Banning Former Members of Congress From Lobbying Current Members of Congress (H.R. 4187)

What is H.R. 4187?

(Updated April 6, 2019)

This bill — known as the BLAST Act — would prohibit former members of Congress from lobbying current members of Congress. It would take effect on the date of its enactment and apply to individuals who leave Congress on or after that date, meaning that former lawmakers who are already lobbying Congress at that time can continue to do so.

The bill’s full title is the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust Act.

Argument in favor

Members of Congress need to put Americans first while they’re in office, and that task becomes difficult when they’re being lobbied by their former colleagues. This bill wisely bans former members of Congress from returning the Capitol as a lobbyist.

Argument opposed

When a lawmaker’s time serving their constituents in Congress comes to an end, they shouldn’t be prohibited from lobbying their former colleagues. It’s unfair to restrict their future employment opportunities, especially when they have specialized knowledge.

Impact

Former members of Congress; lobbying firms; and Congress.

Cost of H.R. 4187

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) introduced this bill to prohibit former members of Congress from returning to the Capitol as lobbyists after they leave office:

“Hoosiers are tired of politicians putting their careers — present or future — ahead of the needs of their constituents. This bill is simple: you can never be a lobbyist after being a Representative or Senator. Congress must put Americans first, solve problems for Americans, and improve the lives of Americans.”

This legislation as the support of one cosponsor in the House, Rep. Todd Rokita (R-IN).

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) Press Release
  
• News and Tribune