Two top senators introduced a bill Tuesday seeking to better bring to light the secretive process in which retired U.S. service members work as consultants and contractors for foreign governments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bipartisan Retired Officers Conflict of Interest Act<\/a>, co-sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Warren\u2002<\/a>(D-Mass.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), would rewrite some of the ethics and lobbying rules that affect former military officials, imposing new restrictions with an eye toward \u201cclosing the revolving door.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the added constraints would be a ban on service members negotiating a post-retirement job with a foreign government or a private contractor that works for one while still on active duty; a 30-month gap after retirement before military intelligence personnel can work for another country other than close allies; a requirement that the name, job duties and salary details of a person allowed a role with a foreign power be publicly reported; and higher financial penalties for those who don\u2019t get approval or fail to report such employment to the Defense Department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With a companion bill introduced in the House by Reps. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), the issue could end up becoming a major debate over the fiscal 2024 defense authorization bills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Department of Defense is letting too many retired military officers trade their military service and experience to foreign governments for cash \u2013 creating serious risks to our national security,\u201d Warren, who chairs the Senate Armed Services personnel subcommittee, said in a statement announcing the new bill. \u201cThis system needs serious transparency and accountability.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Grassley, meanwhile, said it\u2019s \u201cno surprise that foreign governments would wish to capitalize on the knowledge and expertise of retired U.S. military members,\u201d but that the current safeguards in the process aren\u2019t sufficient for national security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n