Skip to content
Govbase
Govbase
Congress·Reported·S. 2132

CLEAR Path Act

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

Legislative Progress

Senate
House
President
Law

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

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

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.

Milestones

4 milestones5 actions
Jan 28, 2026Senate

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.

Jan 28, 2026Senate

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.

Jan 15, 2026Senate

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.

Jun 18, 2025Senate

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.

Jun 18, 2025

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.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

CLEAR Path Act

Bill NumberS 2132
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 305.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(4)
D: 3R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.