Financial disclosure requires federal officials and certain employees to publicly report personal financial interests, including assets, income, liabilities, transactions, and gifts, to prevent conflicts of interest and promote transparency under the Ethics in Government Act.
Congressional Requirements
Members of Congress, officers, and employees above filing thresholds must submit annual reports, new filer reports, termination reports, and periodic transaction reports via the Senate’s eFD system or House processes. These cover sensitive activities like stock trades, sparking debate over potential conflicts. (See Congressional Stock Trading: The Law, the Conflicts, and the Push for a Ban.) Senate thresholds for 2025 are $150,160; House filings are due by May 15 for certain new members.
Executive Branch Requirements
Senior officials file public OGE Form 278 reports within 30 days of entry or exit and annually by May 15, detailing finances for public review. GS-15 and below in high-risk roles file confidential OGE Form 450 by February 15 to identify conflicts in contracting, procurement, or regulation.
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