Us Congress House Bill HB10040

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/25/24
• Refer: 10/25/24

Caption

GARD Act Gift Accountability, Reporting, and Disclosures Act

Impact

If enacted, the GARD Act would impose stricter reporting requirements on federal employees and agencies. The amendments include the introduction of a new late fee for employees who fail to submit their reports on time, as well as a provision to swiftly make these listings publicly accessible, resembling existing financial disclosure reports. This shift is intended to ensure that federal employees are more aware of their obligations regarding foreign gifts, thus fostering a culture of accountability within government operations.

Summary

House Bill 10040, known as the Gift Accountability, Reporting, and Disclosures Act (or GARD Act), is designed to amend section 7342 of title 5 of the United States Code. The bill mandates that federal agencies compile and submit a comprehensive list of statements regarding the receipt and disposition of foreign gifts and decorations to the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of State. This legislative effort aims to enhance transparency and accountability among government officials concerning the acceptance of gifts from foreign entities, which can pose ethical concerns.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HB 10040 involves the practicality and effectiveness of implementing such accountability measures. Critics argue that additional bureaucracy may create unnecessary hurdles for federal employees, detracting from their primary responsibilities. Additionally, the criteria for what constitutes a gift from a 'country of concern' designated by the Secretary of State could lead to ambiguity, potentially complicating compliance with the new regulations. As with other transparency measures, there is debate over balancing the need for ethical oversight with the potential for overregulation that may hinder government functionality.