The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires senior executive branch officials and presidential nominees to file public financial disclosure reports (OGE Form 278e) detailing assets, income, liabilities, and financial transactions. The Office of Government Ethics reviews these filings to identify potential conflicts of interest and certify compliance. When a nominee holds assets that could create conflicts, the OGE may require divestiture as a condition of compliance. These disclosures are public records intended to let Congress and voters assess whether a nominee's financial interests could compromise their official duties.