H.R. 9210: Block Lawless Agreements and Nullify Corrupt Handouts and Emoluments Act of 2026

This legislation, known as the Block Lawless Agreements and Nullify Corrupt Handouts and Emoluments Act of 2026 (BLANCHE Act), aims to set forth specific requirements regarding compromise settlements involving the President of the United States and claims against the federal government. Here are the main provisions of the bill:

Prohibition on Certain Settlements

The bill prohibits the President, or any third party acting under the President's direction, from receiving any payment from the United States in connection with any administrative claim, civil action, or other claims filed by the President against the federal government. This includes payments for damages, reimbursements, or attorneys' fees. In essence, the bill seeks to prevent any financial gain to the President or their affiliates from such settlements.

Validation of Settlements

Any agreement made to resolve such claims, defined as a "covered agreement," is considered void from the start, unless it obtains a court order that validates the agreement. This court order can only be issued after certain conditions are met:

• The President must file a civil action in court before any agreement is made.
• The proposed agreement must be presented to the court for a hearing.
• During the hearing, evidence must be presented by both parties.
• The court must make specific findings, ensuring that:
• The parties in the action are in opposition.
• The claim was not brought to force the agreement.
• The United States made a good faith effort to resolve the claims and has a reasonable legal basis for entering into the agreement.
• The agreement is not collusive or fraudulent.
• Entering into the agreement serves the interest of justice.

Definition of Covered Agreement

A "covered agreement" is defined in the bill as any settlement agreement, consent decree, compromise settlement, or other agreement aimed at resolving an administrative claim, civil action, or other claim against the United States. This broad definition includes various forms of legal resolutions.

Applicability

The provisions outlined in the bill apply to any covered agreement made between the President and the federal government, regardless of when the agreement is concluded—before or after the enactment of this law.

Clerical Amendment

The bill also includes a clerical amendment to the legal code, adding a new section that pertains specifically to compromise settlements between the President and the United States.

Relevant Companies

None found