Charles Schumer (D-NY)
Anti-Corruption Bureau Creation Act
A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S4372-4385; Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4371-4372)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the Anti-Corruption Bureau Creation Act, establishes a new independent agency called the Anti-Corruption Bureau in the executive branch. The Bureau is charged with enforcing Federal laws related to campaign finance, government ethics, conflicts of interest, financial disclosures, and whistleblower protections. It combines the functions, personnel, and assets of the Federal Election Commission, the Office of Government Ethics, and the Office of Special Counsel. Additionally, the legislation creates a private right of action allowing individuals and state attorneys general to bring civil lawsuits against covered public officials for corruption-related violations. Finally, the bill sets up the Freedom From Influence Fund to help finance the operations of the newly formed Bureau.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +8
Does this limit or expose the money behind campaigns?
The bill transfers election-related oversight and strengthens enforcement of campaign finance laws.
- Scored +8
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill seeks to increase transparency into government interactions to rebuild public trust through an Anti-Corruption Bureau.
- Scored +7
Does this make elections run better?
The bill transfers functions of the Federal Election Commission to the new Bureau to improve enforcement.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -5
Would high-income households be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets high-level officials and their families for corruption investigations.
- Scored -5
Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this?
The bill targets high-level officials and their families for corruption investigations.
- Scored -5
Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this?
The bill targets high-level officials and their families for corruption investigations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Strengthened Anti-Corruption Enforcement (Section 104 and Section 301): The bill allows private citizens and state attorneys general to file civil lawsuits against public officials who corruptly use their office for personal enrichment over fifty thousand dollars. This gives everyday people a direct legal tool to hold leaders accountable and recover stolen public funds.
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Financial Recovery for Taxpayers (Section 103 and Section 105): Covered officials found guilty of corruption face strict financial penalties, including disgorgement of personal enrichment, three times the damages sustained by the government, and civil fines. Plaintiffs who bring these actions can receive a share of the financial recovery, providing a tangible benefit to whistleblowers or citizens who expose wrongdoing.
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Greater Transparency and Oversight (Section 301): By consolidating the Federal Election Commission, the Office of Government Ethics, and the Office of Special Counsel into one independent Anti-Corruption Bureau, the bill aims to fix weakened oversight systems. It mandates that ethics disclosures, waivers, and financial reports be made publicly available in searchable online formats on the Bureau's website.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Frivolous Legal Actions and Costs (Section 104): While the bill allows citizens to sue officials for corruption, it also includes provisions where defendants can be awarded reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses if the court finds the claim was clearly frivolous, vexatious, and brought primarily for harassment. This could impose financial burdens on individuals whose lawsuits are dismissed as meritless.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this limit or expose the money behind campaigns? — The bill transfers election-related oversight and strengthens enforcement of campaign finance laws. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill seeks to increase transparency into government interactions to rebuild public trust through an Anti-Corruption Bureau. Does this make elections run better? — The bill transfers functions of the Federal Election Commission to the new Bureau to improve enforcement. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill creates a new independent establishment within the executive branch with significant oversight authority.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill seeks to protect consumers from being defrauded by corrupt practices. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill aims to curb corruption that the text describes as a hidden tax on families and a distortion of markets.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill aims to return funds stolen through corruption back to the people. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The bill claims to combat corruption that acts as a hidden tax on families. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill includes amendments to the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act. Would retired people be better off under this? — The bill's focus on voting accessibility impacts the elderly and retirees. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The act specifically includes provisions related to voting accessibility for the elderly. Would billionaires be better off under this? — The bill targets high-level officials and their families for corruption investigations. Would high-income households be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets high-level officials and their families for corruption investigations. Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this? — The bill targets high-level officials and their families for corruption investigations. Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this? — The bill targets high-level officials and their families for corruption investigations.
- 7/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S4372-4385; Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4371-4372)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California