# Plain Language Summary: Political CRIMES Act

This bill creates a new independent investigator position to look into potential crimes committed by top government officials between January 2009 and January 2021. The main idea is to have someone outside the normal Justice Department investigate high-ranking people in government—like the President, Vice President, cabinet members, and senior officials at agencies like the FBI and IRS—if there's credible evidence they broke certain laws. The bill is designed to prevent conflicts of interest, since it would be awkward for the Justice Department to investigate its own leadership.

Here's how it would work in practice: If the Attorney General gets credible information that a top official may have broken campaign finance laws or misused their government position for political purposes, they have 30 days to decide if the allegation is serious enough to investigate. If it passes that test, the Attorney General conducts a preliminary 90-day investigation. If that investigation finds reasonable grounds for further action, the Attorney General asks a special court to appoint an independent counsel—essentially a private prosecutor with full authority to investigate and bring charges. This independent counsel would have broad power to pursue not just the original allegation but related crimes like perjury or obstruction of justice. The bill also allows Congress to request investigations and requires the Attorney General to report back to Congress about their decisions.

The practical effect is that high-ranking officials would face more independent oversight for potential misconduct. If someone is investigated but ultimately not charged, they can ask the court to reimburse their legal fees. The bill specifically covers a one-year period after officials leave office, so recently departed government employees could still be investigated. Critics might worry this creates a new layer of prosecution that could be used politically, while supporters would argue it prevents powerful officials from escaping accountability through conflicts of interest within their own departments.

Political CRIMES Act

Pascrell, Bill

Political Corruption Review of Infractions for Misconduct by Executive Servants Act or the Political CRIMES Act This bill addresses unlawful political activity by specified federal officials and revises the penalties for unlawful political activity by executive branch employees. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a preliminary investigation when it receives information sufficient to constitute grounds to investigate whether the President, Vice President, or other senior officials violated laws regarding political activities between January 20, 2009, and January 21, 2021. If further investigation is warranted, DOJ must apply for the appointment of an independent counsel. The bill limits the political activity of the President and Vice President while on federal property. Additionally, the bill increases criminal penalties for Hatch Act violations. The Hatch Act prohibits civil service employees in the executive branch of the federal government from engaging in some forms of political activity (e.g., advocating for or against a partisan political party while on duty). The purpose of the act is to maintain a federal workforce free from partisan political influence or coercion. The bill establishes an Inspector General for the Office of Special Counsel. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on certain reimbursable political events held at the White House or on the White House grounds.