The gist

• Bans the Department of Defense (DoD) from awarding contracts to companies tied to senior federal officials or their close family, including the President's family.

Who wins, who loses

• Wins: taxpayers, government ethics watchdogs, defense contractors without insider connections.
• Loses: senior officials, presidential appointees, and their families who own or run defense contracting firms.

What it does

• Blocks DoD from signing, renewing, or extending contracts with firms led by Senate-confirmed appointees, Schedule C staff, Senior Executive Service members, or special Government employees.
• Extends ban to companies where the President's immediate family (parent, child, sibling, spouse, domestic partner) holds leadership or major ownership.
• Requires the Defense Secretary to issue implementing rules within 30 days of enactment.
• Covers any official whose family member would gain substantial financial benefit from the contract.

Why should I care?

The Pentagon spends hundreds of billions yearly on contracts. Supporters say this closes a loophole letting insiders steer military money to their own businesses. Critics argue it duplicates existing conflict-of-interest laws and could disqualify qualified contractors over distant family ties. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.