119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 8544
The PURE Executive Act strengthens restrictions on former federal executives who want to become lobbyists after leaving government. It extends the existing cooling-off period for senior executive branch personnel from one to two years to a uniform five-year ban on lobbying their former agencies and colleagues. Additionally, the bill imposes a lifetime prohibition on former senior officials from lobbying on behalf of foreign governments or foreign-controlled entities, closing a loophole that previously allowed such foreign lobbying after the initial cooling-off period ended. These new restrictions apply to anyone leaving a covered senior executive position on or after the bill's enactment date. The legislation aims to reduce conflicts of interest and the influence of foreign interests in the executive branch.