Bill · S. 4524· Senate(119-S-4524)
BLAST Act
- Introduced
- 5/13/2026
- Last activity
- 5/13/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Rick Scott
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "BLAST Act," aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It seeks to prohibit former Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and elected officers of both Houses from lobbying Congress after they leave office. The legislation changes how a "lobbyist" is defined to include these former officials if they are compensated for lobbying services. These rules would 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 prohibits former Members of Congress and elected officers from engaging in lobbying activities after leaving office.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill increases transparency by expanding the definition of a lobbyist to include former Members of Congress.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Prohibition of Former Officials Lobbying: By amending section 207(e) of title 18, the bill prevents former Senators, House Members, and elected officers from registering as lobbyists or making communications intended to influence Members, officers, or employees of Congress (Section 2).
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Expanded Definition of Lobbyist: The bill amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to ensure that any former Member of Congress employed or retained by a client for compensation to perform lobbying services is classified as a lobbyist (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Former Officials: Under the new amendments to section 207(e) of title 18, individuals who served as Senators, Members of the House, or elected officers are prohibited from engaging in certain communications or appearances intended to influence legislative offices after they leave office (Section 2(a)).
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+4
- 5/13/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts