing the prior monetary figure with a $500,000 civil penalty.
Adds a new subsection (c) requiring the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives to maintain a joint lobbyist disclosure internet database (lobbyists.gov) and authorizes $100,000 for fiscal year 2026 to carry out the subsection.
Amends paragraphs (2), (3)(A), (4), (5)(A), and (6)(A) of 18 U.S.C. 207(e) by striking the phrase "1 year" and inserting "6 years".
Replaces subsection 207(e)(1) with new text establishing a prohibition on former Senators, Members of the House, or elected officers of either House from, after leaving office, knowingly making communications or appearances to Members, officers, or employees of either House of Congress or other legislative offices of the Congress on behalf of any other person (except the United States) to influence any matter on which the former official seeks official action; violators subject to punishment under 18 U.S.C. 216.
Makes conforming amendments to subsection 207(e)(2): (1) modifies the heading (text to be struck and inserted not shown in provided section); (2) strikes specified text (not shown in provided section); (3) replaces the phrase "leaves office or employment" with "leaves employment"; and (4) strikes additional specified text (not shown in provided section).
Imposes a lifetime ban on former Members of Congress from lobbying either House and lengthens post-employment cooling-off periods for certain congressional staff from 1 year to 6 years. Creates a single, searchable federal lobbyist disclosure site (lobbyists.gov) with a small FY2026 appropriation, restricts hiring of recent lobbyists/foreign agents by Members and committees for six years (waivable for compelling national need), requires annual public reporting by larger lobbying firms about former senior public officials on their payroll, and updates a monetary threshold in the Lobbying Disclosure Act to $500,000.
The bill focuses on tightening post‑government employment limits, increasing transparency of lobbying firms and personnel, and adding compliance and database requirements for lobby disclosure and hiring practices.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Introduced May 21, 2025 by Michael F. Bennet · Last progress May 21, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Introduced in Senate