Bill · S. 4978· Senate(119-S-4978)
Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/14/2026
- Last activity
- 7/14/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Tommy Tuberville
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026" limits the types of payments that can be made in settlement agreements involving the United States. Government officials cannot require payments to entities other than the U.S. unless the money provides restitution for actual harm, remedies environmental damage, or pays for services related to the case. Officials who violate these rules face penalties under section 3302 of title 31, United States Code. The bill also requires federal agencies to report these specific settlement payments to the Congressional Budget Office annually. Additionally, the Inspector General of each agency must publicly report any settlements that violate the Act.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+8
Requires reporting of settlement payments to the CBO and public reports of violations via the Inspector General.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+5
Increases oversight of government settlement funds and prohibits the use of 'slush funds' for non-restitutive payments.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+2
Explicitly allows settlement payments that remedy environmental damage caused by the paying party.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
Limits the ability of businesses to resolve lawsuits via discretionary donations to third parties.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Accountability for Government Officials: Section 2(b) establishes that officials or agents of the Government who violate the donation limits are subject to penalties, which holds them accountable for their actions.
-
Transparency of Funds: Section 2(e)(1) requires reports on settlement payments to be submitted to the Congressional Budget Office, including who the parties are and how funds are distributed.
-
Public Oversight: Section 2(f)(1) requires the Inspector General to make reports of settlement violations available on a publicly accessible website.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restriction on Settlement Payments: Section 2(a) prohibits settlement payments to any person or entity other than the United States, unless the payment is for services, restitution, or remedying actual harm.
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+8
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+5Reduces National Debt+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+2
- 7/14/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
Ron JohnsonRepublican · Wisconsin
Mike LeeRepublican · Utah
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida