WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) introduced the Fixing Administrations Unethical Corrupt Influence Act (FAUCI Act). This legislation prohibits former employees of covered health agencies from serving on the board of entities involved in the development and research of a drug, biological product, or device; or profiting from such development and research. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) introduced the companion version in the U.S. Senate.

“As we saw through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot of distrust of the government officials and bureaucrats who appear to profit from their work on the taxpayers’ dime after leaving their jobs,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “My bill seeks to rebuild trust and transparency of this vital component of our nation, holding public servants to higher standards when they leave government. I am thankful for my colleagues who have joined me in support of this legislation, and I hope it receives swift consideration in Congress.”

“Public health officials cannot be allowed to abuse their roles to enrich themselves and pharmaceutical companies,” said Senator Vance. “This legislation will shut the revolving door between big pharma and federal agencies tasked with protecting the American people. It would go a long way in restoring trust in our government.”

The Fauci Act prohibits former employees of government health agencies from profiting from any product the employee was involved with in the approval of the grant, and it bans top officials at health agencies from owning or profiting from patents for drugs, biological products, or medical devices.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health are noted as “covered health agencies” in the bill. Additionally, the legislation defines “top official” as any government employee above GS-13.

Lesko was joined by Representatives Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Dan Bishop (NC-08), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), W. Gregory Steube (FL-17), and Joe Wilson (SC-02), in introducing the bill.

###