S. 2132 · Passed Senate · Crime and Law Enforcement

CLEAR Path Act

Sponsor: John Cornyn (R-TX)

What it does

• Prohibit former Senate-confirmed presidential appointees and heads of executive departments from representing or advising foreign countries of concern (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia) with intent to influence U.S. gove
• Apply the ban only to appointees who take office on or after the bill's enactment date.
• Expire the ban five years after enactment.
• Authorize the Department of State to propose and Congress to enact changes to the list of designated foreign countries of concern.

Official summary

Conflict-free Leaving Employment and Activity Restrictions Path Act or the CLEAR Path Act This bill bans former presidential appointees in the executive branch from knowingly representing, aiding, or advising a foreign country of concern (e.g., China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia) with the intent to influence a decision of U.S. government officials. Under the bill, the ban applies to former presidential appointees who served (1) as head or deputy head of an executive branch department or agency, or (2) in any other Senate-confirmed position in an executive branch department or agency. The ban applies to those who are appointed to their positions on or after the date of this bill's enactment. The ban expires five years after the date of this bill's enactment. The bill also establishes a process that authorizes the Department of State to propose and Congress to enact changes to the list of foreign countries of concern.

Latest action

Apr 22, 2026: Held at the desk.

Committee: Senate Judiciary