Elizabeth Warren

Sens. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., introduced bipartisan legislation Wednesday that would permanently ban former members of Congress from lobbying Capitol Hill after leaving office.

The Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act would prohibit former lawmakers from registering as lobbyists or making lobbying contacts with members of Congress, congressional staff or legislative offices on behalf of private interests.

The measure also seeks to crack down on so-called "shadow lobbying" by extending restrictions to former lawmakers paid for lobbying-related work even if they do not formally register as lobbyists.

"When politicians use their time in public office to cash in after they leave government, the American people lose," Scott said. "We need to restore the American people's trust in their government."

Warren said lawmakers should focus on public service rather than future lobbying opportunities.

"It's simple: Members of Congress should spend their time in Washington serving the American people, not preparing to cash in big time with a cushy lobbying career after they leave office," Warren said.

Under the proposal, violations could carry penalties of up to five years in prison and civil fines of up to $50,000 per violation.

Scott said the bill is part of his broader effort to reform Washington, including proposals for congressional term limits, ending taxpayer-funded congressional pensions and "No Budget, No Pay" legislation tied to government shutdowns.