VoterlyH.R. 788: Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023
118th Congress · Sponsored from Texas · In committee
What this bill does
Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the federal government from entering into or enforcing a settlement agreement on behalf of the United States that provides for a payment to any person or entity other than the United States. The bill provides exceptions to allow payments that (1) remedy actual harm (including to the environment) caused by the party making the payment, or (2) constitute a payment for services rendered in connection with the case. Government officials or agents who violate this prohibition may be removed from office or required to forfeit to the government any money they hold for such purposes to which they may otherwise be entitled. Agencies must report annually for seven years to the Congressional Budget Office about the parties, funding sources, and distribution of funds for their settlement agreements permitted by the exceptions in this bill. The Office of Inspector General for each agency must also report annually on any settlement agreements that violate the bill's requirements.
Key facts
- Status In committee
- Introduced 2023-02-02
- Policy area Law
- Cosponsors 16
- Latest action Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor
Who funds the sponsor?
Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5] introduced H.R. 788. On Voterly you can see their top campaign donors from public Federal Election Commission records — individuals, PACs, and industry groups (follow the money) — and compare that with how they vote.
See Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]'s donors & voting record →
Campaign donations show who helps fund the sponsor's election; they are not the same as who drafted or lobbied for the bill text. Lobbying disclosures are separate public records.
Take a position & compare alignment
Agree or disagree with H.R. 788? Go to the homepage to record your view and compare your stance with how your representatives vote. See Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]'s profile to vote on their bills and check your alignment % with the sponsor.
Read the official text on Congress.gov →
Frequently asked questions
What does H.R. 788 do?
Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the federal government from entering into or enforcing a settlement agreement on behalf of the United States that provides for a payment to any person or entity other than the United States. The bill provides exceptions…
Who sponsored H.R. 788?
Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5] (R) of Texas is the lead sponsor.
How do I find out who funds or lobbies for H.R. 788?
Campaign-finance records (Federal Election Commission) show who funds the bill's sponsor. Separately, federal lobbying disclosures filed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act list the companies and lobbyists who reported lobbying on specific bills. Voterly links the sponsor's donors; lobbying records are public at the U.S. Senate and House lobbying databases.
Is H.R. 788 now law?
Not yet. The current status is "In committee." See the latest action above for details.