No Foreign Emoluments Without Congressional Consent Act
Impact
If enacted, HB8485 would significantly reshape existing laws governing the acceptance of foreign incomes by U.S. officials. It establishes a clear legal framework outlining that any foreign payment must receive prior congressional consent, creating a new approval process for federal officials. This change aims to safeguard national interests by preventing undue foreign influence on domestic policies and decisions made by high-ranking government officials. The bill highlights the need for rigorous enforcement measures to uphold these standards, especially in areas where foreign governments are involved.
Summary
House Bill 8485, titled the 'No Foreign Emoluments Without Congressional Consent Act', seeks to amend title 5 of the United States Code to prohibit senior federal officials, including the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress, from accepting any foreign payments without prior congressional approval. The bill aims to increase accountability and transparency in government by ensuring that foreign influences do not compromise the integrity of senior federal officials. By requiring consent from Congress before any foreign payment can be accepted, the bill intends to address potential conflicts of interest associated with foreign relationships.
Contention
The proposed legislation may face contention regarding its implications for existing relationships between federal officials and foreign entities. Critics may argue that the bill could create barriers to productive international relations, particularly for officials involved in diplomacy or trade. Additionally, questions about the feasibility of enforcement and administrative burdens associated with the approval process for foreign payments could arise, as the bill outlines specific reporting and disclosure requirements for senior officials wishing to accept such payments. These discussions are expected to address the balance between preventing corruption and enabling necessary interactions with foreign governments.
Reaffirming the United States commitment to respecting the sovereignty of Mexico and condemning calls for military action in Mexico without Mexico's consent and congressional authorization.
A resolution directing the Senate Legal Counsel to bring a civil action in the name of the United States Senate to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause contained in clause 8 of section 9 of article I of the Constitution of the United States.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that President Trump must comply with the Foreign Emoluments Clause, by submitting all plans for his jumbo jet gift from Qatar immediately to Congress.
A resolution affirming that the underlying purpose of the Foreign Emoluments Clause renders the acceptance and transfer of a plane from the government of Qatar, without the explicit consent of Congress, an illegal emolument, withholding the consent of the Senate to the acceptance and transfer of plane from the government of Qatar, and demanding the transfer of any plane received by President Donald J. Trump or entities under his control from the government of Qatar to the permanent control of the United States Government.
Budget Process Enhancement Act This bill modifies the federal budget process to withhold the salaries of Members of Congress and cancel the salaries of certain employees of the Office of Management and Budget when certain budget process requirements are not met. The bill also changes the assumptions that the Congressional Budget Office uses to calculate its baseline for discretionary spending to eliminate certain adjustments for inflation and other factors. (A baseline is a projection of federal spending and receipts during a fiscal year under current law.)