Bill · S. 5509· Senate(119-S-5509)
No Gratuities for Governing Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/24/2026
- Last activity
- 9/24/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Andy Kim
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the No Gratuities for Governing Act of 2026. It makes changes to the laws regarding illegal gratuities for programs that receive federal funds. The bill increases the maximum prison sentence for certain offenses under section 666 of title 18, United States Code, from 10 years to 15 years. It also creates a specific offense for giving or receiving things of value worth $1,000 or more in connection with official acts involving $5,000 or more, carrying a prison sentence of not more than 2 years. Finally, the bill updates forfeiture rules related to these offenses.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill strengthens rules against bribery and illegal gratuities involving federal funds, promoting greater integrity in government programs.
The opposite
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-4
The bill increases the maximum prison sentence for certain offenses from 10 to 15 years and establishes new criminal penalties for illegal gratuities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Longer Prison Sentences for Federal Program Fraud and Bribery: Section 2(a)(2)(B) increases the maximum prison sentence from 10 years to 15 years for certain existing offenses. This could be seen as positive because it holds wrongdoers more accountable with harsher punishments.
-
Clear Offense for Illegal Gratuities Involving Federal Funds: Section 2(a)(3) adds a new subsection (b) to section 666 that penalizes individuals who knowingly and purposefully give or receive things of value of $1,000 or more for official acts involving $5,000 or more. This clearly defines and targets illegal gratuities with a penalty of being fined, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential Criminal Penalties and Fines: Section 2(a)(3) establishes new criminal penalties, including imprisonment for not more than 2 years or fines, for individuals who give or receive things of value of $1,000 or more for official acts. This creates a burden and negative consequence for anyone who breaks this specific law.
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 Criminal Sentencing Reform-4
- 9/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey