Protecting Investigation Integrity: President Cannot Control DOJ Probes Against Self.
This law aims to strengthen judicial independence by preventing the U.S. President from controlling or forcing the dismissal of criminal investigations conducted against them by the Department of Justice. If prosecutors seek to dismiss a case against the President, the Attorney General must submit a sworn statement confirming the decision was not ordered by the President. A special three-judge court will review the decision for potential bad faith, ensuring that the rule of law applies equally to the highest office.
Key points
The President is explicitly barred from ordering the Department of Justice to dismiss a criminal investigation against the President.
If dismissal is sought, the Attorney General must provide a sworn statement confirming the President did not direct the action.
A special three-judge court must approve the dismissal, checking for evidence of bad faith or attempts to act outside legal authority.
The DOJ Inspector General must immediately report to Congress if there is a good faith belief that the President directed the dismissal motion.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_9884
Sponsor: Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-28]
Process start date: 2024-09-27