H.R.2824 - Employee Limits ON Profiteering Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2824, the "Employee Limits ON Profiteering Act," aims to prevent federal awards from benefiting special Government employees and related parties. The bill prohibits the Federal Government from entering into contracts, grants, or agreements with special Government employees or their immediate family members and organizations they lead. An exception is made for special Government employees serving solely on advisory committees.
The bill mandates a revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) within 60 days of enactment to reflect these prohibitions. The Act defines key terms such as "advisory committee," "covered third party," "Federal award," and "special Government employee" to ensure clarity and consistent application.
This legislation seeks to address potential conflicts of interest and ensure that federal funds are not used to unduly benefit individuals with connections to the government.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to restrict the flow of federal funds to special government employees and related parties, potentially reducing conflicts of interest.
This could lead to increased scrutiny of federal awards and contracts. It may also require government agencies to revise their procurement processes.
Ultimately, it could promote greater transparency and accountability in government spending.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces potential conflicts of interest among special Government employees.
- Promotes fairness and impartiality in the awarding of Federal contracts and grants.
- Enhances public trust in government by preventing self-dealing.
- Ensures that Federal funds are used for the public good rather than private enrichment.
- May lead to more competitive bidding processes for Federal awards.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May limit the pool of qualified individuals and organizations eligible for Federal awards.
- Could increase administrative burdens and compliance costs for government agencies.
- May discourage qualified individuals from serving as special Government employees.
- Potential for unintended consequences if the definitions are too broad or ambiguous.
- Possible delays in awarding Federal contracts and grants due to increased scrutiny.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general principles of good governance and preventing corruption, which could be argued to fall under the Constitution's aim to "promote the general Welfare." Article I, Section 9, Clause 8, which prohibits the granting of titles of nobility and requires transparency in government spending, is tangentially relevant, as the bill seeks to prevent undue enrichment through government service.
However, the Constitution does not explicitly address the specific issue of federal awards to special government employees. The bill's focus on preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring fair use of taxpayer money aligns with the spirit of accountability and responsible governance implied within the Constitution's broader framework.
There is no apparent conflict with any specific constitutional provision.
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).