Public Financial Disclosure FAQs

• What Financial Disclosure Reports are available in the online?
• What Financial Disclosure Reports are available in the Office of Public Record?
• Who is required to file Disclosure Reports?
• Is the information available in a downloadable database?
• How much time does it take to process the reports before they are searchable in the database?
• How often are reports downloaded to the searchable public database?

Q. What Financial Disclosure Reports are available in the online?

A. Senator and Candidate reports are available in the online database beginning with reports filed in calendar year 2012.

Q. What Financial Disclosure Reports are available in the Office of Public Record?

A. All Financial Disclosure reports filed under the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 or Senate Rules are available in the Office of Public Records, 232 Senate Hart Building, by searching an in-house database. Beginning in 2012, reports for Senators are available until six years from the date a Senator ceases to be a Member of Congress. Prior to 2012 reports were available for a period of six years from their receipt. Reports for unsuccessful candidates are available for one year after the date of the election. Reports for employees and staff are available for a period of six years from their receipt.

Q. Who is required to file Disclosure Reports?

A. Members of the United States Senate, officers and employees of the Legislative Branch who assume a position at the annual rate of pay equal to or in excess of 120% of the basic rate of pay in effect for Grade GS-15 of the General Schedule, Political Fund Designees, and Candidates for the Senate. In addition, fellows, reemployed annuitants, and government employees detailed to the Senate who meet the requirements of Rule 41 are also required to file.

Q. Is the information available in a downloadable database?

A. By October of 2013 the Senate website will allow the public to search, sort, and download data contained in the reports.

Q. How much time does it take to process the reports before they are searchable in the database?

A. The Office of Public Records is required to make financial reports publicly available within 30 days from the date they are received. In most cases, the reports are available within seven business days, if not sooner. Reports are released to the online database at the same time they are made available in the Office of Public Records.

Q. How often are reports downloaded to the searchable public database?

A. Financial Disclosure reports are downloaded throughout the work week, Monday through Friday.