House Votes to Stop Settlement Slush Funds

Press Release

Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 732, the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2017, introduced by Representative Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) on January 30, 2017. The legislation prohibits government officials from entering into or enforcing any settlement agreement for civil or criminal actions on behalf of the United States if that agreement requires a party to the settlement to make a donation to a non-victim third party. The prohibition does not include payments of restitution that directly remedies harm caused by the defendant, including harm to the environment.

"We need to make clear the Department of Justice is not a tool for any President to use as a vehicle to enrich political allies," said Congressman Scott Taylor. "Our justice system demands that bad actors pay for their crimes. Under this practice, incredibly, we saw nearly a billion dollars withheld from victims and the Treasury, and redirected to political interests during the last administration. Closing this loophole means we can restore faith in our government and justice for future victims. I am proud to offer my support for the hard work my colleagues have put into bringing this bill to the floor."

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