U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on Thursday introduced the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, to permanently ban former members of the House of Representatives and Senate from lobbying Congress after leaving office.
Scott, who is widely considered the wealthiest member of Congress, said in a written statement: “When politicians use their time in public office to cash in after they leave government, the American people lose. Trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, and the revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street is a big part of that.”
He added, “Our founders never intended public service to become a training ground for a lifetime of lobbying.”
BREAKING: Senators Rick Scott and Elizabeth Warren have introduced a bill that would permanently ban former lawmakers from doing any form of lobbying.
The bill would impose potential jail time and heavy fines for violators.
— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) May 14, 2026
Warren said, “It’s simple: Members of Congress should spend their time in Washington serving the American people, not preparing to cash in big time with a cushy lobbying career after they leave office. It’s long past time to close the revolving door that’s corrupted our government and destroyed public trust in elected officials. This bipartisan bill is a no-brainer that Congress should pass now.”
The bill would impose potential jail time and heavy fines for violators.
When More Perfect Union reported on the bipartisan effort on social media, and noted that the bill “would impose potential jail time and heavy fines for violators,” more than one X user replied with disbelief, “Rick who?!” and laughter, “lmao, this will never pass.”
[NOTE: The day before the announcement, the Senate voted unanimously to withhold their own pay during federal government shutdowns. Like other federal employees, senators will receive backpay after a shutdown ends.]