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Congress·Reported·about 2 months ago

Congress Proposes Lifetime Ban on Top Officials Lobbying for Foreign Countries of Concern

Also known as: CLEAR Path Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Federal Employee
Neutral

Former top officials gain protection from foreign influence, but face lifetime restrictions on future employment opportunities with certain foreign governments.

Key Points

  • Senators introduced a bill to stop high-ranking government officials from working for certain foreign governments after they leave their jobs. This would apply to people in positions that require Senate approval, like the heads of major departments and their deputies.
  • Under this plan, these former officials would be banned for life from trying to influence the U.S. government on behalf of "countries of concern." This includes countries that the U.S. considers a threat or a major competitor.
  • The goal is to prevent conflicts of interest and stop foreign governments from using former U.S. leaders to get special treatment or inside information. It ensures that people who served at the highest levels of our government don't use their connections to help foreign powers.
  • The rule would only apply to people appointed after the law is passed. It includes an exception for lawyers providing legal advice and requires the government to notify officials of the rules. Importantly, this entire law would expire after five years unless Congress decides to renew it.
  • The Secretary of State would be able to suggest adding or removing countries from the restricted list. However, Congress would have the final say and must vote to approve any changes to which countries are included.
National SecurityForeign PolicyLabor Employment

Milestones

3 milestones3 actions
Jan 15, 2026Senate

Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Jun 18, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Jun 18, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Upon enactment

Restrictions take effect for newly appointed Senate-confirmed officials

Anyone appointed by the President to a Senate-confirmed position after the law passes will be subject to the lifetime lobbying ban for countries of concern when they leave government.

Five years after enactment

Law expires unless renewed by Congress

The lifetime lobbying restrictions will end and no longer apply to anyone unless Congress votes to extend the law beyond its five-year lifespan.

Related News

2 articles
Politico·about 1 year ago

Bipartisan trio of senators to introduce foreign lobbying ban

Sens. John Cornyn, Peter Welch, and Jim Risch are introducing the CLEAR Path Act to ban former agency chiefs and Senate-confirmed officials from lobbying for 'countries of concern' like China and Russia, citing recent high-level foreign influence prosecutions.

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Vermont Business Magazine·about 2 months ago

Welch bill to mitigate foreign influence on US policymaking passes committee

Senator Peter Welch celebrated the committee advancement of the CLEAR Path Act, stating it sets higher standards to restore public trust and prevent former officials from selling their expertise to foreign adversaries after leaving public service.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

CLEAR Path Act

Bill NumberS 2132
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionCommittee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(4)
D: 3R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.