What does Preamble of Swalwell Act do?

This bill aims to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds for settlements related to workplace misconduct claims involving Members of Congress or senior staff. It requires personal financial accountability and seeks to ensure transparency regarding past settlements while protecting victims. The bill mandates that criminal allegations be referred to the Department of Justice.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Swalwell Act do?

This Act is formally titled the "Stopping Wasteful Allowances for Lawmaker Wrongdoing and Ensuring Legal Liability Act" or the "Swalwell Act".

What does PROHIBITION ON USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS IN CONNECTION WITH of Swalwell Act do?

This section prohibits the use of federal funds to pay settlements, awards, or judgments related to workplace misconduct claims. The prohibition applies to claims against Members of Congress and senior staff of the House of Representatives or Senate. Workplace misconduct is defined to include claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other violations of employment or civil rights laws.

What does PERSONAL LIABILITY OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS OR A SENIOR STAFF OF of Swalwell Act do?

This section establishes personal liability for Members of Congress and senior staff found liable in, or settling, workplace misconduct claims. Federal funds and campaign funds are prohibited from being used to reimburse such payments. Members of Congress and senior staff must certify, under penalty of perjury, that no public funds were used for these payments.

What does MANDATORY DISCLOSURE OF SETTLEMENTS. of Swalwell Act do?

This section requires the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate to maintain and publish a publicly accessible database. The database will contain information regarding settlements or liability findings for workplace misconduct claims involving Members of Congress or senior staff. The database will include the name of the involved Member or staff, the settlement amount, the resolution date, and a general description of the claim. Personally identifiable information of victims or complainants will be excluded from the database. Disclosures must be made within 30 days of the claim's resolution.

What does RETROACTIVE DISCLOSURE OF PAST SETTLEMENTS. of Swalwell Act do?

This section requires the Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate to publish settlements and awards paid using public funds. These disclosures must relate to workplace misconduct claims involving Members of Congress or senior staff. The publication deadline is 180 days after the Act's enactment. The disclosures must comply with privacy protections outlined in section 4(b).

What does REFERRAL OF CRIMINAL ALLEGATIONS. of Swalwell Act do?

This section establishes a process for referring allegations of criminal conduct by Members of Congress or senior staff to the Department of Justice. Referrals must be made promptly and are to be initiated by the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, the House Committee on Ethics, or the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. Settlement agreements, nondisclosure agreements, or internal congressional processes cannot prevent or delay these referrals. The referral process is not dependent on the consent of the complainant.

What does ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES. of Swalwell Act do?

This section establishes enforcement and penalties for violations of the Act. Members of Congress and senior staff of the House of Representatives or Senate who violate the Act are subject to a civil penalty. The civil penalty equals at least 200 percent of the improperly paid amount. Violators may also be referred to the appropriate Ethics Committee for disciplinary action. The Attorney General is authorized to bring a civil action to enforce compliance with the Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Swalwell Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Member of Congress” includes Delegates or Resident Commissioners to the Congress. “Senior staff of the House of Representatives or Senate” refers to individuals required to file reports under subchapter I of chapter 131 of title 5, United States Code.

What does RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. of Swalwell Act do?

This section establishes rules of construction for the Act. The Act states that it should not limit victims' rights to pursue claims or receive compensation. Disclosure of a victim's identity, including sex and personally identifiable information, requires their express written consent. The House of Representatives or the Senate are not prevented from taking actions to protect victims' identities.

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Swalwell Act

Last updated: 4/15/2026 · Introduced: 4/15/2026

Author: Paul Gosar (R-AZ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for settlements related to workplace misconduct claims against Members of Congress and their senior staff, including claims of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
It establishes personal liability for Members of Congress and senior staff found liable in workplace misconduct claims, preventing the use of federal or campaign funds for reimbursement and requiring certification of compliance.
The bill mandates the public disclosure of past and future settlements or liability findings involving Members of Congress or senior staff, while protecting the privacy of victims and requiring the referral of criminal allegations to the Department of Justice.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 9 more.

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