Bill · S. 5183· Senate(119-S-5183)
Anti-Corruption Bureau Creation Act
- Introduced
- 7/30/2026
- Last activity
- 7/30/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S4372-4385; Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4371-4372)
- Sponsored by
- Charles Schumer
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- 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
Does this limit or expose the money behind campaigns?+8
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?+8
The bill seeks to increase transparency into government interactions to rebuild public trust through an Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Does this make elections run better?+7
The bill transfers functions of the Federal Election Commission to the new Bureau to improve enforcement.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would high-income households be better off under this?-5
The bill specifically targets high-level officials and their families for corruption investigations.
Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this?-5
The bill targets high-level officials and their families for corruption investigations.
Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this?-5
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Campaign Finance Reform+8Improves Government Transparency+8Improves Electoral Process+7Increases Federal Power+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5Improves Fiscal Responsibility+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Retirees+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Billionaires-5Good For High Income Households-5Good For High Net Worth Individuals-5Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals-5
- 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