Former Pentagon officials could lose security clearances for lobbying Chinese military firms
In committeeS. 3181Latest action
Sponsor: John Cornyn · Senator · TX
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: REVOKE Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Senate bill S 3181 would revoke security clearances from ex-Pentagon staff and retired military who lobby for Chinese military-linked companies.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
Senate bill S 3181 would strip security clearances from former Defense Department employees and retired or separated military members who lobby for companies the Defense Department has labeled as Chinese military companies and that also appear on a Treasury Department watchlist. The Defense Secretary may grant exceptions lasting up to 180 days if national security requires it, but must notify Congress when doing so.
Who does it affect?
The bill targets two groups: former civilian Defense Department employees such as analysts, managers, or contractors, and retired or separated military members such as former generals or officers. Everyday Americans are not directly affected by this legislation.
Why does it matter?
Removing clearance access could reduce the risk that sensitive government knowledge is used to benefit Chinese military-linked businesses. The bill also raises questions about how far the government can restrict the private-sector activities of former public servants.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedNov 18, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Nov 18, 2025
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.