Should Congress act to reform democratic institutions relating to the President?

Government Operations (e.g., Election Laws)
Protecting our Democracy Act (H.R. 5314)
This bill has Passed the House of Representatives
Bill Summary

This bill introduces reforms to democratic institutions by limiting the president’s pardon power, extending the deadline for prosecuting former presidents and vice presidents for crimes committed before or during their time in office, enforcing the constitutional ban on presidents using the office to enrich themselves, enhancing enforcement of Congressional subpoenas, reasserting Congressional power of the purse, requiring disclosure of contacts between the White House and Department of Justice, strengthening protections for inspectors general, strengthening protections for whistleblowers, enhancing Senate power in confirming executive branch officials, bolstering enforcement of the Hatch Act, ensuring access to transition resources following a presidential election, requiring transparency of tax records of presidential candidates, protecting against foreign interference in elections, and clarifying prohibitions on foreign assistance in campaigns. Sponsor: Rep. Adam Schiff (Democrat, California, District 28)
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Opponents say

•    "This bill is yet another attempt by the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Adam Schiff, to retroactively attack President Trump, even after the Democrat Russia collusion allegations have been repeatedly debunked." Source: Rep. Rick Crawford (Republican, Arkansas, District 1)


•    "The bill the majority has titled “Protecting our Democracy Act” does nothing to protect anything but the swamp. Right now the American people are trying to prepare for the holidays with the highest inflation rate in 30 years. They are struggling to keep their gas tanks full, put food on the table, and heat their homes. They are worried about rising crime in their communities. They are concerned their children have suffered while their classrooms were closed. The borders are wide open to illegal immigrants and deadly drugs. Democrats are ignoring these real issues facing Americans today. Instead, Democrats want to talk about former President Trump, even though a Democrat has occupied the White House for nearly a year." Source: Rep James Comer (Republican, Kentucky, District 1)


•    "I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5314. Bringing H.R. 5314 to the House floor this week shows that the Democrats’ priority is partisan politics, not policies that will directly affect the American people. If Democrats were serious about bipartisan reforms, they wouldn’t be pushing a bill like 5314. This bill is nothing but a continuation of the Democrats’ obsession with President Trump. He lives rent-free in their heads. This bill incorporates several unnecessary “reforms” that are nothing but an attempt to validate House Democrats’ baseless investigation of the Trump administration. It is a huge red flag that H.R. 5314 was referred to nine committees and not one Democrat-led committee has held a hearing or markup on the legislation. This legislation is being pushed through without proper order and I oppose it." Source: Rep. Mary Miller (Republican, Illinois, District 15) 

Proponents say

•     "While Donald Trump is no longer president, the fault lines he exposed in the foundation of our democracy remain — ready for a future unethical president to exploit. These weaknesses continue to erode the American people’s trust in our democratic institutions and the norms that are essential to a functioning democracy. As Congress pursues its mission to strengthen and protect our democracy for future generations, these reforms will help ensure that we can keep our cherished republic." Source: Rep. Adam Schiff (Democrat, California, District 28)


•     "History has shown time and time again that the fossil fuel industry’s influence pollutes the people’s government as much as our environment. A robust democracy is critical to all of our rights, but especially members of marginalized groups who have few other ways to protect their interests. Low-income communities and communities of color have consistently and systematically been excluded from the political process, resulting in decades of environmental racism and a shameful lack of accountability for politicians and polluting corporations. By shoring up the rule of law and the integrity of our institutions, H.R. 5314 would go a long way toward ensuring American democracy works for the people, not the polluters" Source: Gene Karpinski, President of League of Conservation Voters

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