Butler County Today

Today, Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced the No Revolving Door in Foreign Military Sales Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill aims to impose a three-year lobbying ban on State Department and Department of Defense officials involved in military sales after they leave their positions.

"The No Revolving Doors in FMS Act of 2025 is a commonsense bill to restore integrity and accountability in our foreign military sales process," stated Rep. Warren Davidson. He emphasized that personal profit or future job prospects should not influence national security decisions, highlighting the importance of keeping arms sales free from conflicts of interest.

Rep. Sara Jacobs expressed similar concerns, stating, "It should go without saying that U.S. arms sales should be made to promote U.S. national security, not to get ahead professionally or cash in." She pointed out existing loopholes allowing former civil servants involved in foreign military sales to work for the defense industry or foreign actors immediately after leaving government service.

The proposed legislation seeks to address these issues by ensuring transparency and accountability in arms sales decisions. The bill stipulates penalties for violations within the three-year period, including fines up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to five years.

Once the three-year restriction ends, former officials are permitted to lobby Congress and the Executive on matters related to foreign military sales.