H.R.66 - Federal Employee Student Debt Transparency Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 66, the Federal Employee Student Debt Transparency Act, mandates that Senior Executive Service (SES) and Schedule C employees disclose their federal student loan debt. This information includes the outstanding balance of principal and interest owed on loans under specific titles of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill requires covered employees to report this debt annually and new employees to report within 60 days of assuming their position.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to increase transparency regarding the financial obligations of high-ranking government employees. It requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to transmit a report to Congress annually, including the total amount owed by all covered employees and the names of those who failed to report. This increased transparency could potentially influence public perception and trust in government officials.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency regarding the financial obligations of high-ranking government employees.
- Provides Congress with data on the student loan debt of SES and Schedule C employees.
- May deter potential conflicts of interest related to student loan policies.
- Could promote public trust by demonstrating accountability.
- Allows for better oversight of potential financial vulnerabilities of key government personnel.
Potential Disadvantages
- May create additional administrative burden for covered employees and the Office of Government Ethics.
- Could potentially lead to privacy concerns for the disclosed financial information.
- May not significantly impact overall government ethics or policy decisions.
- The scope is limited to SES and Schedule C employees, potentially missing other relevant individuals.
- Could be perceived as a symbolic gesture without addressing broader issues of student debt.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general principles of government transparency and accountability. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, which could include ensuring the ethical conduct of government employees. There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions regarding individual rights or liberties.
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).