SEER Act of 2025

The SEER Act of 2025 strengthens ethics oversight for special government employees (SGEs) - non-career federal staff serving on advisory committees or in non-advisory roles - who previously faced fewer disclosure requirements than full-time employees. It requires SGEs serving more than 60 days in a year (reducing the current 130-day limit) to follow the same ethics rules as regular employees, including mandatory financial disclosures and public posting of conflict-of-interest waivers. The bill also mandates a searchable online database listing each SGE's service duration and appointment reason, prohibits SGEs from communicating with agencies about companies they own or lead (if not on an advisory committee), and extends disclosure requirements to SGEs not serving in low-level roles. These changes directly affect SGEs in significant decision-making roles, enhancing transparency for the public and Congress.