Contact Congress about S. 225: Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023

Federal officials could no longer use civil settlements to send money to outside groups for most other purposes. Such payments would still be allowed to repay losses, repair harm, or cover services tied to the case.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, 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.

Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023 is a Senate bill in Congress.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects federal officials who negotiate civil settlements and outside groups that might receive settlement money. It also affects companies and other parties that make those payments. Federal agencies and their watchdog offices would take on new yearly reporting work.

Why this matters: Federal settlements can sometimes send money to groups that are not direct victims. This bill would narrow that practice and keep outside payments tied to repayment, proven harm, or case-related services. That could reduce funding for some community or environmental projects. It could also make it easier for Congress to track where settlement money goes. The size of the change would depend on how often agencies now use broader outside payments.

Key provisions in S. 225

• Federal officials could not make or carry out most civil settlements that send money outside the U.S. government. The payment must repay a loss, directly repair harm caused by the payer, or cover services tied to the case. Environmental harm counts.
• Officials who break the payment rule would face existing penalties for mishandling federal money. These are the penalties under section 3302 of title 31 of federal law.
• The limits would cover only settlements made on or after the bill becomes law. Older settlements would not fall under the new rule.
• Each federal agency would send a yearly electronic report to the Congressional Budget Office about allowed outside payments. It must name the parties and show where the money came from and how it was or would be distributed.
• Yearly agency reports to the Congressional Budget Office would stop seven years after the bill becomes law.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 225

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 S. 225

What is S. 225?

Federal officials could no longer use civil settlements to send money to outside groups for most other purposes. Such payments would still be allowed to repay losses, repair harm, or cover services tied to the case.

How do I support or oppose S. 225?

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 S. 225?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on S. 225?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.