H.R.2455 - Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2455, the Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025, aims to increase transparency regarding the use of special Government employees (SGEs). It seeks to limit their service to 130 days per year and mandates the creation of a public database containing information about certain SGEs. The bill also requires the public release of financial disclosure reports filed by covered SGEs.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would likely lead to stricter limitations on the use of SGEs by Executive agencies. It would also increase public scrutiny of these employees through the mandated database and financial disclosure requirements. This could potentially affect the ability of agencies to quickly bring in outside expertise.
Potential Benefits
Here are some potential benefits of the bill:
* Increased transparency in government operations.
* Greater accountability for special Government employees.
* Reduced potential for conflicts of interest.
* Improved public trust in government.
* Standardized employment classifications for individuals exceeding the SGE limit.
Potential Disadvantages
Here are some potential disadvantages of the bill:
* Reduced flexibility for agencies to utilize specialized expertise on a short-term basis.
* Increased administrative burden for agencies to track SGE service days and manage the database.
* Potential difficulty in attracting qualified individuals to serve as SGEs due to increased scrutiny.
* The 130-day limit might be too restrictive for certain roles.
* The definition of 'covered special government employee' may exclude some relevant individuals.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the principles of transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the Constitution's emphasis on a government accountable to the people. While the Constitution does not explicitly address the use of special government employees, the bill's focus on transparency can be seen as supporting the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech and the press, allowing for greater public scrutiny of government operations. The establishment of a public database and the release of financial disclosures promote transparency, enabling citizens to better understand and evaluate the actions of their government.
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).