Bill · S. 2794· Senate(119-S-2794)
DECLINE Act
- Introduced
- 9/11/2025
- Last activity
- 9/11/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Joni Ernst
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The DECLINE Act requires agency heads to establish a specific policy regarding the deactivation of charge cards when employees leave their positions. This policy must be implemented by the agency's chief financial officer and chief human capital officer within 30 days of the Act's enactment. The policy requires departing employees to return their cards, remove them from digital wallets, and ensures agency personnel deactivate the accounts and notify financial institutions. The Act also mandates oversight through annual reports from the Comptroller General. These reports will track card issuance, deactivation, internal controls, and late fees paid by agencies.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill enhances transparency by requiring the Comptroller General to submit annual reports on agency charge card usage and internal controls to Congress.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+4
The Act improves fiscal responsibility by requiring agencies to implement internal controls and providing annual oversight reports on charge card use and late fees.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+3
The bill aims to reduce government spending by targeting the prevention of fraud, misuse, and redundant card issuance through stricter deactivation policies.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Accountability and Oversight: The Act requires the Comptroller General to submit annual reports to Senate and House committees regarding charge card use, internal controls, and unusual spending patterns (Section 2(c)). This provides a mechanism to monitor how agencies handle government funds.
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Prevention of Misuse: By requiring agencies to establish a policy where personnel immediately deactivate charge cards and report them as no longer valid (Section 2(b)), the bill aims to address potential misuse, fraud, or redundant card issuance (Section 2(c)(2)).
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Standardized Separation Procedures: The bill creates a formal process for "covered individuals"—including those in senior or policy-determining roles—to return cards and clear them from digital wallets during the official separation process (Section 2(a) and Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Administrative Burden for Agency Personnel: Agency personnel are tasked with the specific responsibilities of physically securing returned charge cards, immediately deactivating accounts, and reporting those cards to financial institutions (Section 2(b)).
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Requirement for Additional Agency Coordination: The policy requires the chief financial officer to act in consultation with the chief human capital officer to establish and implement these new separation procedures (Section 2(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+4Reduces Government Spending+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- 9/29/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/11/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Mike LeeRepublican · Utah
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida