Executive Branch Conflict of Interest Act

1/11/2023, 1:43 PM

Executive Branch Conflict of Interest Act

This bill expands and establishes new prohibitions related to conflicts of interest involving certain federal government employees.

Specifically, the bill prohibits a federal government employee from accepting a bonus from a former private sector employer for entering government service.

The bill prohibits certain senior officials from using their position to participate in matters wherein a former employer or client has a financial interest, and it establishes penalties for an official who violates this prohibition. The bill also increases lobbying restrictions to two years for certain senior officials.

In addition, the bill expands prohibitions that prevent certain former officials who were responsible for specified government contracts from receiving compensation from a participating contractor, contractor's affiliate, or subcontractor. The bill also prohibits a procurement officer in the federal government from working for a company that received a contract overseen by the procurement officer during the officer's last two years in government service.

Bill 117 HR 244, also known as the Executive Branch Conflict of Interest Act, aims to address potential conflicts of interest within the executive branch of the United States government. The bill seeks to increase transparency and accountability by requiring high-ranking officials in the executive branch to disclose any financial interests that may pose a conflict with their official duties.

Under this legislation, officials such as the President, Vice President, and Cabinet members would be required to divest themselves of any financial holdings that could potentially influence their decision-making while in office. Additionally, the bill would establish a process for reviewing and addressing potential conflicts of interest, including the appointment of an independent ethics officer to oversee compliance with the law.

The Executive Branch Conflict of Interest Act also includes provisions for penalties for officials found to be in violation of the law, including fines and potential removal from office. The goal of this legislation is to ensure that government officials act in the best interests of the American people, rather than their own personal financial gain. Overall, Bill 117 HR 244 represents a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability within the executive branch of the US government, and aims to prevent conflicts of interest that could undermine the integrity of our democracy.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 244

Introduced on
2021-01-11

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/11/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Executive Branch Conflict of Interest Act

This bill expands and establishes new prohibitions related to conflicts of interest involving certain federal government employees.

Specifically, the bill prohibits a federal government employee from accepting a bonus from a former private sector employer for entering government service.

The bill prohibits certain senior officials from using their position to participate in matters wherein a former employer or client has a financial interest, and it establishes penalties for an official who violates this prohibition. The bill also increases lobbying restrictions to two years for certain senior officials.

In addition, the bill expands prohibitions that prevent certain former officials who were responsible for specified government contracts from receiving compensation from a participating contractor, contractor's affiliate, or subcontractor. The bill also prohibits a procurement officer in the federal government from working for a company that received a contract overseen by the procurement officer during the officer's last two years in government service.

Bill 117 HR 244, also known as the Executive Branch Conflict of Interest Act, aims to address potential conflicts of interest within the executive branch of the United States government. The bill seeks to increase transparency and accountability by requiring high-ranking officials in the executive branch to disclose any financial interests that may pose a conflict with their official duties.

Under this legislation, officials such as the President, Vice President, and Cabinet members would be required to divest themselves of any financial holdings that could potentially influence their decision-making while in office. Additionally, the bill would establish a process for reviewing and addressing potential conflicts of interest, including the appointment of an independent ethics officer to oversee compliance with the law.

The Executive Branch Conflict of Interest Act also includes provisions for penalties for officials found to be in violation of the law, including fines and potential removal from office. The goal of this legislation is to ensure that government officials act in the best interests of the American people, rather than their own personal financial gain. Overall, Bill 117 HR 244 represents a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability within the executive branch of the US government, and aims to prevent conflicts of interest that could undermine the integrity of our democracy.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo strengthen and enhance certain ethics requirements for the Federal Government, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact
Civil actions and liability
Employment and training programs
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Judicial procedure and administration

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/19/2021

Executive Branch Conflict of Interest Act

This bill expands and establishes new prohibitions related to conflicts of interest involving certain federal government employees.

Specifically, the bill prohibits a federal governme...


Latest Action1/11/2021
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the ...