U.S. Sens. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., have introduced bipartisan legislation that would permanently ban former members of Congress from lobbying Congress after leaving office.
The bill, called the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust Act, or BLAST Act, would apply to former members of both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, as well as elected congressional officers.
Under the proposal, former lawmakers would be barred from registering as lobbyists under the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act. The bill would also prohibit them from making lobbying contacts, even if they do not formally register as lobbyists.
That restriction would include communications or appearances before members of Congress, congressional staff, or legislative offices when made on behalf of private parties to influence official government action.
The legislation also seeks to address what supporters call “shadow lobbying,” a term often used to describe former officials who are paid for lobbying-related work but avoid formally registering as lobbyists or making direct lobbying contacts themselves.
Violations of the proposed law could carry penalties of up to five years in prison and civil fines of up to $50,000 per violation.
Scott said the bill is aimed at reducing the “revolving door” between Capitol Hill and lobbying firms.
“When politicians use their time in public office to cash in after they leave government, the American people lose,” Scott said. “Trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, and the revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street is a big part of that.”
Warren said members of Congress should focus on serving the public rather than preparing for lobbying careers after leaving office.
“It’s long past time to close the revolving door that’s corrupted our government and destroyed public trust in elected officials,” Warren said.
Scott’s office said the legislation is part of his broader push for congressional reform, including proposals to end taxpayer-funded congressional pensions, impose term limits on members of Congress, and withhold congressional pay during government shutdowns under “No Budget, No Pay” legislation.
