Democrat unveils legislation outlawing ‘gratuities’ to state, local officials

Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley (Ore.) unveiled a piece of legislation Wednesday that would outlaw state and local officials from accepting “gratuities” for official acts.

The bill, titled the “Stop Corrupt Gratuities Act,” follows the Supreme Court’s Snyder v. United States ruling earlier this year, which narrowed the scope of what can be considered an illegal gratuity to a government official.

“Gratuities that change hands after the completion of an official action are bribes, plain and simple,” Merkley said in a statement. “This crooked and corrupt practice is a clear threat to the integrity of our democratic institutions and should be stopped.”

Merkley said Congress must put “people ahead of the privileged and powerful” and strengthen federal antibribery laws.

The legislation not only follows the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Snyder case but comes at a time when officials are under increased scrutiny for accepting gifts for their acts. Experts are warning the ruling weakens public corruption safeguards.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has received more than $4 million in gifts since the early 2000s, making headlines last year after an investigation found he took dozens of trips paid for by separate billionaire friends. Justice Samuel Alito has received $170,000 since 2006.

This push also follows the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling, which was a win for former President Trump, and means presidents are now granted broad immunity for official acts. However, the ruling presents questions about the potential prosecution of presidents moving forward.

Merkley’s bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).