Press Releases

Congresswoman Gwen Moore Leads Effort to Crack Down on Corrupt, Taxpayer-Funded Settlements

Congresswoman Gwen Moore introduced the Executive Settlement Review Act to provide stronger oversight and independent review and approval of any legal settlements that occur between the President, his political allies, or personal associates, and the federal government they oversee. This legislation comes as the Trump administration has sought to use taxpayer funds for a $1.8 billion slush fund, which could have paid violent January 6^th insurrectionists.

“Trump has attempted to use sham government settlements to enrich himself and protect his family from legal scrutiny. And it likely doesn’t stop at him. I’m dismayed by recent reports that Treasury Secretary Bessent may be negotiating sweetheart deals with the IRS for himself. Congress and the Judiciary must work to prevent corruption and grift in the executive branch. My bill, the Executive Settlement Review Act, fulfills a need for a fair and comprehensive process to ensure that our tax dollars aren’t misused and that the public and Congress are aware of the details of any settlement that are at a heightened risk of abuse,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

The provisions of this bill would apply to pending lawsuits brought against the United States by the currently serving President, Vice President, Cabinet members, certain senior federal officials, their families, and their businesses, with exemptions for those seeking small claims.

Key Provisions of the bill:

• Formal filing of the proposed agreement by the Department of Justice with a federal district court, led by a panel of three judges.
• A 60-day period in which the public can and submit comments on any proposed settlements, comments that the government must address and which the court must consider.
• Submission of written briefs to the court by both parties outlining the merits and rationale of the agreement, including the disclosure of any documents or communications that informed their decision to settle.
• Review of the settlement by the three-judge district court panel, who will assess whether the settlement agreement is lawful, factual, and settles a legitimate legal dispute, among other criteria.