The reverse revolving door is the transition of top-tier staff from private organization employment to the government and vice-versa. It exists between the mentioned industries since most politicians and regulators become activists and advisers for the companies they regulated once. Some private-sector activists get appointments from the government related to their last private posts.
Kate’s scenario is a perfect example of a conflict of interest case. She is appointed to investigate insider trading by her previous employer. She requests a determination from the ethics agency. To make a decision, whether she can participate in the investigation of her former employer. The ethics agency, therefore, is required to formulate policies that safeguard the interests of all parties. Following the United States Constitution, section 207(Straus, 2017). It also controls all private representational petitioning and other activism.
As for Kate, the ethics agency will review section 207 (c)(1) offers a one-year “cooling off” period for high-ranking staff. Which states that; previous workers will not participate in any activism, associate, or any presence beforehand officers or workers of their former organizations. Before a period of one year ends after leaving. Therefore, Kate should not participate in the probe, as she just left the previous organization two months ago.
However, in Sam’s case, he is allowed to engage with M Corporation contracts. As stated in Section 207(d) of the constitution, there is a provision of a two-year “cooling off” time. Before one can participate in any depiction or advocacy link on any matter (Straus, 2017). Sam can also be guided by the law in the United States Constitution sections 2103 and 2104, restricting representation, promotion, and counseling. As an undersecretary in the Department of Defense, he is, allowed to participate in contracting and therefore must adhere to the current ethics laws and rules.
Reference
Straus, J. R. (2017). Ethics pledges and other executive branch appointee restrictions since 1993: Historical perspective, current practices, and options for change. Congressional Research Service.