WASHINGTON – Today, following a 20-month investigation by Congress into claims that the Justice Department was requiring banks—as part of legal settlements—to fund groups that were politically aligned with the president, the House passed
H.R. 5063, the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act. H.R. 5063 would prohibit government officials from requiring payments to third-party, non-victim groups as part of settlement agreements with the federal government.
After the bill passed the House, Congressman French Hill (AR-02), a Member of the House Financial Services Committee, stated:
“Earlier this year, the Financial Services Committee uncovered settlement agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice that required defendants to direct more than $800 million to political allies of the Obama Administration. Congress holds the power of the purse, and these funds should be awarded to the victims or deposited in the Treasury and subject to the appropriations process. Today’s bill affirms Congress’s authority over these vital funds, providing transparency and accountability for the American people.”
