The new Congress could bring new business to nearly two dozen former federal lawmakers and congressional staffers who have left Capitol Hill since 2013—if they can stomach the oft-maligned title of lobbyist.

Since Jan. 1, 22 onetime Hill denizens have finished their “cooling-off” periods, which barred them from lobbying Congress for up to two years after they left the legislative branch's payroll. The contingent includes former Sens. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.; Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas; and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., who have joined law firms that lobby in Washington.

By the end of this year, the pool will grow to 104, according to the Sunlight Foundation and the Center for Responsive Politics, which analyzed employment termination records.