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S5183119th Congress

Anti-Corruption Bureau Creation Act

Sponsored By: Senator Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create an independent Anti‑Corruption Bureau to centralize and strengthen civil enforcement of campaign finance, executive ethics, tax‑related election funding, and civil service rules. It would consolidate key functions into a single agency, give that agency broad investigatory and remedial powers, and create new private rights to recover proceeds from corruption.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Relator whistleblower recoveries

If enacted, private people, including State attorneys general, could bring sealed civil suits in the United States' name for covered violations. Complaints would stay under seal for at least 60 days and must include most material evidence. The Bureau could choose to intervene within 60 days. If the Bureau proceeds, the relator could receive 15%–25% of recoveries; if the Bureau does not proceed, the relator could receive 25%–30%. Reasonable attorneys' fees and costs would be paid from the recoveries before any distribution.

Create new Anti‑Corruption Bureau

If enacted, the bill would create an independent Anti‑Corruption Bureau and move FEC, OGE, and OSC functions into it. Existing agency orders, contracts, permits, and pending proceedings would keep working until lawfully changed. Most employees from those agencies would transfer to the Bureau within 60 days and would keep their job status and at least their prior basic pay for four years, with limited exceptions. The bill would also create a Treasury "Freedom From Influence Fund" to hold some fines and settlements and authorize using it to fund the Bureau starting in fiscal year 2027 if Congress provides money.

Stronger investigatory and penalties rules

If enacted, the Bureau would be able to get information from any federal agency and issue subpoenas enforceable in federal court. The Bureau's General Counsel and career staff would have clear timelines to open investigations, subject to member override, and the Bureau must act quickly on probable‑cause recommendations. For covered persons who obtain more than $50,000 in personal enrichment, the Bureau could seek at least $50,000 per violation, disgorgement with prejudgment interest, and three times government damages. Courts could review dismissals and may ignore prosecutorial‑discretion defenses in cases with penalties over $50,000.

Rules for Bureau leaders and pay

If enacted, the President would name seven Bureau members and the Senate would confirm them, with first appointments due within 180 days. Members would serve single six‑year terms with initial staggering and a Blue Ribbon Panel would recommend candidates quickly. Members would be paid at Executive Schedule level II and could not hold other federal jobs while serving. The Staff Director and General Counsel would be paid at Executive Schedule level III, some senior staff at level IV, and all other staff pay would be capped at the GS‑15 equivalent.

Transparency and anti‑interference protections

If enacted, the Bureau would get an Inspector General who must investigate claims of political or partisan animus starting 180 days after the first members are appointed. Designated agency ethics officials would have to register, provide many ethics records in a searchable format, and take Bureau training twice a year; the Bureau would post allowed records online. The Chair would send an annual report to the President and Congress by June 1 each year. The President would have to give written reasons within 5 days for removing a Bureau member, and committees must hold hearings within 60 days if the statement is late or vague. Other federal officers could not substantially reduce the Bureau's authorities.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]

NY • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 7/30/2026

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 7/30/2026

  • Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 7/30/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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