H.R. 5120 · 117th Congress
Political CRIMES Act
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Never voted on. It didn't reach a floor vote before the 117th Congress ended, so it expired. A bill has to be introduced again to be considered in a new Congress.
D
PascrellSponsor1 cosponsor · 1 D
1 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
Political Corruption Review of Infractions for Misconduct by Executive Servants Act or the Political CRIMES Act
What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in House · Aug 27, 2021
Political Corruption Review of Infractions for Misconduct by Executive Servants Act or the Political CRIMES Act
This bill addresses unlawful political activity by specified federal officials and revises the penalties for unlawful political activity by executive branch employees.
Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a preliminary investigation when it receives information sufficient to constitute grounds to investigate whether the President, Vice President, or other senior officials violated laws regarding political activities between January 20, 2009, and January 21, 2021. If further investigation is warranted, DOJ must apply for the appointment of an independent counsel.
The bill limits the political activity of the President and Vice President while on federal property.
Additionally, the bill increases criminal penalties for Hatch Act violations. The Hatch Act prohibits civil service employees in the executive branch of the federal government from engaging in some forms of political activity (e.g., advocating for or against a partisan political party while on duty). The purpose of the act is to maintain a federal workforce free from partisan political influence or coercion.
The bill establishes an Inspector General for the Office of Special Counsel.
The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on certain reimbursable political events held at the White House or on the White House grounds.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: Political CRIMES Act
Also known as: Political Corruption Review of Infractions for Misconduct by Executive Servants Act
Latest action (Aug 27, 2021): Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics · Origin: House · Introduced: Aug 27, 2021
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
No recorded floor vote found.