BLANCHE Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]
Introduced
Summary
Blocks settlements that pay the President or people he directs. The bill would make most settlement agreements that award money or other benefits to a sitting or former President void unless a court holds a hearing and explicitly approves the deal under strict conditions.
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- Presidents and anyone who later becomes President would be barred from receiving payments, fees, or in-kind benefits through covered settlement agreements unless a court finds the deal meets several fairness and non-collusion tests.
- The federal government would gain a stronger shield against settlements that channel funds to the President or to third parties acting at the President's direction, by declaring those agreements void ab initio unless a court orders otherwise.
- Federal courts would be required to hold hearings, hear evidence, and make explicit findings that parties were adverse, the United States made a reasonable legal defense, the deal is not collusive or fraudulent, and the settlement is in the interest of justice before enforcing a covered agreement.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Bar settlements that pay the President
This bill would define “covered agreement” to mean any settlement, consent decree, compromise, or other deal that resolves a claim against the United States. It would bar the United States from entering into or enforcing any such agreement resolving a claim filed by the President, or by someone who later became President, if the agreement would result in any payment to the President or to a third party at the President’s direction. Payments covered would include cash and in-kind payments such as damages, reimbursement, or attorneys’ fees. Any such covered agreement would be void from the start unless a court issues an order giving it effect. A court could only approve the agreement after the President files the proposed terms (if no lawsuit has been filed), after a hearing with evidence, and after explicit findings that the parties are adverse, the deal is not collusive or a fraud on the court, the United States explored defenses and has a reasonable legal basis, and the agreement is in the interest of justice. This rule would apply to covered agreements concluded before, on, or after the date of enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]
MD • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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