Bill · S. 5228· Senate(119-S-5228)
STOP the SWAMP Act
- Introduced
- 8/4/2026
- Last activity
- 8/4/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Roger Marshall
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "STOP the SWAMP Act," seeks to amend the Revised Statutes regarding congressional investigations. It introduces penalties for witnesses who refuse to answer pertinent questions or are convicted of perjury before either House of Congress. Such individuals would be debarred from Federal employment. Additionally, the act provides a mechanism for Members of Congress to introduce joint resolutions to rescind salary and expense funds from the employing entity of a witness who is a Federal employee.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill aims to increase accountability for those testifying before Congress.
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill increases federal oversight and authority over individual witnesses and their employing agencies.
The opposite
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?-5
The threat of debarment and criminal penalties may have a chilling effect on witness testimony.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-2
While judicial review is mentioned, the penalties of debarment and removal are severe and direct.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Accountability for Witnesses: Under Section 2(a), a person who is summoned as a witness but refuses to answer pertinent questions can be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, which includes potential fines and imprisonment. This establishes a penalty for non-cooperation with congressional inquiries.
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Removal of Non-Compliant Employees: Section 2(a) mandates that a Federal employee found in violation of these new rules shall be removed from the civil service. This ensures that employees who do not comply with congressional summons are removed from their positions.
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Financial Accountability for Agencies: Section 2(b) allows for the rescinding of funds appropriated for the salary and expenses of a witness who is a Federal employee. This creates a process where the employing entity can face financial consequences due to the actions of a witness.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Employment Loss and Debarment: Under Section 2(a), any person who refuses to answer questions or is finally convicted of perjury may be debarred from Federal employment. This acts as a significant professional penalty.
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Risk to Current Federal Employees: Section 2(a) specifies that if a Federal employee violates these provisions, they shall be removed from the civil service, which could result in the loss of their job.
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Financial Impact on Employing Entities: Section 2(b) outlines procedures where a joint resolution can be used to rescind funds meant for the salary and expenses of a witness. This could result in a loss of funding for the specific entity that employs the witness.
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+6Increases Federal Power+5Improves Freedom Of Speech-5Improves Due Process-2
- 8/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 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.