Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Strengthen Congressional Oversight & Hold Federal Bureaucrats Accountable

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), today introduced the STOP the SWAMP Act to strengthen congressional oversight and hold federal employees accountable for obstructing congressional investigations. The legislation follows last week’s Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, where former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times rather than answer questions from senators regarding his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. “For years we’ve watched unelected bureaucrats evade accountability while millions of families are still searching for answers,” said Senator Marshall. “Congress has a constitutional duty to conduct oversight, and that responsibility means nothing if federal officials can refuse to answer questions without consequence. This bill restores accountability and begins rebuilding the trust that’s been lost.” This bill was introduced by Congressman Rich McCormick (R-Georgia) in the House of Representatives. The STOP the SWAMP Act would: Bar individuals from future federal employment if they refuse to answer qualifying questions before Congress or are convicted of perjury related to congressional testimony. Authorize members of Congress to refer witnesses who unlawfully withhold information to the Department of Justice (DOJ), establishing clear consequences for those who obstruct federal investigations. Click here to read the full text of the legislation. ### Contact: Payton Fuller