hey!
As of my last knowledge, there is no specific "Ethics and Government Act" that is widely recognized or referred to in the context of U.S. federal government regulations.
However! there are various ethics laws and regulations that apply to members of the executive branch in the United States, and one of the primary laws in this regard is the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
The Ethics in Government Act establishes certain restrictions and requirements for members of the executive branch, including:
- Step-by-step explanation:
Financial Disclosure: Members of the executive branch, particularly high-level officials and nominees, are required to file financial disclosure reports. These reports detail their financial interests, assets, liabilities, and sources of income. The purpose is to ensure transparency and identify potential conflicts of interest.
Restrictions on Outside Employment: Executive branch employees are generally restricted from engaging in certain types of outside employment or business activities that could create conflicts of interest. The extent of these restrictions varies depending on the specific position and the nature of the outside activities.
Post-Employment Restrictions: The Act imposes restrictions on lobbying activities and representation before the government by former executive branch officials. These restrictions are intended to prevent undue influence on government decisions by former government employees.
Gifts and Travel: Executive branch employees are subject to limits and reporting requirements regarding the acceptance of gifts and travel from outside sources. This is to prevent undue influence or the appearance of impropriety.
Financial Interests and Recusals: The Act may require executive branch officials to recuse themselves from participating in decisions that could affect their own financial interests or the financial interests of their family members.
OGE Regulations: The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) issues regulations and guidance to implement the Ethics in Government Act and related ethics laws. These regulations provide additional details and requirements for executive branch employees.