Scott And Warren Propose Lifetime Lobbying Ban For Former Members Of Congress
On May 15, 2026, Senators Rick Scott and Elizabeth Warren jointly backed the BLAST Act, which would permanently ban former members of Congress from working as lobbyists.[1]
The bill would permanently prohibit former members of Congress and elected officers from working as lobbyists, removing the current waiting periods that let ex-lawmakers enter the lobbying field.[1] Both senators said the measure is intended to close the revolving door and restore public trust in federal institutions.[1]
Current law lets former House members lobby after one year and ex-senators after two years, a pathway the BLAST Act would eliminate.[1] The pairing of a Republican and a Democrat on a lifetime lobbying ban is politically notable and frames the proposal as a bipartisan push to curb post-service influence peddling.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 15, 2026, Fox News reported Sens. Rick Scott and Elizabeth Warren are jointly backing the BLAST Act.
- The bill would permanently prohibit former members of Congress and elected officers of Congress from working as lobbyists.
- Current law allows ex-House members to lobby after one year and ex-senators after two years; the BLAST Act seeks to eliminate that pathway.
- Both senators issued statements saying the bill is intended to close the revolving door and restore trust in federal institutions.
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