What does Preamble of Protecting Our Democracy Act do?

This bill, formally titled H.R. 8831, aims to protect democracy. The stated purpose is to prevent abuses of Presidential power. The bill seeks to restore checks and balances and accountability in government. It also aims to defend elections against foreign interference.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Protecting Our Democracy Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Protecting Our Democracy Act.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Protecting Our Democracy Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Abuse of the Pardon Power Prevention Act.

What does CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT RELATING TO CERTAIN PARDONS. of Protecting Our Democracy Act do?

This section establishes congressional oversight requirements related to presidential pardons for 'covered offenses'. The Attorney General must submit materials related to the offense and the pardon to the chair and ranking member of specified congressional committees within 30 days of a pardon. The materials to be submitted include prosecution team materials, investigative agency materials, and Department of Justice materials related to both the offense and the pardon. Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 6(e) cannot be used to prohibit the disclosure of information required by this section. ’Appropriate congressional committee’ includes the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, and if the investigation involves intelligence matters, the Senate and House Select Committees on Intelligence. ’Covered offense’ includes offenses involving the President, relatives of the President, former Presidents, political appointees, employees of presidential committees, offenses under specific U.S. Codes (2 U.S.C. 192, 18 U.S.C. 1001, 1505, 1512, 1621), and offenses motivated by a significant personal or pecuniary interest related to individuals described in clauses (i) through (v). 'Pardon' includes a commutation of a sentence. 'Relative' of the President is defined using regulations related to family members and degrees of relationship.

What does BRIBERY IN CONNECTION WITH PARDONS AND COMMUTATIONS. of Protecting Our Democracy Act do?

This section amends Section 201 of Title 18, United States Code, concerning bribery. The amendment expands the definition of 'person' under subsection (a)(2) to include apparent successful candidates for President and Vice President. It clarifies that the definition of 'anything of value' in subsection (b)(3) includes offers of pardons, commutations, or reprieves. The amendment explicitly includes the President and Vice President within the scope of bribery prohibitions under subsection (a).

What does PROHIBITION ON PRESIDENTIAL SELF-PARDON. of Protecting Our Democracy Act do?

This section prohibits a President from pardoning themself. A presidential self-pardon is declared void and without legal effect. The courts retain jurisdiction even if a self-pardon is attempted. A self-pardon does not grant the President immunity from investigation or prosecution.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Protecting Our Democracy Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'No President is Above the Law Act'.

What does TOLLING OF STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. of Protecting Our Democracy Act do?

This section amends Section 3282 of Title 18, United States Code. It establishes that a President or Vice President's tenure in office will not be considered when calculating the statute of limitations for federal criminal offenses they committed. This applies to offenses committed before, during, or after their tenure. The amendment applies to offenses where the statute of limitations had not yet expired as of the date of enactment. The section clarifies that it does not prevent the indictment or prosecution of a President or Vice President during their tenure for criminal violations.

What does CONTRACTS BY THE PRESIDENT, THE VICE PRESIDENT, OR A CABINET of Protecting Our Democracy Act do?

This section amends Section 431 of Title 18, United States Code. The amendment modifies the section heading to include 'the President, the Vice President, a Cabinet Member, or a'. The first undesignated paragraph of Section 431 is amended to include 'the President, the Vice President, in a position at level I of the Executive Schedule under section 5312 of title 5'. The table of sections for chapter 23 of Title 18, United States Code, is amended to reflect the changes to Section 431.

What does FORFEITURE OF BENEFITS FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS CONVICTED OF A of Protecting Our Democracy Act do?

This section amends the Former Presidents Act of 1958. It introduces a provision that former presidents convicted of a felony committed during or after their time in office may forfeit certain benefits. Specifically, a convicted former president would be ineligible for a monetary allowance under subsection (a). Funds for security, as determined by the Director of the Secret Service, would still be available. The former president would be required to repay any allowances received between the initial and final conviction dates. The term 'finally convicted' is defined as a conviction that is no longer appealable or has completed the appeals process.

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Protecting Our Democracy Act

Last updated: 5/14/2026 · Introduced: 5/14/2026

Author: Jamie Raskin (D-MD)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes congressional oversight for presidential pardons, requiring the Attorney General to submit related materials to Congress within 30 days.
It prohibits a President from self-pardoning, declaring any self-pardon void and retaining jurisdiction for courts to investigate such actions.
The legislation amends bribery laws to include presidential and vice-presidential candidates and explicitly prohibits offers of pardons as bribes.
It requires former presidents convicted of felonies to forfeit certain benefits, including monetary allowances, while allowing for security funds.
The bill mandates stricter reporting requirements for foreign emoluments and establishes penalties for violations, including civil and criminal consequences.
It enhances transparency by requiring presidential and vice-presidential candidates to disclose their tax returns and establishes an Office of Inspector General within the Executive Office of the President.
The legislation restricts political appointees from engaging in certain lobbying activities and establishes an ethics pledge to prevent conflicts of interest.

119th Congressin committeeS. 2838(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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Protecting Our Democracy Act

Other Sections

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TITLE XIV

DIVISION B / TITLE XXI

DIVISION B / TITLE XXII

DIVISION B / TITLE XXIII

DIVISION B / TITLE XXIV

DIVISION B / TITLE XXV

DIVISION B / TITLE XXVI

DIVISION B / TITLE XXVII

DIVISION B / TITLE XXVIII

DIVISION C / TITLE XXXI

DIVISION C / TITLE XXXII

DIVISION C / TITLE XXXIII

DIVISION C / TITLE XXXIV

DIVISION C / TITLE XXXV

DIVISION C / TITLE XXXVI

DIVISION C / TITLE XXXVII

DIVISION C / TITLE XXXVIII

DIVISION D / TITLE XLI

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