2.2: Compliance Monitoring
Monitor continued compliance with conflict of interest laws. Other Information:
After assuming their duties, individuals appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate file financial disclosure
reports annually and upon terminating their Government service. In addition, other high level Government officials and political
appointees file such reports. These filings ensure that OGE and the relevant agency can continue to monitor for potential
conflicts of interest. Review of annual and termination reports assure the public that conflicts of interest have not influenced
an individual’s service to the Government. For this system to be effective, it is imperative for the reports to be submitted
and reviewed timely. In particular, in the case of annual reports, timely attention to the reports ensures that potential
conflicts of interest can be addressed as employees acquire new investments or their Government duties change. Strategies
for Objective 2.2: Encourage agencies to provide feedback to public filers based on review of financial disclosure reports. It
is important for public financial disclosure report filers to know when their reports have been reviewed and certified. Notification
of certification serves as evidence that the filer has no conflict or potential conflict of interest. Additionally, it demonstrates
the importance of the financial disclosure system and the commitment of the agency to the ethics program requirements. OGE
will encourage agencies to notify financial disclosure report filers when the report is certified as evidencing no conflict
or potential conflict of interest. Such notification offers ethics officials an opportunity to educate filers about how to
identify and avoid conflicts of interest in the future. Identify weaknesses in the collection and review of annual and termination
disclosure reports. The timely submission and review of annual and termination financial disclosure reports is essential to
preventing conflicts of interest. Through a targeted study and our Agency program reviews, OGE will monitor the collection
and review of the reports and address systemic weaknesses as necessary.
Indicator(s):
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