Palmer, Mfume Push Federal Settlement Transparency
Bipartisan bill would require public database for federal settlement agreements and consent decrees
U.S. Representatives Gary Palmer (R-AL-06) and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) have introduced the Settlement Agreement Information Database (SAID) Act of 2026. The bill, H.R. 7934, would require agencies to disclose key details of settlement agreements in a centralized, public database.The bipartisan bill is designed to pull back the curtain on how federal agencies settle disputes.
Supporters say the measure will improve trust in government by giving taxpayers a clearer view of how agencies resolve legal disputes and spend public funds.
“Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining the American people’s trust in their government,” Palmer said. “Too often, federal agencies negotiate settlement agreements and consent decrees behind closed doors and only release hand-picked information about these deals to the public through press releases. The SAID Act will bring much-needed transparency to these agreements by ensuring they are publicly available in a centralized database. By shining a light on these deals, Congress and the public will be able to better understand how federal agencies are exercising their authority and hold them accountable when those actions impose burdens outside the normal legislative or regulatory process. I am honored to introduce this bipartisan transparency bill along with Representative Mfume.”
Mfume echoed that concern, pointing to the role of taxpayer dollars in federal settlements.
"Americans of all walks of life deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent. When a federal agency enters into a binding settlement, taxpayers have a right to know the terms of that agreement," Mfume said. "Without that fundamental transparency, we cannot truly claim to have the informed consent of the people. This bill will establish true accountability by creating a publicly accessible database, where Americans can track the terms of these settlement agreements and consent decrees. If an agency wants to keep those terms confidential, they will have to give a public explanation of why, rather than simply declaring it classified without explanation. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation along with Representative Palmer, and I urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in strengthening Congressional oversight over every federal dollar spent."
Under the proposal, federal agencies would be required to submit settlement details to a searchable online database overseen by the Office of Management and Budget. The disclosures would include agreement dates, payment amounts, attorney fees, and which state or local governments are affected.
The bill also sets limits on secrecy. If an agency determines that certain terms must remain confidential, the agency head would have to notify Congress and provide a public explanation.
A similar measure cleared the U.S. House during the 118th Congress in January 2023 as H.R. 300, indicating prior bipartisan support for the concept.
If passed, the SAID Act would mark one of the most direct efforts in recent years to standardize how federal settlement agreements are reported and reviewed.
