California Representative Adam Schiff introduced the Investigative Integrity Protection Act on Friday, a bill designed to prevent sitting presidents from dismissing criminal prosecutions against themselves.
We can take a guess who he designed this legislation for…
The proposed legislation aims to safeguard the justice system’s independence by requiring a three-judge court to review any decision to drop charges involving a president. The bill comes in response to concerns about past abuses of presidential power and the potential for a president to obstruct justice through manipulation or coercion of the attorney general.
Schiff’s bill specifically targets instances where an attorney general or other officials could be appointed with the intent of dismissing charges against the president. Under the bill, any attempt to halt such criminal prosecution would need to go through the courts. The three-judge panel would assess whether the dismissal was influenced by improper motives, particularly if the attorney general’s appointment was made with the goal of ending investigations or prosecutions into the president’s conduct.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Justice’s inspector general launch an inquiry into any case where a president’s criminal prosecution is at risk of being dismissed. The findings of these investigations would be reported immediately to Congress, ensuring that legislators have oversight and transparency in these matters.
Schiff emphasized the importance of this legislation by pointing to past efforts by sitting presidents to obstruct justice and avoid accountability. “My bill would prevent a president from interfering in an investigation into, or prosecution of, their own misconduct,” Schiff said in a statement. “This is a necessary step to ensure that our justice system remains independent and that no individual can place themselves beyond its reach.”
The legislation has garnered support from several key groups, including the California Grassroots Alliance, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, and the League of Conservation Voters. Brett Edkins, managing director of policy and political affairs at Stand Up America, praised the bill, stating it would help uphold the rule of law by preventing presidents from using their power to avoid legal consequences.
This legislation comes amid increased efforts by lawmakers to limit presidential powers following the Supreme Court’s July ruling, which granted former President Donald Trump presumptive immunity for official acts committed while in office.
