PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 2, 2023
Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023
This bill prohibits the federal government from entering into or enforcing a settlement agreement on behalf of the United States that provides for a payment to any person or entity other than the United States. The bill provides exceptions to allow payments that (1) remedy actual harm (including to the environment) caused by the party making the payment, or (2) constitute a payment for services rendered in connection with the case.
Government officials or agents who violate this prohibition may be removed from office or required to forfeit to the government any money they hold for such purposes to which they may otherwise be entitled.
Agencies must report annually for seven years to the Congressional Budget Office about the parties, funding sources, and distribution of funds for their settlement agreements permitted by the exceptions in this bill. The Office of Inspector General for each agency must also report annually on any settlement agreements that violate the bill's requirements.
People & committees
Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 197 (Roll no. 7).
House roll call 7 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 197 (Roll no. 7).
House roll call 7 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 189 - 205 (Roll no. 6).
House roll call 6 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H83-84)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 788, the Chair put the question on the motion to recommit and announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Foushee demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Mrs. Foushee moved to recommit to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR H77)
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 947, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McCormick amendment No. 1.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 788.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 788, H.J. Res. 98 and S.J. Res. 38. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 788 under a structured rule, with one hour of general debate. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 98 and S.J. Res. 38 under a closed rule, with one hour of general debate on each joint resolution. Also, the resolution provides for a motion to recommit on H.R. 788 and H.J. Res. 98. A motion to commit on S.J. Res. 38.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 947. (consideration: CR H71-77; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H71)
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 947 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 788, H.J. Res. 98 and S.J. Res. 38. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 788 under a structured rule, with one hour of general debate. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 98 and S.J. Res. 38 under a closed rule, with one hour of general debate on each joint resolution. Also, the resolution provides for a motion to recommit on H.R. 788 and H.J. Res. 98. A motion to commit on S.J. Res. 38.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 278.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 118-339.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 118-339.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 10.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.788 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.788 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.788 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.788 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.