California Congressman Adam Schiff (D) invoice This would prevent a sitting president from dropping criminal charges against him, including through coercion by the attorney general or the president's agents.
According to reports, the Investigative Integrity Protection Act aims to require a three-judge court hearing before charges against the president are dropped. release. The bill would allow courts to grant removal only after considering whether the attorney general was appointed with the intent to dismiss criminal charges against the president.
The Justice Department's inspector general would also be required to investigate any inquiries under the bill and immediately report its findings to Congress.
“Several years ago, we witnessed disturbing attempts by a sitting president to obstruct justice and avoid accountability. ,” Schiff said in a statement. “This is a necessary step to ensure that our judicial system remains independent and that no one can put themselves beyond its reach.”
In July, the Supreme Court ruled that former President Trump had a right to presumed immunity for his official actions while in office, but Democratic lawmakers strongly opposed the decision. Since then, some lawmakers have worked to limit the president's power to allow flight from the rule of law.
Schiff's bill was co-sponsored by seven Democrats and supported by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, as well as the California Grassroots Alliance, the League of Conservative Voters and others.
“The Investigative Integrity Act ensures that presidents are held accountable for their violations of the law by preventing them from halting federal criminal prosecutions against them,” Stand Up America said. said Brett Edkins, managing director of policy and government affairs. He supports the rule of law, especially after the Supreme Court's decision granting presidents immunity for acts of official conduct. ”
