U.S. Senators Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., introduced bipartisan legislation Wednesday that would permanently prohibit former members of Congress from lobbying Capitol Hill after leaving office.
The Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act would bar ex-lawmakers from registering as lobbyists or making contact with members of Congress, congressional staff, or legislative offices on behalf of private interests. The measure also targets so-called “shadow lobbying” by extending restrictions to former lawmakers who receive payment for lobbying-related work without formal registration.
Scott stated: “When politicians use their time in public office to cash in after they leave government, the American people lose. We need to restore the American people’s trust in their government.”
Warren added that lawmakers should focus on public service rather than future lobbying opportunities: “It’s simple: Members of Congress should spend their time in Washington serving the American people, not preparing to cash in big time with a cushy lobbying career after they leave office.”
Under the proposal, violations could carry penalties of up to five years in prison and civil fines of up to $50,000 per violation. Scott noted that the bill is part of his broader effort to reform Washington, including proposals for congressional term limits, ending taxpayer-funded congressional pensions, and “No Budget, No Pay” legislation tied to government shutdowns.
