The CLEAR Path Act creates new restrictions on high-ranking government officials after they leave office. Specifically, it prevents senior officials who were appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate from working on behalf of foreign governments that the State Department considers concerning countries. If someone in these positions tries to influence U.S. government decisions on behalf of one of these foreign entities after leaving office, they can face criminal penalties.

The law applies to people appointed after it becomes law, and the restrictions last indefinitely—meaning a former official can never work for a concerning foreign government to influence U.S. policy. However, there's an exception: lawyers can still represent foreign clients in legal matters without violating the law. The bill also sets up a process where the State Department can propose adding or removing countries from the "countries of concern" list, but Congress must approve any changes through a joint resolution. After five years, the restrictions automatically expire for new appointees going forward, though any violations that occurred during those five years can still be prosecuted.