Federal RuleAug 21
62
DOL Rewrites Disability Rules for 'Merit-Based Opportunity' Push
RuleLabor DepartmentFederal Contract Compliance Programs OfficeSignificant Wallet
119-s-4524119th Congress
BLAST Act
Sponsored By: Senator Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Introduced
Summary
A nationwide ban on former Members of Congress and elected officers lobbying Congress after leaving office. It makes post-office lobbying by former Senators, Representatives, and certain elected officers a crime when they register as lobbyists or knowingly communicate to influence congressional action on behalf of others.
Show full summary
- Former Members and elected officers: They would face criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. 216 if they register as lobbyists under the Lobbying Disclosure Act or knowingly contact Members, officers, or staff to influence congressional action for someone else.
- Who counts as a lobbyist: The bill rewrites the Lobbying Disclosure Act definition to include any former Member who is paid to make one or more lobbying contacts or to perform lobbying activities for a client.
- Scope and timing: It makes technical edits to related statutes and applies these changes to individuals who leave office on or after the date of enactment.
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ban on former lawmaker lobbying
If enacted, this bill would bar former Members of Congress and elected chamber officers from registering as lobbyists for other people. It would also bar them from knowingly making communications or appearances to influence Members, officers, or employees of either House of Congress on behalf of any person except the United States. The bill would expand the legal definition of “lobbyist” to include former Members who are paid to make lobbying contacts or to do other lobbying activities. These changes would apply only to people who leave office on or after the date of enactment, and violations would be punishable under existing law (18 U.S.C. 216).
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Scott, Rick [R-FL]
FL • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 5/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov