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Bipartisan Bill Would Permanently Bar Former Lawmakers From Lobbying

A new bipartisan legislative proposal would permanently prohibit members of Congress from engaging in lobbying activities after leaving office. The bill closes a significant loophole that currently allows former officials to influence lawmakers without registering as lobbyists. It would ban both registered and unregistered lobbying efforts by ex-senators and House members seeking compensation to sway legislators or staff on behalf of organizations or corporations. Violators would face penalties of $50,000 per violation or up to five years in jail. The measure reflects growing congressional momentum to restrict lawmakers from profiting off their positions, with multiple bipartisan bills introduced this session targeting stock ownership and trading by members, as well as participation in prediction markets. Though bipartisan in nature, the legislation faces a difficult path to passage. Supporters argue the revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street has eroded institutional trust.