Bill · H.R. 9822· House(119-HR-9822)
SERVE Act
- Introduced
- 7/21/2026
- Last activity
- 7/21/2026 — Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Tony Wied
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Safeguarding Ethics and Restoring Voter Expectations Act" or the "SERVE Act," aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It seeks to prohibit former Members of Congress from lobbying Members, officers, or employees of Congress for a longer duration. Specifically, it extends the waiting period for Senators and House members. Additionally, the bill prohibits former Members from accepting compensation as Federal contractors for 10 years after leaving office. These changes apply to individuals leaving office on or after the date the Act is enacted.
Yes
Does this limit the influence of paid lobbyists?+7
The bill extends the period former Members of Congress must wait before lobbying for up to 10 years.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill seeks to restore voter expectations by limiting the movement of former officials into influence-based roles.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+2
By restricting former officials from lobbying and federal contracting, the bill aims to reduce the potential for undue influence on government processes.
The opposite
Would high-income households be better off under this?-3
The bill negatively impacts the earning potential of former high-income political officials by limiting their post-office career options.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Extended Lobbying Restrictions: The bill increases the time Senators and House members must wait before lobbying Congress, changing the periods from 2 years to 10 years for Senators and 1 year to 10 years for House members. This could help ensure that former officials do not use their influence immediately after leaving office (Section 2).
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Restrictions on Federal Contracting: Former Members of Congress, including Senators, Representatives, Delegates, or Resident Commissioners, would be prohibited from accepting compensation as a Federal contractor for 10 years after leaving office. This could prevent former officials from immediately transitioning into roles as government contractors (Section 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Former Members' Employment: Former Members of Congress would face a 10-year prohibition on serving as Federal contractors after they leave office. This could limit the career and compensation options for these individuals once they are no longer in office (Section 3).
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Extended Waiting Periods for Lobbying: The bill significantly increases the timeframe that Senators and House members must wait before they can lobby Members, officers, or employees of Congress. This means individuals would have to wait up to 10 years before engaging in these activities (Section 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Reduces Lobbying+7Improves Government Transparency+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For High Income Households-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2
- 7/21/2026
- Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House