Restoring Trust in Public Servants Act
Summary
The "Restoring Trust in Public Servants Act" aims to prevent federal officials and their families from owning or trading specific investments, including securities, commodities, and digital assets. It also bans Members of Congress from earning outside income and serving on corporate boards, and it establishes a lifetime lobbying ban for former members. The bill seeks to enhance public trust by addressing potential conflicts of interest.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely force covered officials to divest certain assets and limit their future income opportunities. It will also change the landscape of lobbying by former members of Congress. These changes are intended to reduce the potential for conflicts of interest and increase public confidence in government.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces potential conflicts of interest for federal officials.
- Increases public trust in government.
- Limits undue influence of money in politics.
- Creates more transparency through public disclosure of violations.
- Ensures that public officials are focused on serving the public interest rather than personal financial gain.
Potential Disadvantages
- May discourage qualified individuals from seeking public office due to financial restrictions.
- Could lead to divestment of assets at unfavorable times, resulting in financial losses.
- May be difficult to enforce effectively, particularly regarding indirect investments.
- Could create a chilling effect on legitimate financial planning for public officials and their families.
- The lifetime lobbying ban may infringe on the rights of former members to pursue their chosen profession.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is complex. While Congress has broad authority to regulate its members and executive branch officials, the restrictions on outside income and investments could be challenged under the First Amendment (freedom of speech and association) or the Fifth Amendment (due process and takings clause). The lifetime lobbying ban could also face scrutiny under the First Amendment. Article 1, Section 6 (the Ineligibility Clause) might be relevant if the restrictions are seen as creating an additional qualification for holding office.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).