No Foreign Emoluments Without Congressional Consent Act
Impact
If enacted, this legislation would significantly alter existing statutes governing the acceptance of foreign emoluments by senior federal officials. Specifically, the bill prohibits these officials from receiving any foreign payment without prior consent from Congress, thereby ensuring that all such transactions are subject to legislative oversight. The bill outlines a framework for requesting and obtaining legislative approval and includes provisions for civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Consequently, this act would serve to enhance the ethical framework surrounding federal officials and help mitigate potential conflicts of interest arising from foreign financial influences.
Summary
SB4390, titled the 'No Foreign Emoluments Without Congressional Consent Act', seeks to amend Title 5 of the United States Code. The primary goal of this bill is to prevent senior federal officials, including the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress, from accepting foreign payments without explicit approval from Congress. It establishes stringent protocols for such foreign payments, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in financial dealings that could impact the integrity of U.S. public officials. By requiring consent from Congress before any acceptance of foreign payments, the bill aims to fortify the ethical standards governing federal officials.
Contention
While the intent of SB4390 is to promote ethical governance, there may be points of contention regarding its implications for the functioning of federal officials. Critics may argue that requiring congressional consent for foreign payments could politicize the process and potentially impede legitimate international dealings that could benefit the U.S. interests. Additionally, there may be concerns about the practical enforcement of the provisions and the administrative burden it places on both officials and the legislative process. Supporters, on the other hand, are likely to emphasize the importance of transparency and the protection of governmental integrity against foreign influence.
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.
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 condemning the private business agreements of President Donald J. Trump with foreign governments for posing unacceptable conflicts of interest, affirming such agreements violate the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution of the United States, and demanding the transfer of any proceeds from such agreements to the United States Government.
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.