HR 796 — Drain the Swamp Act of 2017

Summary

Drain the Swamp Act of 2017 This bill increases the ban on certain former executive branch officials, Members of Congress, and legislative staff within five years of termination of employment to knowingly make, with the intent to influence, any communication or appearance before an officer or employee of the executive branch, a Member of Congress or their staff, or any other legislative office on behalf of any other person (except the United States). The bill establishes penalties for such violations. The bill eliminates a similar two-year ban on certain senior executive branch officials. The bill creates a lifetime ban on certain senior personnel of the executive branch (including independent agencies) from representing, aiding, or advising foreign entities. The bill broadens the definition of lobbying activities in the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to also include consulting and advising. The bill amends the definition of lobbyist in the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to include individuals who spend at least 10% of their time engaged in lobbying services to one client in a 3-month period. The scope of prohibitions on foreign nationals is expanded to include soliciting a contribution or donation in connection with a federal, state, or local election; to a political party; or for an electioneering communication.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in House Current html February 01, 2017

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes a uniform 5-year post-employment ban on lobbying by former government officials and a lifetime ban on lobbying by senior executive branch officials on behalf of foreign governments.

• 18 U.S.C. § 207

  2 years → 5 years

  The bill increases the post-employment lobbying ban from 2 years to 5 years for all former executive and legislative branch officials.

• 18 U.S.C. § 207

  an individual who serves in the position of Vice President of the United States; or → serves in the position of Vice President of the United States; or

  The bill clarifies that Vice Presidents are included in the category of officials subject to the new lobbying bans.

• 18 U.S.C. § 207

  within 1 year → within 5 years

  The bill extends the representation prohibition timeline for certain senior officials from 1 year to 5 years.

• 18 U.S.C. § 207(f)

  and who had access to information concerning such trade or treaty negotiation which is exempt from disclosure under section 552 of title 5 → and who had access to information concerning such trade or treaty negotiation

  The bill modifies the conditions regarding restrictions on aiding or advising based on access to exempt information, making it more inclusive.

• 18 U.S.C. § 207(f)

  lifetime ban on lobbying on behalf of foreign governments → individuals described in this subparagraph is any individual who serves in the position of Vice President of the United States; or

  The bill creates a lifetime ban on lobbying on behalf of foreign governments for former senior officials.

• 2 U.S.C. § 1602(7)

  preparation and planning activities → consulting and advising, preparation and planning activities

  The bill expands the definition of lobbying activities to explicitly include consulting and advising.

Action History

1. February 01, 2017

   Introduced in House

2. February 01, 2017

   Introduced in House

3. February 01, 2017

   Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

4. February 01, 2017

   Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

5. February 01, 2017

   Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

6. March 02, 2017

   Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.

Sponsors

• Ron DeSantis · Primary

Subjects