Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Barry Moore (Ala.-01) introduced the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, legislation that would prohibit Members of Congress from lobbying Congress after leaving office.
The BLAST Act closes Washington’s revolving door by preventing lawmakers from leveraging their connections and insider knowledge to influence Congress on behalf of paying clients.
“Americans don’t trust politicians. I can’t blame them with all the scandals and self-dealing in DC. That’s why I’ve fought to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks. Now, I’m proud to lead bipartisan legislation to ban Members of Congress from lobbying for life.” said Vindman. “Public service should be about serving the American people — not cashing in. This bill is the kind of commonsense policy to start restoring trust in Congress, and we need to pass it now.”
“Washington has a trust problem, and the revolving door between Congress and K Street is a big reason why,” said Moore. “The American people are tired of watching career politicians leave office and cash in on the connections they made while serving in government. Public service should be about serving the people – not building a network for your next paycheck. If Members of Congress truly believe in the causes they champion, they shouldn’t need a lobbying contract to keep fighting for them after they leave office. The BLAST Act is a commonsense reform that puts American taxpayers first, restores faith in our institutions, and sends a clear message that elected office is a public trust, not a pathway to personal profit.”
“I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the BLAST Act, which finally closes the revolving door of former Members of Congress becoming lobbyists. Our Founders envisioned a government led by citizen representatives, not lifelong political operators cashing in on their time in office.” said Crane.
“Trust in Congress is at an all-time low, and there’s no secret why,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “People everywhere are tired of seeing members of Congress who treat their office as an opportunity to make money instead of serving their district. The BLAST Act is a critical piece of restoring public trust, and reminding members that their job is being a voice for their district, not a stepping-stone to a lucrative lobbying gig.”
###