Failure To File or Filing False Disclosure Statements

The financial disclosure provisions of the Ethics in Government Act have been incorporated by reference as a rule of the House of Representatives,58 over which the Standards Committee has jurisdiction.59  In addition to any Committee action, EIGA authorizes the Attorney General of the United States to seek a civil penalty of up to $50,000 against an individual who knowingly and willfully falsifies or fails to file or to report any required information.60  Moreover, under federal criminal law, anyone who knowingly and willfully falsifies or conceals any material fact in a statement to the government may be fined up to $50,000, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.61

The Committee is authorized to render advisory opinions interpreting the financial disclosure provisions of EIGA for any person under its jurisdiction.  An individual who acts in good faith in accordance with a written advisory opinion shall not be subject to any sanction under the Act.62

58 House Rule 26.

59 See House Rule 10, cl. 1(t).

60 U.S.C. app. 4 § 104(a).

61 18 U.S.C. § 1001.

62 5 U.S.C. app. 4 § 106(b)(7).