To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit former Members of Congress from engaging in lobbying contacts.

HR 8173 prohibits former Members of Congress from engaging in lobbying contacts after leaving office. Specifically, it bans Senators and House members from knowingly contacting covered executive branch officials or congressional staff to influence government actions, with penalties under existing law. The bill also restricts former elected House officers (like the Speaker) from lobbying for 1 year after leaving office. These rules apply to individuals who leave office on or after December 31, 2023. The law uses definitions from the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to clarify what constitutes a prohibited "lobbying contact."