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HR3741119th Congress

Closing Bribery Loopholes Act

Sponsored By: Representative Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would broaden and clarify what counts as an "official act" under federal bribery law by treating single actions, recommendations, or a course of conduct as potential official acts. It says those acts can relate to any matter pending or that could be brought before a public official and still count even if the act fails to achieve the intended result.

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  • Public officials: Would make more of their decisions, recommendations, meetings, or ongoing conduct fall within the statutory phrase "official act," increasing the range of behavior that can trigger bribery charges.
  • People who offer or give things to influence officials: Would expand the kinds of recipient actions tied to influence that could qualify as an official act, including sequences of conduct and acts on pending matters.
  • Legal process: Would broaden the scope of conduct considered for bribery and related offenses, giving courts and prosecutors a clearer textual basis to evaluate alleged bribery.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Broader bribery rules for public officials

This bill would broaden what counts as an "official act" in federal bribery cases. It would cover any step within an official’s duties, including decisions, recommendations, or actions on matters before the office. It could be one act, several acts, or a course of conduct. It would apply even if the effort does not change the outcome. Public officials and people who offer things of value could face more legal risk. If enacted, this would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]

OH • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]

    MN • D

    Sponsored 8/26/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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