Bill · H.R. 10558· House(119-HR-10558)
CLEAR Act
- Introduced
- 9/24/2026
- Last activity
- 9/24/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Harriet Hageman
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Clearer Liability Expenditure and Access to Reporting Act of 2026 or the CLEAR Act. It requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make more information publicly available online regarding payments made from the Judgment Fund. The bill mandates that this website display specific details about each payment, such as the agency involved, the claimant, attorney fees, and a brief description of the facts behind the claim. Additionally, the website must tabulate total monthly payments and searchability categories. The Comptroller General is also required to review settlements and submit an annual report to Congress analyzing the use of sue-and-settle tactics. Finally, the bill protects the identity of any individual who discloses information about these payments.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill requires the Treasury to publish detailed information online regarding Judgment Fund payments and agency settlements.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+4
The bill protects the identity of individuals who disclose information regarding Judgment Fund payments.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+3
The bill enhances government transparency by requiring public reporting of Judgment Fund payments and settlement costs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2 (amending Section 1304(d)(1) of title 31) requires the Secretary of the Treasury to publish clear details about Judgment Fund payments on a public website. This holds officials accountable by letting the public see which agencies' actions caused claims, who received payouts, and how much was paid out in principal and attorney fees.
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Section 2 (amending Section 1304(d)(2) and (3) of title 31) ensures the public website tabulates and categorizes total monthly payments, settlements, and legal costs. This makes it easier for everyday citizens to track how government money is being spent on legal liabilities and settlements.
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Section 2 (adding Section 1304(e) of title 31) directs the Comptroller General to review settlements and report annually to Congress on "sue-and-settle" tactics used by federal agencies. This gives our elected officials a clearer look at how agencies handle lawsuits and policy changes behind closed doors.
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Section 2 (adding Section 1304(f) of title 31) protects the identity of any individual who discloses information regarding a Judgment Fund payment. This safeguards whistleblowers or informants who come forward with transparency details.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the provided text, there are no explicit negative consequences or burdens identified for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7Improves Privacy Rights+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House