Senator Thom Tillis is pushing to get a bipartisan ethics package for the Clarity Act to the White House as early as Friday. The North Carolina Republican said he has reached a preliminary agreement with Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona on the measure.
The bipartisan agreement
The deal came together after weeks of closed-door talks between the two senators. Tillis and Gallego have been working to craft an ethics component that could win support from both parties. The package is meant to accompany the Clarity Act, though the exact contents of the ethics provisions have not been made public.
Tillis said the goal is to deliver the full package to the White House by the end of the week. That timeline is tight, but the senator expressed confidence that the preliminary agreement can hold. Gallego's office confirmed the talks but did not provide additional details on the substance of the deal.
What the Clarity Act covers
The Clarity Act is a piece of legislation that has been moving through Congress. Its main focus is not specified in the available facts, but the addition of an ethics package suggests lawmakers are trying to address concerns about transparency or accountability. The bipartisan nature of the agreement indicates that both Republicans and Democrats see value in adding these provisions.
Tillis has been a key figure in shepherding the bill. His work with Gallego marks a rare moment of cross-aisle cooperation on an issue that often divides the two parties. The preliminary deal is a sign that the ethics component could clear the Senate, though the full chamber still needs to vote.
Next steps and timing
The White House is expected to receive the package by Friday. Once it arrives, the administration will review the terms. It is unclear whether President Biden will endorse the measure or push for changes. The senators have not said whether the House will take up the bill after the Senate acts.
For now, Tillis and Gallego are focused on getting the paperwork to the White House on time. The clock is ticking, and the final language is still being polished. Staffers from both offices are working through the details.
