H.R. 2624 — HUMBLE Act

This section imposes a lifetime ban on former Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and elected officers of Congress from knowingly communicating with or appearing before any Member, officer, or employee of Congress—or employee of any other congressional legislative office—to influence official action on behalf of any other person (except the United States) (previously a one-year ban under 18 U.S.C. 207(e)(1)). It makes conforming amendments to 18 U.S.C. 207(e)(2) to apply the existing one-year lobbying restrictions solely to former congressional staff. The changes apply to individuals who leave office on or after the date of enactment.

This section prohibits the use of appropriated funds for official airline travel accommodations other than coach class (i.e., the lowest fare offered, including economy or tourist class) by Members of Congress and legislative branch employees, effective FY2026 and succeeding fiscal years. Exceptions are permitted if the accommodations would be allowable under Federal Travel Regulation provisions (41 CFR §§301-10.121 through 301-10.125) as applied to executive branch employees.

This section prohibits the House of Representatives from providing former Members with the following benefits and services, except to the extent available to the public: (1) access to the Hall of the House; (2) access to athletic facilities and other facilities available for the use of Members; (3) access to the Members’ Dining Room; (4) access to parking spaces; (5) access to material from the House document room; and (6) use of the collections in the House Legislative Resource Center without borrowing privileges. The section authorizes the Speaker and minority leader to jointly waive such prohibitions on a case-by-case basis and requires publication in the Congressional Record, within 24 hours, of a statement identifying the former Member and benefit or service involved.

This section prohibits a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner from owning the common stock of any individual corporation under House Rule XXIII, effective immediately before noon on January 3, 2027.

This section repeals the automatic annual pay adjustment for Members of Congress, Delegates and the Resident Commissioner, the President pro tempore of the Senate, majority and minority leaders of the Senate and House, and the Speaker of the House—previously adjusted by the percentage change in the Employment Cost Index (ECI), capped by the General Schedule adjustment under 2 U.S.C. 4501(a)(2). The repeal applies to pay periods beginning after the first general election for federal office occurring after enactment. (Thus, future pay adjustments for these positions will require separate legislation.)

This section prohibits a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner from serving on the board of directors of any for-profit entity.