CLEAR Path Act
Introduced Jun 18, 2025 by Sen. John Cornyn
The Senate passed it. The House has to pass it before it can reach the President.
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.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service.
No recorded roll-call vote on this bill — it may have passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record individual votes.
- Apr 22, 2026Held at the desk.
- Apr 22, 2026Received in the House.
- Apr 22, 2026Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Apr 21, 2026Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S1854; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S1854-1855)
- Apr 21, 2026Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
- Jan 28, 2026Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 305.
- Jan 28, 2026Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Jan 15, 2026Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Jun 18, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Jun 18, 2025Introduced in Senate