No revolving doors in FMS Act of 2025

No revolving doors in FMS Act of 2025 would amend 18 U.S.C. § 207 to create a targeted post-employment restriction on lobbying related to foreign military sales (FMS). Specifically, it adds a new provision stating that a former State Department or Department of Defense employee who participated in any FMS program within the three-year period ending at separation may not knowingly communicate with or appear before any federal official or Congress to influence an FMS decision, with criminal penalties tied to 18 U.S.C. § 216 if they do so with the intent to influence. In short, the bill is designed to prevent a recent ex-official who worked on FMS from lobbying the federal government on FMS matters after leaving government service, tightening the so-called revolving door in this area. The bill’s purpose is to reduce potential improper influence over FMS decisions by former insiders and to deter attempts to sway federal determinations on arms sales. It creates a narrow, targeted barrier rather than a broad lobbying ban, focusing specifically on individuals with recent direct involvement in FMS programs.