Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026

This legislation aims to restrict how federal settlement agreements can direct funds, prohibiting U.S. Government officials from mandating payments to any person or entity other than the United States. Exceptions are strictly limited to payments that provide restitution for actual harm directly caused by the paying party, including environmental damage, or for payments constituting services rendered in connection with the case. To enforce these limitations, the bill establishes penalties for government officials who violate the provisions, aligning them with existing penalties for misusing public funds. Federal agencies are mandated to annually submit reports to the Congressional Budget Office detailing permitted settlement payments, while agency Inspectors General must conduct annual audits to identify and publicly report any agreements made in violation of the act to Congressional committees. These measures collectively aim to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of settlement funds.