To: Members of the House Committee on the Judiciary
From: National Taxpayers Union
Date: January 8, 2026
Subject: NTU’s views on the January 8 Markup
I. Introduction
On behalf of National Taxpayers Union, the nation’s oldest taxpayer advocacy organization, we write to express our views on legislation slated for consideration before the House Committee on the Judiciary on January 8, 2026. NTU applauds the Committee for your continued efforts to advance proposals that protect the interests of taxpayers and uphold the principles of freedom and limited government.
II. Legislation
Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2025
NTU is proud to support the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2025, which would prevent federal agencies from making major regulatory decisions through lawsuits and court settlements instead of through the normal, open rulemaking process. This practical reform imposes new transparency and procedural requirements on how federal agencies enter into consent decrees and settlement agreements. This addresses the growing use of settlements to lock in regulatory outcomes without public input or adequate congressional and judicial oversight. This legislation ensures that the federal rulemaking process serves the public interest by requiring that settlement agreements are subject to public notice, comment, and judicial review. This allows all relevant stakeholders to have a meaningful voice in shaping regulatory policy.
III. Conclusion
NTU is proud to support legislation that strengthens public trust in the federal policymaking process. Should you have any questions about the recommendations in this memo, please do not hesitate to reach out to Alexander Ciccone (aciccone@ntu.org).