Summary
Stops high-level government officials who were confirmed by the Senate from helping or advising certain foreign governments after leaving their jobs.
What does this bill do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3(a)
Header:
Post-employment restrictions on officials in positions subject to Senate...
Lifetime ban for former officials
Prohibits any person who served in a Senate-confirmed position from ever representing, aiding, or advising a foreign government from a 'country of concern' before any U.S. government official.
Process to update country list
Allows the Secretary of State to propose adding or removing countries from the 'country of concern' list, but requires a joint resolution of approval from Congress for the change to take effect.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3(a)
Header:
Post-employment restrictions on officials in positions subject to Senate...
Five-year sunset provision
The new restrictions will expire five years after the law is enacted, meaning they will no longer apply to officials appointed after that date unless the law is renewed.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3(a)
Header:
Post-employment restrictions on officials in positions subject to Senate...
Defines 'countries of concern'
Uses the definition of 'country of concern' from the State Department Basic Authorities Act, which identifies nations that may pose a risk to the U.S.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3(a)
Header:
Post-employment restrictions on officials in positions subject to Senate...
Notice of restrictions
Requires government agencies to inform presidential appointees of these post-employment restrictions when they are appointed and when they leave their position.
Who does this affect?
- Senate-confirmed government officials
- Foreign governments designated as 'countries of concern'
- Lobbying and consulting firms
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens national security
Prevents former senior officials from using their knowledge and influence to benefit foreign governments that may have interests against the United States.
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Reduces foreign influence
Aims to close the 'revolving door' where officials leave public service and immediately begin lobbying for foreign entities, potentially compromising U.S. policy decisions.
What problem does this solve?
High-ranking officials could use their government connections to help potentially unfriendly foreign countries after they leave their jobs. This law bans these former officials from representing or helping these 'countries of concern' in front of the U.S. government.
When does this start?
The rules apply to officials appointed after the bill becomes law, but the entire law expires after five years.
Grace period for new 'countries of concern'
If a new country is added to the restricted list, the ban on working for that country's government takes effect 30 days after Congress approves the addition.
Sunset of restrictions
The restrictions created by this law will no longer apply to any person appointed 5 years after the date the law is passed.