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GARD Act

USA119th CongressHR-2291| House 
| Updated: 3/24/2025
Byron Donalds

Byron Donalds

Republican Representative

Florida

Cosponsors (1)
Jared F. Golden (Democratic)

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Gift Accountability, Reporting, and Disclosures Act (GARD Act) significantly amends section 7342 of title 5, United States Code, to strengthen the reporting and oversight of foreign gifts and decorations received by federal employees. It expands the definition of individuals required to report to include candidates for President, Vice President, and Member of Congress, and broadens the definition of a "foreign government" to encompass any non-United States citizen or entity. A key new provision prohibits the acceptance of gifts from countries designated as "countries of concern" by the Secretary of State. The Act revises the reporting process by changing the annual submission deadline for compiled statements from January 31 to May 15. Agencies are now required to submit these statements to both the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of State, with the Secretary of State then making them publicly available. The level of detail required in these reports is also increased, mandating information such as the estimated fair market value determined by retail prices or appraisal, a Personal Property Management Foreign Gift Inventory Control Number, and the current location and final disposition of the gift. To ensure compliance and enhance transparency, the bill introduces a $200 late fee for statements filed 30 days after the deadline, though agencies may waive this fee for good cause. Furthermore, within 120 days of enactment, each employing agency must adapt its systems to enable public access to these foreign gift listings, mirroring the public accessibility of financial disclosure reports. This aims to provide greater public scrutiny over gifts received from foreign sources.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-10040
GARD Act
Mar 24, 2025
Introduced in House
Mar 24, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-10040
    GARD Act


  • March 24, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • March 24, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

GARD Act

USA119th CongressHR-2291| House 
| Updated: 3/24/2025
The Gift Accountability, Reporting, and Disclosures Act (GARD Act) significantly amends section 7342 of title 5, United States Code, to strengthen the reporting and oversight of foreign gifts and decorations received by federal employees. It expands the definition of individuals required to report to include candidates for President, Vice President, and Member of Congress, and broadens the definition of a "foreign government" to encompass any non-United States citizen or entity. A key new provision prohibits the acceptance of gifts from countries designated as "countries of concern" by the Secretary of State. The Act revises the reporting process by changing the annual submission deadline for compiled statements from January 31 to May 15. Agencies are now required to submit these statements to both the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of State, with the Secretary of State then making them publicly available. The level of detail required in these reports is also increased, mandating information such as the estimated fair market value determined by retail prices or appraisal, a Personal Property Management Foreign Gift Inventory Control Number, and the current location and final disposition of the gift. To ensure compliance and enhance transparency, the bill introduces a $200 late fee for statements filed 30 days after the deadline, though agencies may waive this fee for good cause. Furthermore, within 120 days of enactment, each employing agency must adapt its systems to enable public access to these foreign gift listings, mirroring the public accessibility of financial disclosure reports. This aims to provide greater public scrutiny over gifts received from foreign sources.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-10040
GARD Act
Mar 24, 2025
Introduced in House
Mar 24, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-10040
    GARD Act


  • March 24, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • March 24, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Byron Donalds

Byron Donalds

Republican Representative

Florida

Cosponsors (1)
Jared F. Golden (Democratic)

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted