H.R.2291 - Gift Accountability, Reporting, and Disclosures Act; GARD Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2291, the Gift Accountability, Reporting, and Disclosures Act (GARD Act), aims to amend Title 5 of the United States Code, Section 7342, concerning the receipt and disposition of foreign gifts and decorations. The bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability regarding foreign gifts received by federal employees and candidates for federal office. It mandates stricter reporting requirements and expands the scope of individuals and entities subject to these regulations.
Expected Effects
The GARD Act will likely lead to more comprehensive tracking and public disclosure of foreign gifts received by federal officials and candidates. This includes revisions to reporting processes, expanded definitions of who is subject to the regulations, and new requirements for reporting the location and disposition of gifts. The Act also introduces penalties for late submissions and mandates the creation of publicly accessible databases of gift listings.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in the handling of foreign gifts by federal employees and candidates.
- Reduced potential for undue influence from foreign entities through gifts.
- Enhanced public trust in government integrity.
- Improved tracking and management of foreign gifts.
- Standardized reporting procedures across federal agencies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on federal agencies and employees.
- Potential for inadvertent non-compliance due to complex regulations.
- Possible delays in gift acceptance or processing due to stricter requirements.
- Costs associated with establishing and maintaining public databases.
- Risk of over-reporting or misinterpretation of gift values.
Constitutional Alignment
The GARD Act primarily aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability in government, which are implicit in the Constitution's structure. While the Constitution does not explicitly address foreign gifts, the Act supports the overall goal of maintaining a government free from corruption and undue influence. The reporting requirements could be seen as an exercise of Congress's power to oversee the executive branch, as outlined in Article I.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).