Bills · S 1491
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1491Government Operations and Politics
SEER Act 2025
INTRO APR 10· LAST ACTION APR 10
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
13
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it addresses concerns about potential corruption and conflicts of interest among government officials. In a time when public trust in government is often low, ensuring that part-time experts serving the government are not using their positions to enrich themselves or their private companies is crucial. If this bill becomes law, it would shine a light on the financial ties of many individuals who currently work for the government on a part-time basis without public scrutiny, potentially preventing ethical breaches before they occur.
Without this bill, many influential special Government employees can continue to operate with less transparency regarding their financial interests and potential conflicts. This lack of public information can lead to situations where private interests might unduly influence government decisions. By making these financial ties public and tightening conflict-of-interest rules, the bill aims to restore confidence that government decisions are made impartially and solely for the public good, rather than being swayed by hidden financial agendas.
KEY PROVISIONS
6AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires Special Government Employees (SGEs) to be officially designated on a 'Notification of Personnel Action' form.
This clarifies who is formally recognized as an SGE, making it easier to apply ethics rules.
PROVISION 02
Expands conflict-of-interest rules for certain SGEs to apply to specific components of a matter, not just the entire matter.
This significantly broadens the scope of what constitutes a conflict, closing potential loopholes for influential SGEs.
PROVISION 03
Mandates public disclosure, via a searchable online database, of any conflict-of-interest waivers granted to certain SGEs within 14 days.
This greatly increases transparency, allowing the public to see when SGEs are permitted to work despite potential conflicts.
PROVISION 04
Restricts certain SGEs from communicating with agencies that deal with 'large companies' the SGE owns or for which they are a senior executive/director.
This directly targets the 'revolving door' issue, preventing SGEs from using their government role to benefit their private businesses.
PROVISION 05
Requires a public, searchable online database of certain SGEs, including their name, service days, and reason for SGE designation.
This creates a central, accessible resource for public oversight of these part-time government officials.
PROVISION 06
Requires certain SGEs (not low-level or advisory committee members) to make their financial disclosure reports public.
This significantly increases public transparency regarding the financial holdings and potential conflicts of influential SGEs.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 13
D· Massachusetts
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
84
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 13 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAPR 10
Introduced in Senate
APR 10
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1491
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedApr 10, 2025
Last actionApr 10, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED APR 10, 2025
Senate BillS 1491Government Operations and Politics
SEER Act 2025
INTRODUCED APR 10, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 10, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
8 min
COSPONSORS
13
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
