CLEAR Path Act

The "Conflict-free Leaving Employment and Activity Restrictions Path Act," or CLEAR Path Act, seeks to strengthen measures against conflicts of interest for former government officials. Congress expresses its belief that preventing such conflicts, particularly involving senior U.S. officials working for foreign governments, is crucial, and calls for a joint evaluation of existing post-employment restrictions. The bill amends Title 18, United States Code, to impose new post-employment restrictions on individuals who served in Senate-confirmed positions within the executive branch. Specifically, these former officials are prohibited from knowingly representing, aiding, or advising a foreign governmental entity of a country of concern before the U.S. executive or legislative branch with the intent to influence official decisions. The term "country of concern" is defined by reference to the State Department Basic Authorities Act, with a specific exclusion. Affected individuals must be notified of these restrictions upon appointment and termination of service. The restrictions apply to persons appointed on or after the bill's enactment date and include a sunset clause , meaning they will not apply to appointments made five years after enactment, though prior conduct remains covered. Furthermore, the bill establishes a mechanism for the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, to propose modifications to the list of "countries of concern," which would require a joint resolution of approval from Congress to become effective.