Bill · H.R. 9545· House(119-HR-9545)
HONEST Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/30/2026
- Last activity
- 6/30/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Clay Fuller
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Holding Officials to Necessary Ethical Standards and Transparency Act of 2026, or the HONEST Act of 2026. It amends title 18 of the United States Code to impose increased penalties for specific sex offenses when they are committed by officers of the United States or Members of Congress. The added penalties for these crimes generally include fines, the death penalty, or imprisonment for any term of years or for life. Additionally, the bill creates a new federal adultery offense specifically for officers of the United States and Members of Congress who engage in sexual intercourse while married or with a person who is married.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would children be better off under this?+3
Provides stricter penalties and protections against child exploitation offenses committed by federal officials.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill increases federal penal authority by establishing harsher federal penalties and a new federal crime for officials.
Would women be better off under this?+2
Imposes harsher penalties on federal officials for severe sex offenses and misconduct affecting women.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Holding Leaders Accountable for Severe Crimes: Section 2 of the bill increases penalties—including fines, the death penalty, or life imprisonment—for officers of the United States and Members of Congress who commit serious sex offenses. This could be seen as positive because it ensures that elected officials and government officers face severe legal consequences for committing crimes such as female genital mutilation (Section 2(a)), civil rights offenses involving sexual misconduct (Section 2(b)), sex trafficking (Section 2(c)), aggravated sexual abuse (Section 2(d)), and sexual abuse of a minor or person in federal custody (Section 2(e)).
-
Stricter Punishment for Child Exploitation Offenses: Various subsections of Section 2 hold federal officials and Members of Congress to higher penalty standards for offenses related to children. This includes severe punishments like death or life imprisonment for the sexual abuse of a minor, selling or buying children, sexual exploitation of children, and child pornography activities under sections 2(e), 2(h), 2(g), 2(i), and 2(j).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Creation of a Federal Adultery Offense: Section 3 creates a new federal offense for adultery, outlined in section 1925 of title 18, United States Code. This provision specifically targets officers of the United States and Members of Congress who knowingly engage in sexual intercourse when either the official or the partner is married to another person, carrying a penalty of a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+3Good For Women+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Government Transparency+2
- 6/30/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House