Good Government Act of 2025
Summary
The Good Government Act of 2025 aims to prevent conflicts of interest among members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children. It amends Title 5 of the United States Code to prohibit transactions involving certain assets and mandates the placement of covered financial instruments into blind trusts. The Act defines 'covered financial instruments' and outlines procedures for divestment and compliance.
It also establishes reporting requirements and enforcement mechanisms, including civil penalties for non-compliance. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is tasked with auditing compliance two years after enactment.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely change the investment behavior of members of Congress and their families. It will increase transparency regarding their financial holdings.
It may also reduce public distrust by addressing potential conflicts of interest. The Act could lead to increased scrutiny of financial transactions by members of Congress.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces potential conflicts of interest for members of Congress.
- Increases transparency in financial dealings of public officials.
- Enhances public trust in government.
- Promotes ethical conduct among elected representatives.
- Provides clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms for compliance.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May create administrative burdens for members of Congress and supervising ethics offices.
- Could potentially limit investment options for members of Congress and their families.
- May require significant time and resources for compliance and enforcement.
- Potential for unintended consequences or loopholes.
- Possible legal challenges regarding scope and application.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Good Government Act of 2025 aligns with the principle of promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble of the US Constitution. By addressing potential conflicts of interest and promoting ethical conduct, the Act seeks to ensure that members of Congress act in the best interests of the public.
Congress's authority to regulate its members is supported by Article I, Section 5, which allows each house to determine the rules of its proceedings and punish its members for disorderly behavior. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).