This bill would make the ethics rules for political appointees in the federal government permanent. It would require them to sign a pledge that restricts their ability to lobby their former government agencies after leaving their jobs, in order to prevent conflicts of interest.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill would make the ethics rules for political appointees in the federal government permanent. It would require them to sign a pledge that restricts their ability to lobby their former government agencies after leaving their jobs, in order to prevent conflicts of interest.
Last updated: 12/30/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p>This bill provides statutory authority for provisions of the executive order titled <i>Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Appointees</i>, which was issued on January 28, 2017, and was revoked on January 20, 2021, by President Donald J. Trump. The order required political appointees in the executive branch to sign an ethics pledge that restricted lobbying and related activities during and after government employment, including a prohibition on appointees lobbying their former agencies for five years post-employment.</p> <p>On January 20, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. issued a new executive order titled <i>Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel</i>, which requires appointees to sign an ethics pledge with both similar and different provisions. Among other differences, the order's pledge restricts appointees from accepting cash payments or non-cash benefits from former employers that are contingent on government employment (also known as <i>golden parachutes</i>).</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Provides statutory authority for ethics rules that restrict lobbying and other activities by federal political appointees during and after government service
Requires political appointees to sign an ethics pledge, similar to an executive order signed by President Biden in 2021
The pledge includes a prohibition on appointees lobbying their former agencies for 5 years after leaving government
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would affect current and future federal political appointees, such as agency heads, White House staff, and other high-level officials. If enacted, it would help prevent these officials from immediately cashing in on their government experience by lobbying their former agencies. This could increase public trust in the impartiality of the federal government.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Government Operations and Politics
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
5069, 119th Congress (2025). "Peter J. McGuire Labor Day Landmark Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5069
