CORRUPT Act

Bill Number: H.R. 5988
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T09:06:19Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation aims to create a specific exception to the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which generally allows individuals to sue the U.S. government for certain injuries caused by its employees. The bill prevents the sitting President of the United States and their close family members from filing such claims during the President's term in office.

Key Provisions

Amendment to Existing Law: Adds a new subsection (o) to section 2680 of title 18, United States Code, listing exceptions to the FTCA.
Scope of Exception: Bars any FTCA claim brought by:
The President during their elected term.
A "covered relative" of the President, defined as a spouse, child, sibling, or in-law.
Short Title: The act is titled the "Ceasing Outrageous Restitution and Reimbursement Under President Trump Act" or the "CORRUPT Act."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The FTCA (codified in 28 U.S.C. §§ 1346(b), 2671–2680) waives sovereign immunity for many negligence-based claims against the government but includes exceptions in section 2680 for areas like discretionary functions or postal matters.
This bill introduces a novel, person-specific exception targeting the President and immediate family, which does not currently exist. It limits the FTCA's applicability based on the claimant's relationship to the executive office, potentially overriding general access to federal courts for tort remedies in this narrow context.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The Department of Justice (which defends the U.S. in FTCA cases) may see reduced litigation from presidential family members, simplifying case management but raising questions about selective immunity.
On Citizens: Primarily affects the sitting President and their covered relatives by restricting their ability to sue the government for torts (e.g., personal injury or property damage caused by federal employees). It has no direct impact on ordinary citizens but could influence perceptions of equal access to justice.
On International Relations: No direct effects, as the bill focuses on domestic tort claims.

Main Stakeholders Affected

President and Covered Relatives: Directly limits their legal recourse under the FTCA during the President's term.
U.S. Government and Federal Agencies: Benefits from the exception by avoiding potential lawsuits from high-profile individuals.
Judiciary and Legal Community: May face challenges in interpreting or challenging the exception's constitutionality in court.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal Implications: Narrows the FTCA's scope in a targeted way, potentially complicating sovereign immunity doctrines (the principle that the government can't be sued without consent). Courts might scrutinize whether this exception aligns with the FTCA's intent to provide remedies for wrongs.
Constitutional Implications: Could raise equal protection concerns under the Fifth Amendment (part of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights), as it treats the President and family differently from other citizens without a clear justification. It might also intersect with separation of powers by limiting executive branch members' access to judicial remedies.
Political Implications: The bill's title and timing (introduced in the 119th Congress) suggest a partisan focus, potentially aimed at restricting legal actions by a specific administration. If enacted, it could set a precedent for future legislation targeting officeholders, influencing political accountability and litigation strategies.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]

Cosponsors (12)

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11]

Recent Actions

2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
2025-11-07: Introduced in House
2025-11-07: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Ceasing Outrageous Restitution and Reimbursement Under President Trump Act — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (2 pages)