Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that 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.

Highlights:

• 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 (Sec. 2).

• Specifies the following exceptions for the aforementioned prohibitions, including allowing payments that remedy actual harm (including to the environment) caused by the party making the payment or constitute a payment for services rendered in connection with the case (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that government officials or agents who violate these prohibitions may be removed from office or required to forfeit to the government any money they hold for said purposes (Sec. 2).

• Requires agencies to report annually for 7 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 (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Office of Inspector General for each agency to also annually report on any settlement agreements that violate this bill’s requirements (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text