To amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit Presidents and Vice Presidents from receiving damages payments from the United States, and for other purposes.
This bill would prohibit sitting Presidents and Vice Presidents from receiving any payments from the federal government through settlements, consent decrees, or administrative claims related to lawsuits against the United States. The ban extends to their spouses, dependent children, and any trusts or entities they control or benefit from. If a sitting President or Vice President attempts to file such a claim or receives a payment in violation of this law, they face potential penalties including disgorgement of funds, civil penalties up to $1 million or the amount of the payment (whichever is greater), and imprisonment for up to five years. Federal employees who knowingly process such payments face civil penalties and up to six months in jail. The bill does allow former Presidents and Vice Presidents to file claims after leaving office, but requires extensive safeguards including appointment of independent career employees to oversee the claims, notification to Congress, and publication of all settlement terms and payments in the Federal Register within seven days. The restrictions apply to any claims filed after the bill becomes law, regardless of when the original dispute arose.
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