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119-hr-10878119th Congress

Truth and Accountability Commission Act

Sponsored By: Representative Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]

Introduced

Summary

An independent Truth and Accountability Commission would investigate abuses of public office, build a public record, and refer credible criminal matters to prosecutors while recommending reforms.

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  • Federal officials, their family members, and private actors could face public investigations and documented findings for issues like foreign enrichment, misuse of office, concealment of information, and improper private benefits.
  • When the Commission finds substantial and credible evidence of possible crimes it would refer cases to the Attorney General, U.S. attorneys, or a court‑appointed special counsel for independent prosecution.
  • Congress and the public would receive a final report and supporting evidence, and the Commission would terminate two years after creation with records transferred to the Archivist for public access.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Investigative powers and referrals

If enacted, the Commission would be able to hold hearings, take testimony under oath, and issue subpoenas for documents and witnesses. It could ask a U.S. district court to enforce subpoenas and seek records from Federal agencies and private companies. Investigations would start on January 20, 2025, and the Commission would have to refer matters to federal or state prosecutors when it finds substantial and credible evidence. In cases where regular prosecutors have conflicts, the Commission would seek a court‑appointed independent special counsel; the Commission would not be allowed to grant immunity, recommend clemency, or create compensation funds.

11 Member Commission setup

If enacted, the bill would create an 11‑member Truth and Accountability Commission in the legislative branch. The President would appoint the Chair, who must be a retired Article III judge; congressional leaders would appoint most other members and the Chair would pick two additional members from lists supplied by State attorneys general. Initial appointments would be due within 30 days of enactment and the first meeting would be due within 15 days after all members are appointed. Members would serve for the life of the Commission, vacancies must be filled within 30 days, and removal would be allowed only by a majority vote for specified causes.

Final public report and two‑year end

If enacted, the Commission would have to deliver a final public report before it ends two years after creation. The report would go to the President, Attorney General, and congressional leaders and must describe findings, referrals, legal analysis, and recommendations. Before it terminates, the Commission would complete referrals, transfer its records to the Archivist, close contracts, and end personnel. The Archivist would make records public to the maximum extent allowed by law, and termination would not stop prosecutions that come from referrals.

Commission staffing and pay rules

If enacted, the Chair would appoint an Executive Director who would hire staff and set pay for attorneys, investigators, and experts. Commissioners would be paid a daily rate based on General Schedule grade 5 pay for up to 10 days per month and could get travel expenses and per diem. Federal employees could be detailed to the Commission without losing civil‑service status and without agency reimbursement, with the agency head’s approval. The President and other executive officers would not control Commission employees.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]

CA • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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