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Retirement Forfeiture for Members of Congress Turned Foreign Lobbyists Act

12/15/2023, 3:56 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2517

Bill 118 hr 2517, also known as the Retirement Forfeiture for Members of Congress Turned Foreign Lobbyists Act, aims to address the issue of former members of Congress who become foreign lobbyists after leaving office. The bill seeks to prevent these individuals from receiving their congressional retirement benefits if they choose to engage in lobbying activities on behalf of foreign entities.

Under the provisions of the bill, any former member of Congress who registers as a foreign lobbyist will have their retirement benefits suspended for the duration of their lobbying activities. This measure is intended to discourage former lawmakers from using their insider knowledge and connections to influence US policy on behalf of foreign interests.

The bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the importance of ensuring that former members of Congress do not use their positions for personal gain at the expense of national security and the integrity of the legislative process. Overall, the Retirement Forfeiture for Members of Congress Turned Foreign Lobbyists Act represents a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in government, and preventing potential conflicts of interest among former lawmakers.

Congressional Summary of HR 2517

Retirement Forfeiture for Members of Congress Turned Foreign Lobbyists Act

This bill prohibits a former Member of Congress or former senior congressional employee who is a registered lobbyist representing a foreign principal from being eligible for

  • the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System, including the Thrift Savings Plan;
  • the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program; or
  • the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program.

Current Status of Bill HR 2517

Bill HR 2517 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 6, 2023. Bill HR 2517 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on April 6, 2023.  Bill HR 2517's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of April 6, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2517

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2517

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2517

Retirement Forfeiture for Members of Congress Turned Foreign Lobbyists Act
Retirement Forfeiture for Members of Congress Turned Foreign Lobbyists Act
To provide that a former Member of Congress or former senior Congressional employee who receives compensation as a lobbyist representing a foreign principal shall not be eligible for retirement benefits or certain other Federal benefits.

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