Rep. Moore Introduces Bipartisan BLAST Act to Impose Lifetime Lobbying Ban on Former Members of Congress
The BLAST Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It was recently introduced and sent to the House Committee on the Judiciary for review. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
While the bill has support from both parties, members of Congress are often reluctant to pass laws that limit their own future career options and earning potential after they leave office.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Former members of Congress who violate the lifetime lobbying ban would face criminal penalties under existing Section 216 of title 18, which can include fines and imprisonment. This creates a new category of potential criminal liability for former elected officials who attempt to profit from their government connections after leaving office.
“shall be punished as provided in section 216.”
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Rick Scott introduced the BLAST Act to permanently ban former members of Congress from becoming lobbyists. The bill would replace current 'cooling-off' periods—one year for the House and two for the Senate—with a lifetime prohibition. Warren emphasized that members should focus on serving the public rather than 'cashing in' on their positions. The bill also includes penalties of up to five years in prison for willful violations.
The Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, would apply a lifetime lobbying ban to former members of the U.S. House and Senate, as well as elected congressional officers. The proposal bars former lawmakers from registering as lobbyists or making lobbying contacts to influence official government action. Supporters argue the bill addresses 'shadow lobbying' where former officials are paid for work without formally registering.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
BLAST Act
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