H.R.2894 - SGE Ethics Enforcement Reform Act of 2025; SEER Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2894, the SGE Ethics Enforcement Reform Act of 2025 (SEER Act of 2025), aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to modify the definition of 'special Government employee' (SGE) and address potential conflicts of interest. The bill seeks to increase transparency and accountability for SGEs, particularly those with significant roles and responsibilities, by requiring financial disclosures and restricting communications with agencies under certain circumstances. It also mandates the creation of a public database of SGEs and clarifies the applicability of ethics rules.
Expected Effects
The SEER Act would likely lead to stricter oversight of special Government employees, reducing potential conflicts of interest and increasing public trust. It would require more SGEs to disclose their financial interests and limit their ability to communicate with agencies where they have a financial stake. The creation of a public database would also enhance transparency.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency regarding the roles and potential conflicts of interest of special Government employees.
- Enhanced accountability for SGEs, particularly those with significant responsibilities.
- Reduced potential for undue influence by SGEs with financial interests in companies regulated by or contracting with the government.
- Greater public trust in government decision-making processes.
- More consistent application of ethics rules to SGEs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential difficulty in attracting highly qualified individuals to serve as SGEs due to increased disclosure requirements and restrictions.
- Increased administrative burden for agencies in tracking and managing SGEs and their disclosures.
- Possible chilling effect on communication between government agencies and private sector experts.
- Potential for unintended consequences due to overly broad definitions or restrictions.
- Risk of deterring qualified individuals from serving on advisory committees due to increased scrutiny.
Constitutional Alignment
The SEER Act appears to align with the general principles of transparency and accountability in government, which are implicit in the Constitution's structure and emphasis on representative democracy. While the Constitution does not explicitly address the ethics of special government employees, the Act's provisions aimed at preventing conflicts of interest and promoting transparency can be seen as supporting the overall goal of good governance. The First Amendment implications regarding restrictions on communication would need to be carefully considered to ensure no abridgment of freedom of speech.
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).