Gary J. Palmer

Palmer, Mfume Introduce Bill to Increase Transparency in Federal Agency Settlement Agreements

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) and Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) introduced H.R. 7934, the Settlement Agreement Information Database (SAID) Act of 2026. The legislation would provide overdue transparency and accountability standards for federal settlement agreements. Following the introduction of the bill, Rep. Palmer released the following statement: “Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining the American people’s trust in their government,” said Rep. Palmer. “Too often, federal agencies negotiate settlement agreements and consent decrees behind closed doors and only release hand-picked information about these deals to the public through press releases. The SAID Act will bring much-needed transparency to these agreements by ensuring they are publicly available in a centralized database. By shining a light on these deals, Congress and the public will be able to better understand how federal agencies are exercising their authority and hold them accountable when those actions impose burdens outside the normal legislative or regulatory process. I am honored to introduce this bipartisan transparency bill along with Representative Mfume.” "Americans of all walks of life deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent. When a federal agency enters into a binding settlement, taxpayers have a right to know the terms of that agreement," said Rep. Mfume. "Without that fundamental transparency, we cannot truly claim to have the informed consent of the people. This bill will establish true accountability by creating a publicly accessible database, where Americans can track the terms of these settlement agreements and consent decrees. If an agency wants to keep those terms confidential, they will have to give a public explanation of why, rather than simply declaring it classified without explanation. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation along with Representative Palmer, and I urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in strengthening Congressional oversight over every federal dollar spent." A similar version of this bipartisan legislation passed the House in the 118th Congress on January 24, 2023, as H.R. 300. Read the bill text here. BACKGROUND The SAID Act will promote greater transparency in the federal government by bringing long-needed visibility to federal settlement agreements and consent decrees. The legislation would require federal agencies to submit information about these agreements to a publicly accessible electronic database. Specifically, the bill would: Improve transparency by requiring federal agencies to report information on settlement agreements and consent decrees to a centralized, searchable public database. Strengthen oversight by having the database administered under the guidance of the Office of Management and Budget and ensuring the information disclosed includes key details such as agreement dates, payment amounts, attorney fee awards, and the state and local governments affected. Enhance accountability by requiring the agency head to notify Congress if they determine that certain information must remain confidential and publicly explain why it cannot be disclosed.

Palmer Supports Trump's Military Action in Iran, Votes Against War Powers Resolution

Position: Representative Palmer supports President Trump's military action against Iran, arguing that Iran's decades of attacks on Americans and U.S. interests justify the military response. He voted against the War Powers Resolution, opposing the requirement for congressional authorization of the military action.

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following his vote against the War Powers Resolution on the House floor, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement: “For 46 years, Iran has conducted kidnappings, murders, bombings, rocket and drone attacks that have killed and injured Americans, both civilian and military. Many have questioned whether or not President Trump’s military actions against Iran are justified, but the real question is why other presidents did not take action,” said Rep. Palmer. “Since the first attack against the United States Embassy in Tehran, Iran has been behind attacks against U.S. Embassies, considered sovereign U.S. territory, in Lebanon, Kuwait, Kenya and Tanzania. These attacks were direct strikes on our nation and resulted in the deaths of dozens of Americans and hundreds of embassy workers.” Rep. Palmer continued, “In addition, Iran was responsible for the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, killing 220 Marines and 21 other service members. Iran was behind the bombing of the Khobar Towers that housed members of the U.S. Air Force, killing 19 Americans and injuring 500 people. Iran provided Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other munitions that killed at least 603 American soldiers and wounded and maimed hundreds of others during the global war on terror.” “When you consider this history of attacks against Americans and the fact the Iranian regime just slaughtered over 30,000 of their own people, it should be glaringly apparent that President Trump is doing the right thing. The homicidal regime ruling over Iran should never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon that they could use to kill hundreds of thousands more. I’m thankful that President Trump, as the Commander in Chief, approved Operation Epic Fury and took action to protect our nation, neutralize this threat, and hold Iran accountable for their decades of attacks against America,” concluded Rep. Palmer.

Palmer Votes to Fund DHS, End Democrats' Partial Shutdown

Position: Rep. Palmer voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security and end a partial government shutdown, citing national security concerns and the impact on federal employees and disaster relief during a period of heightened international tension.

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following his vote in favor of H.R. 7744, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement: “The Democrats have been putting politics over national security by withholding funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In the meantime, FEMA has been unable to provide aid during winter storms and TSA agents are missing their paychecks,” said Rep. Palmer. “Especially now, as Iran has threatened retaliation, it is in the best interest of the American people for this partial government shutdown to end, and I hope the Senate passes this bill as soon as possible.”

Palmer Applauds Trump's State of the Union Speech: "America is Strong and Getting Stronger"

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following President Trump’s State of the Union Address, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement: “Last night's speech displayed to the American people that, thanks to President Trump’s leadership, America is strong and getting stronger,” said Rep. Palmer. “The American people are seeing the impacts of Republican policies in real time. Seniors are receiving a historic tax cut, Americans are saving roughly $1,500 annually by not paying taxes on tips or overtime, our border is closed and our communities are safer, energy costs are lower, and inflation is going down. The reversal of the Democrats’ regulatory agenda is saving Americans on home appliances and other goods and services. With implementation of the Working Families Tax Cuts, fraud in federal programs is being addressed, Medicaid reforms are ensuring the program is protected for those who truly need it, and the Rural Health Transformation Fund is making historic improvements in meeting the healthcare needs of Americans in rural areas. And the President's Great American Healthcare Plan is emphasizing price transparency, which will make major strides toward lowering the price of healthcare. Additionally, America is once again respected on the world stage because of President Trump’s commitment to ‘peace through strength,'” continued Rep. Palmer. Rep. Palmer concluded, “As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, we are also celebrating America’s comeback. At 250 years old, our nation is strong, prosperous, and protected, and I pray it remains this way for the next 250 years.”

Palmer Votes to Secure American Elections

Position: Representative Palmer supports the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo identification at the ballot box, characterizing these measures as necessary to ensure election integrity.

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act by a vote of 218 - 213. Following his vote in favor of the SAVE America Act, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement: “Providing a valid photo I.D. to vote is common sense, not voter suppression,” said Rep. Palmer. “Providing proof of citizenship when registering to vote and presenting a photo I.D. at the ballot box is an easy solution to ensuring only American citizens are voting in American elections. I was proud to vote for this bill on the House floor, and I hope my colleagues in the Senate will pass this legislation so we can put it on President Trump’s desk.” Watch Rep. Palmer’s floor remarks on the SAVE America Act here.

Palmer Votes to Hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in Contempt of Congress

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform voted to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for defying their subpoenas. Following his votes to hold the former President and Secretary of State in contempt of Congress, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement: “As Hillary Clinton has said herself, no one is above the law. By defying their subpoenas, the Clintons have made it clear that they see themselves as an exception to this concept,” said Rep. Palmer. “Because of their relationship with Jeffery Epstein, subpoenas were issued to the Clintons to compel them to appear before the Committee to answer questions about the abuse of young women by friends and associates of Epstein. There were serious crimes committed against underage girls that the Oversight Committee is committed to investigating and to finding those responsible so they can be held accountable.”

Two Palmer Bills Passed Out of Energy and Commerce Committee

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921 WASHINGTON, D.C. – During today’s Energy and Commerce Committee’s full committee markup, two of Representative Gary Palmer’s (AL-06) bills were passed. These bills include H.R. 2076, Lulu’s Law, and H.R. 6373, the Air Permitting Improvements to Protect National Security Act of 2025. Rep. Palmer released the following statement: “Advancing these bills through committee addresses security - family security and our national security. Lulu’s Law is about protecting people from shark attacks, and the Air Permitting Improvements to Protect National Security Act is about making sure America can build the rare earth and critical minerals processing and refining facilities the U.S. needs to eliminate our reliance on China,” said Rep. Palmer. “I’m grateful to see both bills move forward, and I look forward to seeing them advance to the House floor.” Watch Rep. Palmer’s remarks on Lulu’s Law by clicking the video below. Watch here.Watch Rep. Palmer’s remarks on the Air Permitting Improvements to Protect National Security Act by clicking the video below. Watch here. ###

Palmer Votes in Favor of Power Plant Reliability Act, Speaks on House Floor

Position: Rep. Palmer supports H.R. 3632, the Power Plant Reliability Act, which enhances federal authority to prevent premature retirement of baseload power plants and ensure long-term grid planning. He argues the bill is necessary to address reliability and affordability concerns and to support energy-intensive industries including AI data centers.

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) voted in favor of H.R. 3632, the Power Plant Reliability Act. This bill passed by a vote of 222 - 202. Prior to voting for the Power Plant Reliability Act, Rep. Palmer made the following remarks in favor of the bill on the House floor: “Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3632 the Power Plant Reliability Act, sponsored by my colleague Rep. Griffith from Virginia’s 9th Congressional District. H.R. 3632 enhances existing authority under the Federal Power Act to protect the bulk power system from premature retirements of baseload power and ensures more effective long-term planning for our generating resources. It is no secret that we find ourselves in a reliability and affordability crisis driven by irresponsible decisions to shutter reliable and affordable baseload power plants. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle claim their positions are based on science, but the problem is that their science is political science that will lead to higher energy costs and less reliability. Even the head of the National Energy Regulatory Commission (NERC), who is charged with protecting reliability of our nation’s bulk power system, recently called the reliability crisis a ‘five alarm fire.’ This is the path that was laid out by the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats, pushing their misguided and dangerous political science. Making a bad situation worse, we need significant energy resources to compete in the artificial intelligence arms race with adversarial nations like China. Whoever wins the A.I. arms race will not be A superpower, they will be THE superpower. Manufacturing and industrial processing and A.I. data centers all require affordable and abundant capability that only comes from baseload and dispatchable resources. If these energy intensive industries could run on wind and solar, they would already be doing so. The Power Plant Reliability Act is another tool in the reliability toolbox for states and grid operators to keep the lights on for households and fuel the next generation economy. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back.” Watch Rep. Palmer’s remarks by clicking on the video below. https://youtu.be/Pl14oFU_hHw ###