CLEAR Path Act
Congress Proposes Lifetime Ban on Top Officials Lobbying for Foreign Countries of Concern
Legislative Progress
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.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 305.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesBipartisan 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.
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.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
CLEAR Path Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(4)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.