Bill · H.R. 9991· House(119-HR-9991)
STOP the SWAMP Act
- Introduced
- 7/30/2026
- Last activity
- 7/30/2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Rules, 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.
- Sponsored by
- Richard McCormick
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "STOP the SWAMP Act," seeks to amend section 102 of the Revised Statutes of the United States. It establishes penalties for witnesses who refuse to answer questions pertinent to a congressional inquiry. Specifically, it mandates that such individuals be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, face fines, and potential imprisonment. Additionally, the bill requires that these individuals be debarred from Federal employment. It also targets those finally convicted of perjury or specific offenses while appearing before Congress. Finally, the legislation provides a mechanism for members of Congress to introduce joint resolutions to rescind salary and expense funds for certain Federal employee witnesses.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Accountability for Witnesses: The bill establishes that a person who refuses to answer pertinent questions after being summoned as a witness shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, which includes potential fines and imprisonment (Section 2(a)(b)(1)).
-
Debarment of Non-Cooperative Witnesses: Individuals who refuse to answer pertinent questions or are finally convicted of perjury or certain offenses will be debarred from Federal employment (Section 2(a)(b)(2) and Section 2(a)(c)(1)).
-
Removal of Non-Compliant Federal Employees: If a person found in violation of the new rules is a Federal employee, they shall be removed from the civil service (Section 2(a)(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Financial and Liberty Burdens for Witnesses: A witness who refuses to answer questions pertinent to an inquiry may be punished with a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for between 1 and 12 months (Section 2(a)(b)(1)).
-
Employment Restrictions: Those who refuse to answer questions or are convicted of perjury face debarment from Federal employment (Section 2(a)(b)(2) and Section 2(a)(c)(1)).
-
Potential Loss of Salary Funds for Employing Entities: Members of Congress may introduce joint resolutions to rescind funds appropriated for the salary and expenses of a witness who is a Federal employee (Section 2(b)).
- 7/30/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Rules, 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.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.