California Rep. Adam Schiff (D) introduced a bill on Friday that would prevent sitting presidents from dismissing criminal prosecution against themselves, including through coercion of an attorney general or anyone acting on the president’s behalf.
The Investigative Integrity Protection Act seeks to require a three-judge court hearing before any charges against a president are dropped, according to a release. The legislation would only allow the court to grant a dismissal after considering whether the attorney general was appointed with the intent of dismissing any criminal prosecution against the president.
A Department of Justice inspector general would also be inquired to investigate any inquiries and immediately report findings to Congress under the proposed bill.
“Several years ago, we witnessed alarming attempts by a sitting president to obstruct justice and evade accountability. My bill would prevent a president from interfering in an investigation into, or prosecution of, their own misconduct,” Shiff shared in a statement. “This is a necessary step to ensure that our justice system remains independent and that no individual can place themself beyond its reach.”
In July, the Supreme Court ruled that former President Trump has presumptive immunity for official acts while in office which was strongly opposed by Democratic members of Congress. Since then, some legislators have been working to limit presidential powers from permitting an escape from the rule of law.
Schiff’s bill was co-sponsored by seven Democrats and endorsed by the California Grassroots Alliance, the League of Conservation Voters in addition to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, among others.
“The Investigative Integrity Protection Act would ensure presidents can be held accountable for breaking the law by stopping presidents from halting federal criminal prosecutions against themselves,” said Brett Edkins, Stand Up America’s managing director of policy and political affairs. “This bill is crucial to upholding the rule of law, especially after the Supreme Court’s decision to give presidents immunity for official acts.”