Sponsors (16)
The bill increases congressional oversight and reduces unilateral settlement payouts involving a President or former President, but does so at the cost of added delay, heightened risk of politicization, and legal uncertainty over finality.
Congress (and the public) will get same-day, ID-numbered reports on covered settlements and Congress must approve those settlements via a joint resolution within 60 days, increasing congressional oversight and limiting unilateral executive settlement actions.
Taxpayers and the Treasury are less likely to face unexpected unilateral payouts because Treasury payments for covered settlements are conditioned on Attorney General certification and the congressional approval process.
Presidents, former Presidents, and taxpayers could see settlement decisions become politicized and subject to partisan gridlock because settlements require a congressional joint resolution to take effect.
Plaintiffs, federal employees, and the government may face longer waits for final settlements and payments due to the 60-day congressional approval window and AG reporting requirements, prolonging uncertainty and hardship for claimants.
Government contractors, taxpayers, and litigants could face additional legal uncertainty because treating judgments as final based on AG certification that no appeal will be taken may invite disputes and court challenges over finality.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires Attorney General reporting and a congressional joint resolution (within 60 days) to approve settlements resolving imminent litigation by a President or former President against the U.S.
Official title: To amend title 28, United States Code, to reform the process for payment of certain compromise settlements, and for other purposes.
Introduced June 18, 2026 by John B. Larson · Last progress June 18, 2026
Requires Congress to approve certain settlements when a President or former President seeks a compromise to avoid imminent litigation against the United States. It changes how covered settlements are reported, certified, and treated as final for Treasury payment and blocks approval unless a joint resolution enacted within 60 days approves the settlement. Establishes reporting and timing rules: the Attorney General must certify certain judgments and send a numbered report to both Houses the same day; Congress must pass a specific-form joint resolution within 60 days to permit consideration or approval of the settlement. The law preserves Treasury payment of final judgments but narrows the route for resolving suits brought by current or former Presidents against the United States, its agencies, or officials.