Representative Angie Craig Introduces Legislation to Ban Former Members of Congress from Serving as Lobbyists

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig introduced legislation to impose a lifetime ban on lobbying for Members of Congress after their time in public service. The Closing the Congressional Revolving Door Act would also remove special privileges granted to former Members of Congress that are often exploited by lobbyists – specifically access to the House chamber, Congressional athletic facilities, the Members' dining room and other private locations on Capitol Hill.

There are currently few restrictions preventing elected officials from lobbying their former colleagues on behalf of corporate clients or special interest groups.

"For far too long, career politicians have treated the United States Capitol like a revolving door of interest, using their positions for career advancement and personal profit," said Representative Angie Craig. "The American people deserve to know that their elected representatives are focused on fighting for their communities in Congress – not working to line up a high-paying lobbying gig after their public service comes to an end. I'm proud to introduce this long-overdue reform to jam the revolving door between lobbyists and lawmakers and restore some faith in Washington."

Since entering Congress, Representative Craig has prioritized legislation aimed at addressing even the appearance of corruption and impropriety in Washington. Last year, Craig introduced the Halt Unchecked Member Benefits with Lobbying Elimination (HUMBLE) Act, which would ban individual stock ownership and prohibit the use of taxpayer funds for first-class air travel for Members of Congress, among other reforms. In 2019, she also introduced an amendment to the annual spending bill blocking House Democrats from enacting a pay raise for Members of Congress. Craig also introduced and enacted into law the Payment Integrity Information Act, which helps to address improper and wasteful payments that totaled more than $175 billion in 2019 alone.

Representative Craig's work to fight corruption and expand voting rights in Washington recently earned her an A grade from End Citizens United // Let America Vote Action Fund – who also endorsed Craig's legislation to impose a lifelong lobbying ban for Members of Congress.

"For too long, public officials have used government service as a stepping stone to financial gain. Rep. Craig's Closing the Congressional Revolving Door Act would take this corruption head on," said End Citizens United / Let America Vote Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. "We're proud to support this bill and applaud Rep. Craig's leadership in working to restore the public's faith in their elected officials."

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