Congressman Johnson Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Measures

Press Release

CONGRESSMAN JOHNSON INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES

In the wake of the U.S. Attorneys investigation, Congressman Hank Johnson, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, has introduced a bill to give investigators and prosecutors the additional tools they need to detect and prosecute corruption by public officials.

Known as The Effective Corruption Prosecutions Act of 2007 (H.R. 1872), the legislation broadens statutes that traditionally apply to organized crime, extends the statute of limitations, and authorizes additional funding to ensure adequate investigation and prosecution of federal corruption. An identical bill has been introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy.

"Public corruption cases are among the most difficult and time-consuming cases to investigate and prosecute," said Rep. Johnson, an attorney and former judge. "In recent years, the FBI has diverted resources away from criminal law priorities into counter terrorism but we must also ensure that corruption offenses are aggressively pursued." He said the Department of Justice has also diverted funding which has weakened the U.S. Attorneys offices.

According to Rep. Johnson, federal corruption cases often require the use of informants, lengthy review of records, and electronic monitoring. His legislation will extend the statute of limitations from 5 years to 8 years for bribery, deprivation of honest services, and extortion by a public official. Bank fraud, arson, passport fraud, and other offenses carry a 10-year statute of limitations.

In addition, Johnson proposes amendments to 18 U.S.C. § 666, one of the most critical federal statutes for prosecuting bribery involving state and local officials or organization officials that receive substantial federal grants, and to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute, which authorizes wiretaps to gain evidence.

"Agents and prosecutors use these laws to investigate many serious offenses and it is only reasonable that they also be available to investigate federal program bribery," explained Johnson.

Source