Bill · S. 5102· Senate(119-S-5102)
Closing Bribery Loopholes Act
- Introduced
- 7/23/2026
- Last activity
- 7/23/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Adam Schiff
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Closing Bribery Loopholes Act," aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It specifically seeks to clarify the definition of an "official act" regarding the bribery of public officials and witnesses. The proposed changes focus on expanding how an official act is understood. It clarifies that an act can consist of a single action or a series of actions. Additionally, it establishes that an act qualifies even if it does not successfully achieve the desired outcome.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill enhances integrity by closing loopholes that previously allowed series of actions or unsuccessful outcomes to evade bribery charges.
Does this change how police departments operate?+3
The bill increases transparency and accountability for public officials by expanding the definition of an official act in bribery cases.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Clarification of Official Acts: The bill expands the definition of an official act to include any act within the range of official duty or any decision, recommendation, or action on matters brought before a public official (Section 2 of the bill). This provides a clearer scope of what constitutes an official act.
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Inclusion of Pardons and Commutations: The updated definition explicitly includes any pardon, commutation, or reprieve, or the offer of such actions (Section 2 of the bill). This ensures these specific powers are covered under the definition of an official act.
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Addressing Courses of Conduct: The bill specifies that an official act can be comprised of a single act, more than one act, or a course of conduct (Section 2 of the bill). This prevents a loophole where a series of smaller actions might have previously been avoided.
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Outcome Independence: An official act is defined as occurring whether or not it successfully achieves a desired outcome (Section 2 of the bill). This means the attempt at an official act is addressed regardless of the final result.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+3
- 7/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in Senate
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.