CLC Endorses Legislation on Executive Branch Accountability and Transparency

Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs voted to advance S.2270, the Executive Branch Accountability and Transparency Act. This bipartisan legislation, which is led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Gary Peters (D-MI), would strengthen ethics in the executive branch by promoting public access to vital information needed to hold officials accountable. 

This bill is also the Senate counterpart to legislation recently approved by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Campaign Legal Center (CLC) endorses the legislation and Kedric Payne — CLC’s vice president, general counsel, and senior director, ethics — issued the following statement of support: 

“CLC applauds the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s decision to move the Executive Branch Accountability and Transparency Act a step closer to a full vote by the whole Senate. 

“This bipartisan legislation would establish a new database that tracks information like financial disclosures, recusal agreements, and other relevant ethics documents for key executive branch officials and political appointees. 

“As the nation prepares for a new presidential administration, voters have a right to access these records, so they can know whether their federal officials are prioritizing the needs of the public. 

“Ethics violations and conflicts of interest by members of the executive branch risk eroding public trust if left unchecked. Without enhanced transparency, elected and appointed leaders can serve their own personal interests unbeknownst to voters, ultimately harming everyday Americans and our country. 

“Following today’s important committee action, both chambers of Congress must not delay in passing this critical legislation.”