# What This Bill Actually Does

This bill creates a new rule that prevents people with security clearances from working for certain foreign companies. Specifically, it targets six companies that the U.S. government believes are connected to China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea: Huawei Technologies, ZTE Corporation, Hytera Communications, Hikvision, Dahua Technology, and Kaspersky Lab. The restriction applies both while someone holds an active security clearance and for five years after their clearance becomes inactive.

The practical impact is straightforward: if you work in intelligence, defense, or national security and have a security clearance, you cannot take a job with any of these companies—or their subsidiaries and related businesses—during your employment with the government or for five years afterward. If you do, you could face serious consequences including fines and up to five years in prison. The bill requires that anyone with a security clearance be informed of this prohibition when they first get their clearance, when it's renewed, and when it becomes inactive.

The government can also add or remove companies from this list if the Director of National Intelligence determines they're owned, controlled, or financially supported by these four countries. This gives officials flexibility to respond if new companies emerge that pose similar concerns. The rule takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to anyone hired by these companies after the bill becomes law, with all current security clearance holders required to be notified within 30 days.

Safe Career Transitions for Intelligence and National Security Professionals

Banks, Jim

Safe Career Transitions for Intelligence and National Security Professionals This bill prohibits certain individuals with security clearances from receiving funding or employment from specified entities. Specifically, the prohibition is in effect while a security clearance is active and for five years afterwards, and applies to any (1) officer or employee of a federal agency or contractor, or (2) member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps. The prohibition shall apply to specified entities such as Huawei Technologies Company and Kaspersky Lab. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence may add to or remove from this list based on whether there is a reasonable belief that an entity is owned by or receives financial support from the government of China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. A person who knowingly violates this prohibition shall be subject to fines or imprisonment, or both.