(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As former Members of Congress and elected officers are using their former positions to lobby Congress, today U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) are introducing the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act.
“One of the reasons I left the private sector for Washington was to help President Trump drain the swamp and we can accomplish this by permanently banning Congressmen and Senators from lobbying Capitol Hill,” said U.S. Senator Mike Braun. “Together we can end the revolving door of career politicians coming to Washington, spending time in Congress, then enriching themselves from their service to the American people.”
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to introduce this bill that imposes a permanent ban on members of Congress becoming lobbyists. Rather than serving the public, too many in Washington spend their political careers preparing for a lucrative job at a DC lobbying firm where they can cash in on their connections and their access. Congress should never serve as a training ground for future lobbyists, and putting an end to the revolving door is a common-sense way to make Washington work for families.”
This legislation is a companion bill to legislation introduced by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN-9), H.R.1145.
BACKGROUND…
GOP senators Rick Scott, Mike Braun introduce a bill to end congressional pensions. “Two Republican senators on Tuesday introduced legislation that would eliminate pensions for retiring members of Congress. Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana and Sen. Rick Scott of Florida introduced their “End Pensions in Congress Act” in the hopes that it will make Washington more efficient. ‘If we remove the luxurious perks from Congress, we’ll get better leaders: that’s why I’ll never accept my Senate pension and, if forced to, I pledge to donate every penny to Hoosier charities,’ Mr. Braun said in a statement. … “When Congress failed to do their job and created the longest government shutdown in history, hardworking Americans were forced to go without pay while members of Congress were still collecting paychecks. That is wrong and is exactly why I’m fighting to reform Washington,” Mr. Scott said in a statement. “It’s time for term limits and it’s time to make those in D.C. realize that the era of career politicians is over.'” (The Washington Times, 02/12/19)
Senator Braun has introduced legislation that would prohibit Congress from getting paid if they do not pass a budget. “In his first act as a U.S. senator, Indiana Republican Mike Braun is expected to introduce a bipartisan bill that would prevent members of Congress — including himself — from being paid during government shutdowns. … ‘In the private sector folks roll up their sleeves and get to work on day one, and that’s exactly what we’re doing by introducing No Budget, No Pay legislation,” Braun said in a statement to IndyStar. “There are consequences for unfinished work in the business world, and considering it’s Congress’s job to pass budgets and spending bills, it’s time we hold Washington to the same standard.'” (The Indianapolis Star, 01/07/19)
Scott says Congress shouldn’t get paid during a shutdown, co-sponsors ‘No Budget, No Pay Act’. “Florida’s newest Senator has co-sponsored a bill that would halt the pay of Congress during a government shutdown. Rick Scott, a Republican senator from Florida who formerly served as the state’s governor, has co-sponsored Senate Bill 39, aka the No Budget, No Pay Act. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced the bill.” (Scott says Congress shouldn’t get paid during shutdown, co-sponsors ‘No Budget, No Pay Act’, 01/18/19)
