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Political CRIMES Act

USA117th CongressS-3582| Senate 
| Updated: 2/3/2022
Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (2)
Edward J. Markey (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline
Aug 27, 2021

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 117-5120
Introduced in House
Feb 3, 2022
Introduced in Senate
Feb 3, 2022
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • August 27, 2021

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 117-5120
    Introduced in House


  • February 3, 2022
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 3, 2022
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Government Operations and Politics

Related Bills

  • HR 117-5120: Political CRIMES Act

Political CRIMES Act

USA117th CongressS-3582| Senate 
| Updated: 2/3/2022
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Aug 27, 2021

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 117-5120
Introduced in House
Feb 3, 2022
Introduced in Senate
Feb 3, 2022
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • August 27, 2021

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 117-5120
    Introduced in House


  • February 3, 2022
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 3, 2022
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (2)
Edward J. Markey (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Government Operations and Politics

Related Bills

  • HR 117-5120: Political CRIMES Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted