Senate Approves Royalty Transparency Act to Expose Conflicts of Interest Among Scientists
July 30, 2025 | Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs convened on July 30, 2025, to discuss several key legislative items, including the Royalty Transparency Act and the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act.
The Royalty Transparency Act aims to address potential conflicts of interest among government scientists by requiring disclosure of royalty payments received from outside sources. During the meeting, it was revealed that over 2,400 scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) received more than $300 million in royalties over the past decade, averaging about $135,000 per scientist. The bill, which passed unanimously in a previous session, seeks to enhance transparency regarding these payments and their potential influence on scientific decision-making.
Following the discussion on the Royalty Transparency Act, the committee moved on to the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, sponsored by Senator Peters. This bill also received unanimous support, reflecting a commitment to ensuring taxpayer funds are not misallocated.
The committee further considered the Guidance Clarity Act, introduced by Senator Langford, and the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, co-sponsored by Senators Peters, Paul, and Langford. Both bills were met with no opposition and were passed swiftly.
Senator Ernst introduced a bill aimed at increasing accountability in government spending, emphasizing the need to protect taxpayer dollars from wasteful projects. This bill also garnered unanimous support from the committee members.
Overall, the meeting highlighted a bipartisan effort to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations, with all discussed bills passing without opposition. The committee's actions reflect a continued focus on responsible governance and fiscal responsibility.
The Royalty Transparency Act aims to address potential conflicts of interest among government scientists by requiring disclosure of royalty payments received from outside sources. During the meeting, it was revealed that over 2,400 scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) received more than $300 million in royalties over the past decade, averaging about $135,000 per scientist. The bill, which passed unanimously in a previous session, seeks to enhance transparency regarding these payments and their potential influence on scientific decision-making.
Following the discussion on the Royalty Transparency Act, the committee moved on to the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, sponsored by Senator Peters. This bill also received unanimous support, reflecting a commitment to ensuring taxpayer funds are not misallocated.
The committee further considered the Guidance Clarity Act, introduced by Senator Langford, and the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, co-sponsored by Senators Peters, Paul, and Langford. Both bills were met with no opposition and were passed swiftly.
Senator Ernst introduced a bill aimed at increasing accountability in government spending, emphasizing the need to protect taxpayer dollars from wasteful projects. This bill also garnered unanimous support from the committee members.
Overall, the meeting highlighted a bipartisan effort to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations, with all discussed bills passing without opposition. The committee's actions reflect a continued focus on responsible governance and fiscal responsibility.
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