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Time to Choose Act of 2025

3/21/2025, 4:08 AM

Summary of Bill S 731

Bill 119 s 731, also known as the "Consulting Firm Conflict of Interest Prohibition Act," aims to address potential conflicts of interest that may arise when consulting firms contract with both the United States Government and foreign entities, particularly China and other covered foreign entities. The bill seeks to prevent consulting firms from prioritizing the interests of foreign entities over those of the US Government.

Under this legislation, consulting firms would be prohibited from entering into contracts with both the US Government and covered foreign entities simultaneously. This is to ensure that consulting firms do not have conflicting loyalties or interests that could compromise the integrity of their work for the US Government.

The bill also includes provisions for enforcement and penalties for violations of the prohibition on conflicts of interest. Consulting firms found to be in violation of the law could face fines or other disciplinary actions. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 s 731 is to promote transparency and accountability in government contracting and to safeguard against potential conflicts of interest that could undermine the interests of the United States.

Congressional Summary of S 731

Time to Choose Act of 2025

This bill prohibits the federal government from awarding consulting services contracts to any entity that provides consulting services to covered foreign entities.

Foreign entities covered by the bill include

  • the government of China, the Chinese Communist Party, the People's Liberation Army, or any Chinese security service or intelligence agency;
  • the government of Russia or any entity sanctioned under Executive Order 13662;
  • the government of any country determined by the Department of State to have repeatedly provided support for international terrorism; and
  • any entity on certain lists maintained by the Department of Commerce, such as the Denied Persons List or the Military End User List.

    An agency may waive the prohibition on a case-by-case basis if it is in the national security interests of the United States and no other entity without a conflict of interest can perform the work.

    Current Status of Bill S 731

    Bill S 731 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 25, 2025. Bill S 731 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 25, 2025.  Bill S 731's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. as of February 25, 2025

    Bipartisan Support of Bill S 731

    Total Number of Sponsors
    1
    Democrat Sponsors
    0
    Republican Sponsors
    1
    Unaffiliated Sponsors
    0
    Total Number of Cosponsors
    2
    Democrat Cosponsors
    1
    Republican Cosponsors
    1
    Unaffiliated Cosponsors
    0

    Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 731

    Primary Policy Focus

    Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 731

    A bill to prohibit conflicts of interest among consulting firms that simultaneously contract with China or other covered foreign entities and the United States Government, and for other purposes.
    A bill to prohibit conflicts of interest among consulting firms that simultaneously contract with China or other covered foreign entities and the United States Government, and for other purposes.

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