H.R.118 - No Federal Funds for Political Prosecutions Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 118, the "No Federal Funds for Political Prosecutions Act," aims to prevent the use of forfeited funds, obtained through equitable sharing with the federal government, by state and local law enforcement agencies for investigating or prosecuting high-ranking federal officials and candidates. The bill requires these agencies to certify compliance with this restriction to the Attorney General. Non-compliance would result in disqualification from receiving future forfeited funds.
Expected Effects
The bill would limit the financial resources available to state and local law enforcement agencies for investigating and prosecuting current or former Presidents, Vice Presidents, and presidential candidates. This could potentially shield these individuals from certain investigations or prosecutions. It may also alter the allocation of resources within these agencies, potentially impacting other areas of law enforcement.
Potential Benefits
- May prevent politically motivated prosecutions of high-ranking officials.
- Could ensure that federal funds are used for broader public safety initiatives rather than targeted investigations.
- May reduce the potential for abuse of power by state and local law enforcement agencies.
- Could lead to a more equitable distribution of resources within law enforcement agencies.
- Promotes a clearer separation between federal and state law enforcement activities.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could hinder legitimate investigations into potential wrongdoing by high-ranking officials.
- May create a perception of unequal justice under the law.
- Could limit the ability of state and local agencies to hold powerful individuals accountable.
- May lead to a decrease in funding for state and local law enforcement agencies if they are unwilling to certify compliance.
- Could be seen as an attempt to protect certain individuals from legal scrutiny.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is complex. While Congress has the power to regulate the use of federal funds under the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8), the bill could be challenged as infringing upon the principle of separation of powers or as impeding the ability of states to enforce their own laws. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this bill could be seen as an encroachment on state authority to prosecute crimes.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).