Post-Employment Restrictions Act of 1988

Post-Employment Restrictions Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions regarding former Federal employees attempting to influence the Government.

Prohibits a former officer or employee of the executive branch, for one year after Federal service ends, from representing or aiding and advising any person, with the intent to influence, regarding any trade negotiation: (1) which was actually pending under the official's responsibility within one year before the termination of Federal employment; or (2) in which the official participated personally and substantially within a period of one year before termination of employment.

Prohibits senior officials in the executive branch (including the President) for one year after such service ends, from representing any persons with the intent to influence the Government.

Prohibits former Members of Congress and elected officers of the Congress from representing others before or attempting to influence any Member, officer, or employee of the House in which the individual served for one year after that individual leaves office regarding any matter pending before the Congress or any matter on which such former Member or elected officer seeks action by the Congress or by a Member in the Member's official capacity. Exempts public speeches from such prohibition.

Prohibits a former employee of a Senator or Representative, within one year after that employment terminates, from representing others before or attempting to influence any of the following persons in connection with any matter pending before the Congress or any matter on which such former employee seeks action by the Congress or by a Member in the Member's official capacity: (1) the Member of whom that person was an employee; or (2) any employee of such Member.

Prohibits a former employee of a congressional committee, within one year after termination of such employment, from representing others before or attempting to influence any current employee of such committee with respect to any matter in connection with any matter pending before the Congress or any matter on which such former employee seeks action by the Congress or by a Member in the Member's official capacity.

Establishes a one-year ban for former employees of the leadership staff of the House and Senate on representing others before or attempting to influence certain parties in the Congress.

Declares that the prohibitions set forth in this Act apply only to acts done for compensation.

Sets forth penalties for violations of such Act.

Sets forth general exceptions to the prohibitions under this Act if the former employee or official is carrying out official duties as an elected official of a State or local government or as an employee of: (1) a State or local government; (2) an institution of higher learning; (3) a tax-exempt hospital or medical research organization; or (4) an international organization of which the United States is a member.

Revises the authority of the Director of the Office of Government Ethics in designating separate agencies and bureaus.

Authorizes the Attorney General, if it is reasonably believed that a person is engaging or is about to engage in conduct in violation of this Act, to petition an appropriate U.S. district court for an order prohibiting that person from engaging in such conduct.

Amends the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation Act of 1980 to make a technical and conforming amendment.