Summary of Bill HR 1461
Bill 117 HR 1461, also known as the White House Ethics Transparency Act of 2021, aims to increase transparency and accountability within the White House by requiring the President and Vice President to disclose their tax returns. This bill would mandate the release of tax returns for the previous five years, with the goal of providing the public with a clearer understanding of the financial interests and potential conflicts of interest of the President and Vice President.
Additionally, the White House Ethics Transparency Act of 2021 would require the Office of Government Ethics to create a publicly accessible database of financial disclosures for the President, Vice President, and their immediate family members. This database would allow for greater scrutiny of any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from the financial holdings of these individuals.
Furthermore, the bill would prohibit the President and Vice President from accepting gifts from foreign governments, with the goal of preventing any undue influence on their decision-making processes. This provision is intended to uphold the integrity of the highest offices in the land and ensure that the interests of the American people are prioritized.
Overall, the White House Ethics Transparency Act of 2021 seeks to promote accountability and integrity within the White House by increasing transparency around the financial interests of the President and Vice President. By requiring the disclosure of tax returns, creating a public database of financial disclosures, and prohibiting gifts from foreign governments, this bill aims to ensure that the leaders of our country are acting in the best interests of the American people.
Congressional Summary of HR 1461
White House Ethics Transparency Act of 2021
This bill creates transparency requirements for ethics waivers (i.e., waivers from the requirement to sign an ethics pledge) issued to executive branch appointees.
Specifically, such ethics waivers must be transmitted to the Office of Government Ethics and made publicly available online.