Bill to curb retired military work for foreign powers

Two key senators said they will introduce a bipartisan bill Tuesday to clamp down on the secretive practice of retired US service members who cash in their military expertise by working as consultants and contractors for foreign governments.

The bill, cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Charles E. Grassley, an Iowa Republican, would impose an array of new restrictions, including a prohibition on troops negotiating postretirement jobs with foreign powers while still on active duty; a ban on military intelligence personnel working for any countries except for close allies such as Britain, Canada, and Australia; and stiffer financial penalties for those who violate the law.

The proposed legislation would also require the federal government to publicly disclose the names, job duties, and salary details for all retired service members who receive compensation from foreign governments — something the Pentagon and State Department have long resisted.

The senators said they were acting in response to investigations by The Washington Post and the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight, which found that more than 500 retired US military personnel — including scores of generals and admirals — have gone to work for foreign governments since 2015, mostly in countries known for political repression.

Under federal law, retired troops are permitted to work for foreign governments if they first obtain approval from their branch of the armed forces and the State Department. But federal agencies have fought to keep virtually all details about the arrangements a secret.

Officials at the Pentagon and State Department have said that they jointly conduct a thorough review of all foreign employment requests and have wide latitude to deny any applications that "would adversely affect the foreign relations of the United States."