Disclosure of Engagements with Attorney Law Firms Act of 2025; DEAL Act of 2025
Summary
The Disclosure of Engagements with Attorney Law Firms Act of 2025 (DEAL Act) directs the Comptroller General to investigate settlements made with covered law firms. The goal is to determine if these settlements violated section 3302(b) of title 31, United States Code, also known as the Miscellaneous Receipts Act. This act focuses on agreements between law firms and the Executive Branch involving legal services, particularly those connected to policy changes or exceeding $1,000,000 in value, entered into during a specific timeframe.
Expected Effects
The DEAL Act aims to increase transparency and accountability regarding the Executive Branch's interactions with law firms. It will require the Comptroller General to produce a report on settlements, potentially revealing instances where executive actions were influenced by agreements with law firms. This could lead to greater scrutiny of such agreements and potentially deter future instances of perceived conflicts of interest.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in government dealings with law firms.
- Potential detection of violations of the Miscellaneous Receipts Act.
- Greater accountability for the Executive Branch.
- May deter quid pro quo arrangements between the Executive Branch and law firms.
- Provides Congress with information to oversee Executive Branch activities.
Potential Disadvantages
- The report may reveal sensitive information about legal strategies.
- Could create a chilling effect on legitimate pro bono legal services.
- The definition of 'settlement' may be overly broad.
- The focus on a specific timeframe may miss other relevant agreements.
- The cost of the report may outweigh the benefits if no violations are found.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on transparency and accountability in government. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which requires regular statements and accounts of the receipts and expenditures of all public money, supports the intent of this bill. The bill also supports Congress's oversight role, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).