Golden Introduces Amendment to Create Lifetime Lobbying Ban for Members of Congress
Golden: “We have to close the revolving door between members of Congress and the lobbying industry and nail it shut.”
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) has introduced legislation to impose a lifetime lobbying ban on members of Congress. The legislation is being proposed as an amendment to H.R. 1, the comprehensive democracy reform bill being considered on the House floor this week.
"If we're serious about breaking the power of corporations and the wealthy over our government, we have to close the revolving door between members of Congress and the lobbying industry and nail it shut," said Golden. "We come to Congress to serve the people we represent, not to get rich. My amendment would ban members of Congress from becoming lobbyists after serving in Congress. I hope my colleagues will support it."
Golden's amendment imposes a lifetime ban on former U.S. Senators and Representatives from engaging in lobbying contacts with certain executive branch officials and any congressional Member, officer, or employee. The penalty for violating the ban would be up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.
In 2019, Golden cosponsored similar legislation introduced by Congressman David Cicilline (RI-02) and Dave Loebsack (IA-02). He is an original cosponsor of H.R. 1, the For the People Act.
You can read the text of Golden's amendment here.