FEDCON backs 10-year ban on ex-members of Congress as federal contractors

FEDCON says it supports new legislation that would bar former members of Congress from paid federal contracting and lobbying for 10 years. The push around the SERVE Act comes as lawmakers weigh tougher revolving-door restrictions meant to boost trust and transparency.

Why it matters: - FEDCON says a 10-year cooling-off period would help close revolving-door loopholes between Congress and private industry. - The proposal would affect both lobbying and compensated federal contracting, which FEDCON frames as a public-trust issue. - The change could reshape post-Congress career options for lawmakers and tighten ethics expectations around government work.

What happened: - FEDCON announced support for the SERVE Act, a newly proposed bill introduced by Congressman Tony Wied. - The legislation would require former members of Congress to wait 10 years before taking paid federal contracting jobs or lobbying. - The announcement was issued Sept. 3, 2026, from Tampa, Florida.

The details: - The SERVE Act stands for Safeguarding Ethics and Restoring Voter Expectations. - Current rules do not block former members of Congress from becoming federal contractors immediately after leaving office. - Existing lobbying restrictions last only one to two years. - The proposed restrictions would apply to anyone serving in the 119th Congress and in later sessions. - FEDCON said the measure would help keep public service focused on constituents rather than future personal financial gain. - FEDCON expects swift consideration and passage of the bill. - FEDCON urged contractors interested in its services to visit FEDCON.com.

Between the lines: - The legislation is part of a broader push to tighten ethics rules around the post-office job market for federal officials. - FEDCON’s endorsement positions the company on the side of stricter limits, even though those limits could constrain part of the government-contracting ecosystem. - The proposal reflects growing concern that access and influence inside Congress can translate directly into private-sector advantage after lawmakers leave office.

What's next: - Congress will consider whether to advance the SERVE Act. - If enacted, the bill would create a longer and broader ban than current lobbying restrictions. - FEDCON expects the proposal to move quickly through the legislative process.

The bottom line: - FEDCON is backing a major ethics overhaul that would make it much harder for former members of Congress to cash in on federal contracting or lobbying for a decade after leaving office.