Steven Horsford (D-NV)
ETHICAL Procurement Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "ETHICAL Procurement Act," aims to prevent conflicts of interest in defense contracting. It prohibits the Secretary of Defense from entering into, renewing, or extending contracts with certain entities. This restriction applies if the entity is owned or directed by specific high-level government employees. It also extends these prohibitions to immediate family members of those officials. The goal is to ensure transparency and integrity in the procurement process.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +8
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill enhances transparency by prohibiting contracts with entities tied to high-level government officials and their families.
- Scored +5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill aims to protect the integrity of government procurement by preventing self-dealing and conflicts of interest.
- Scored +2
Would union members be better off under this?
By fostering more transparent and competitive defense procurement, the bill may improve the overall fairness of the contracting market.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Would high-income households be better off under this?
High-income individuals serving in government or as their family members may face restrictions on their private business interests.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Preventing Conflicts of Interest: By prohibiting the Secretary of Defense from awarding contracts to entities owned or directed by high-level officials, the bill seeks to maintain integrity in the acquisition of goods and services (Section 2, subsection a).
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Protecting Against Nepotism: The bill prevents immediate family members—such as parents, children, siblings, spouses, or domestic partners—from benefiting from defense contracts through their roles as officers or significant owners (Section 2, subsection a, clause 2; Section 2, subsection c, clause 1).
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Ensuring Fair Procurement: The mandate for the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations regarding thresholds and procedures aims to create a clearer system for identifying prohibited entities (Section 2, subsection b).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Contractual Agreements: The bill prohibits the Secretary of Defense from entering into, renewing, or extending any contract or agreement for goods or services if certain ownership or leadership conditions are met (Section 2, subsection a).
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Impact on Family Members' Interests: Immediate family members of specific government employees could face limitations on their ability to hold significant ownership interests or roles in entities that seek or hold defense contracts (Section 2, subsection a, clause 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill enhances transparency by prohibiting contracts with entities tied to high-level government officials and their families.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill aims to protect the integrity of government procurement by preventing self-dealing and conflicts of interest.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — By fostering more transparent and competitive defense procurement, the bill may improve the overall fairness of the contracting market. Would high-income households be better off under this? — High-income individuals serving in government or as their family members may face restrictions on their private business interests.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill promotes integrity in the defense procurement process which supports the overall stability of the military establishment.
- 8/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Gilbert CisnerosDemocrat · California
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts