Scott and Warren Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Permanently Ban Former Members of Congress From Lobbying

Sens. , introduced a bipartisan bill that would permanently ban former members of Congress from becoming lobbyists. U.S. House members from being registered lobbyists after leaving office.

It would also prevent former lawmakers from being compensated for trying to influence lawmakers and staff on behalf of companies or groups. The bill closes a loophole that would allow former lawmakers to lobby without being a registered lobbyist. It would impose a penalty of $50,000 per violation and up to five years in jail.

The bill was first reported by CNBC. "Trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, and the revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street is a big part of that," Scott said in a statement to CNBC. " Rick Scott spoke to CNBC in a statement about the bill.

The effort comes as a growing number of lawmakers are speaking out against profiting from their elected positions. Numerous bipartisan bills have been introduced this Congress to ban members of Congress from owning and trading stocks.

The new bill is unlikely to become law. CNBC reported that the legislation would face a steep path to enactment despite its bipartisan sponsorship. The measure reflects broader congressional unease with the pathways that allow former elected officials to monetize their relationships and knowledge on K Street.

Scott, speaking outside the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on "Low-Cost Munitions" in the Dirksen building on March 24, 2026, has repeatedly highlighted institutional trust as a priority. Warren, who serves as ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, appeared at a hearing in Washington on April 21, 2026, underscoring ongoing Democratic interest in ethics reforms.

While the permanent ban on both official and unofficial lobbying represents a significant tightening of existing rules, its prospects remain dim in a divided Congress.

The penalties outlined in the text would apply to any compensated attempt to shape policy or appropriations after a lawmaker departs office, a standard that currently does not exist in statute.