Contact Congress about H.R. 8309: To amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit Presidents and Vice Presidents from receiving damages payments from the United States, and for other purposes.
Sitting Presidents and Vice Presidents could not get settlement money or similar payments from the U.S. government. After leaving office, they could bring claims again, but only with extra review and public reporting.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
To amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit Presidents and Vice Presidents from receiving damages payments from the United States, and for other purposes. is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Latest action on H.R. 8309: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects Presidents, Vice Presidents, some former Presidents, their spouses, dependent children, and trusts or entities tied to them. It also affects federal agencies and courts that handle their claims against the United States. The public would see more information about these cases because the bill requires online court access and payment disclosures.
Why this matters: This bill matters because it changes how the government handles money claims by the country's top executive officials and people close to them. It tries to reduce conflicts of interest when those officials may lead or influence the agencies that would pay them. It also makes these disputes more visible to the public. At the same time, it could delay or limit claims by people who believe the government harmed them.
Key provisions in H.R. 8309
- Covered individuals include the President, the Vice President, some former Presidents, their spouses, dependent children, and trusts or entities that benefit them or that they control.
- Covered individuals could not get settlements, reimbursements, attorney's fees, or similar payments from the United States for agency claims or civil lawsuits. They also could not send those payments to someone else.
- Covered individuals could not file agency claims asking the United States for money or in-kind payments, meaning non-cash benefits. Agencies also could not process or pay those claims.
- In lawsuits by covered individuals against the United States, courts could award only actual or compensatory damages, meaning money for real losses. Courts could do that only if an independent lawyer appointed by the court represents the agency being sued.
- Agencies would have to work with the court-appointed independent lawyer. That lawyer could be removed only for cause, meaning only for a valid reason.
How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 8309
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about H.R. 8309
- What is H.R. 8309?
- Sitting Presidents and Vice Presidents could not get settlement money or similar payments from the U.S. government. After leaving office, they could bring claims again, but only with extra review and public reporting.
- How do I support or oppose H.R. 8309?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about H.R. 8309?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain H.R. 8309 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
