Anti-Corruption Omnibus: Bans Pardon Sales, Self-Pardons, More
Official: Protecting Our Democracy Act
This wide-ranging anti-corruption bill restricts how a sitting President can use pardons, emergency powers, and federal resources. It bans the President from accepting payments from people they pardon, prohibits self-pardons, and adds new transparency and accountability rules across the executive branch.
1. Bans the President from accepting any payment, gift, or compensation from a pardon recipient or presidential appointee, addressing pay-to-play clemency concerns. 2. Bars a sitting President or Vice President from issuing a self-pardon for federal crimes. 3. Pauses the statute of limitations on federal crimes during a President or Vice Presidents time in office, so prosecution isnt time-barred when they leave. 4. Tightens limits on emergency-power declarations and adds congressional oversight requirements. 5. Strengthens Inspector General independence, whistleblower protections, and limits on political interference with the Department of Justice. 6. Adds new safeguards against foreign election interference and reinforces the Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses of the Constitution. 7. Introduced May 14, 2026 by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) with 100 cosponsors. All cosponsors are Democrats. Referred to 9 House committees including Oversight, Judiciary, and Rules.
The President, Vice President, presidential appointees, anyone considered for a pardon, Inspectors General, DOJ prosecutors, federal whistleblowers, and any future administration facing prosecution after leaving office.