119 HR 9822 IH: Safeguarding Ethics and Restoring Voter Expectations Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-07-21 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 9822IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 21, 2026Mr. Wied introduced the following bill; which was 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 concernedA BILLTo amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit former Members of Congress from lobbying Members, officers, or employees of Congress, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Safeguarding Ethics and Restoring Voter Expectations Act or the SERVE Act.

2.

Prohibition against lobbying of Congress by former Members

(a)

Senators

Section 207(e)(1)(A) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking within 2 years and inserting within 10 years . (b)

Members and Officers of the House of Representatives

Section 207(e)(1)(B)(i) of such title is amended by striking within 1 year and inserting within 10 years. (c)

Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to individuals who leave office on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

3.

Prohibition against serving as Federal contractors by former Members

(a)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a Member of Congress may not accept compensation as a Federal contractor for the 10-year period that begins on the date that the Member leaves office. (b)

Definitions

In this section— (1)the term Federal contractor has the meaning given that term under section 115.1 of title 11, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto; and (2)the term Member of Congress means any Senator or Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress. (c)

Effective date

This section shall apply with respect to Members of Congress who leave office on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.