Summary

Requires the Secretary of Defense to suspend or revoke security clearances and eligibility for access to classified information for retired or separated members of the Armed Forces and DoD civilian employees who engage in specified lobbying on behalf of companies identified as Chinese military-linked entities in the relevant Defense and Treasury lists. The Secretary may grant short-term waivers (no more than 180 days) if the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that the waiver is in the national security interest. One section creates a short title for the law; the main operative section sets the suspension/revocation rule, cites which lists identify covered Chinese military companies, adopts existing legal definitions for key terms, and explicitly excludes a specific subclause from the federal definition of “lobbying contact.” No new funding or timelines beyond the 180-day waiver maximum are specified.

Key Points

• Mandates suspension or revocation of security clearances for retired/separated military members and DoD civilians who lobby for designated Chinese military-linked companies.
• Coverage of targeted companies is based on existing Defense and Treasury lists (section 1260H report and Treasury’s Non‑SDN list).
• Secretary of Defense may waive the restriction for up to 180 days if certified to congressional defense committees as in the national security interest.
• Uses existing statutory definitions for "congressional defense committees," "lobbying activities," and "lobbying contact," with one specific exclusion from the lobbying contact definition.
• Applies to both security clearances and eligibility for access to classified information.
• Assigns enforcement responsibility to the Secretary of Defense; does not create a new agency or appropriate funds.
• One section only provides a short title and does not add substantive duties or funding.
• Could limit certain post-service employment or lobbying relationships for affected individuals.
• No explicit appeal process, new reporting requirements, or appropriations are included in the text provided.

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