Rosen Helps Introduce Bill to Prevent Financial Conflicts of Interest for Officials Representing the U.S. Abroad

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senate colleagues to introduce a bill that would prevent any financial conflicts of interest for all officials representing the U.S. abroad. The Transparency in the Administration's Business Opportunities Overseas (TABOO) Act would ensure that every individual representing the United States government in negotiations with foreign governments and international multilateral organizations certifies that neither they nor their spouse or immediate family hold financial interests in the countries with which they engage. It would also require them to divest existing interests or place them into a qualified blind trust and to refrain from acquiring new financial interests in those countries until one year after leaving the position. This would include Special Envoys and other officials serving in similar roles as paid employees or in unpaid capacities.

"The baseline expectation for anyone representing the U.S. abroad in any official capacity is that they have our nation's best interests at heart and are not looking to line their own pockets," said Senator Rosen. "I'm glad to help introduce this bill to ensure that no one in a position to negotiate with foreign governments or international organizations on behalf of the American people has any conflicts of interest."

As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Rosen has pushed to ensure that the U.S. maintains a strong global presence. This year, she introduced legislation that would help retain experienced Foreign Service members. Senator Rosen has also pushed for stronger partnerships abroad, criticizing the Trump Administration's cuts to the diplomatic workforce and foreign assistance.

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