The CLEAR Path Act would create a new federal conflict-of-interest rule for certain Senate-confirmed executive branch officials after they leave government service. It would make it a crime for former cabinet secretaries, deputy secretaries, and other Senate-confirmed officials to knowingly represent, assist, or advise a foreign government entity from a “country of concern” if the goal is to influence the U.S. government. Agencies would have to notify covered officials of these limits when they are appointed and again when they leave office. The restrictions would apply only to people appointed on or after the bill becomes law, would take effect 30 days after Congress approves any future expansion of the “country of concern” list, and would sunset after 5 years for newly appointed officials. The bill also lets the Secretary of State propose changes to the country list, but those changes would only take effect if Congress passes a joint resolution of approval.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.