The Revolving Door

From Public Servant to Private Profit

Over 60% of former members of Congress who left office since 2018 are now registered lobbyists or senior executives at firms that lobby their former colleagues. The average first-year salary: $1.2 million.

The Cycle

• Year 1-6: Serve in Congress, build relationships and expertise
• Year 7+: Join K Street firm or industry (pharma, finance, tech, defense)
• Influence Multiplier: Former members have unique access — “former colleague” meetings bypass normal staff filters

2026 Reform Momentum

Multiple bills now include extended cooling-off periods (currently 1-2 years for most; proposed 5-7 years) and ban on lobbying for foreign governments by former members.

The PELOSI Act (updated 2026 version) and companion measures aim to break this cycle permanently.

Our database tracks every former member’s post-Congress career path with salary estimates and client lists.

Public service should not be a stepping stone to private wealth.

Tracking: CRP Revolving Door database, LinkedIn, lobbying registrations, and news reports.