• Committee on House Administration• Transportation and Infrastructure Committee• Ways and Means Committee• Foreign Affairs Committee• Rules Committee• Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee• Judiciary Committee• Intelligence (Permanent Select) Committee• Oversight and Government Reform Committee• Budget Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Protecting Our Democracy Act This bill addresses issues involving (1) abuses of presidential power; (2) checks and balances, accountability, and transparency; and (3) election integrity and security. Specifically, regarding abuses of presidential power, the bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the President to submit to Congress specified materials relating to certain pardons, prohibits presidential self-pardons, suspends the statute of limitations for federal offenses committed by a sitting President or Vice President, prohibits the acceptance of foreign or domestic emoluments, and sets forth provisions regarding Office of Government Ethics and Office of Special Counsel jurisdiction and enforcement authority. To address checks and balances, accountability, and transparency, the bill authorizes specified actions to enforce congressional subpoenas, imposes limits on presidential declarations of emergencies, requires DOJ to maintain a log of specified communications between it and the White House, requires cause for removal of inspectors general, increases whistleblower protections, and requires a candidate for President or Vice President to provide copies of tax returns for the 10 most recent taxable years to the Federal Election Commission. To address election integrity and security, the bill requires federal campaign reporting of foreign contacts, makes various changes to requirements concerning foreign donations to political campaigns and candidates and foreign contributions to online electioneering communications, prohibits distribution of materially deceptive audio or visual media prior to an election (i.e., deepfakes), and establishes a program to support states and localities transition to ranked choice voting systems.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, the Budget, Transportation and Infrastructure, Rules, Foreign Affairs, Ways and Means, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 838 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5314, S. 1605 and S. 610 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. Rule makes in order for the Speaker may entertain motions offered by the Majority Leader or a designee that the House suspend the rules as though under clause 1 of rule XV with respect to multiple measures that were the object of motions to suspend the rules on certain legislative days.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 838. (consideration: CR H7562-7617)
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5314, S. 1605 and S. 610 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. Rule makes in order for the Speaker may entertain motions offered by the Majority Leader or a designee that the House suspend the rules as though under clause 1 of rule XV with respect to multiple measures that were the object of motions to suspend the rules on certain legislative days.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5314.
DEBATE - The House continued with debate on H.R. 5314.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney amendment en bloc No. 1.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney en bloc No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney amendment en bloc No. 2.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney en bloc No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ocasio-Cortez amendment No. 25.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Ocasio-Cortez amendment No. 25, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on agreeing to amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed. (consideration: CR H7613)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mr. Davis, Rodney moved to recommit to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (text: CR H7616)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 212 - 217 (Roll no. 439).
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 5314.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, the Budget, Transportation and Infrastructure, Rules, Foreign Affairs, Ways and Means, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 838 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5314, S. 1605 and S. 610 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. Rule makes in order for the Speaker may entertain motions offered by the Majority Leader or a designee that the House suspend the rules as though under clause 1 of rule XV with respect to multiple measures that were the object of motions to suspend the rules on certain legislative days.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 838. (consideration: CR H7562-7617)
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5314, S. 1605 and S. 610 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. Rule makes in order for the Speaker may entertain motions offered by the Majority Leader or a designee that the House suspend the rules as though under clause 1 of rule XV with respect to multiple measures that were the object of motions to suspend the rules on certain legislative days.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5314.
DEBATE - The House continued with debate on H.R. 5314.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney amendment en bloc No. 1.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney en bloc No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney amendment en bloc No. 2.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney en bloc No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ocasio-Cortez amendment No. 25.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Ocasio-Cortez amendment No. 25, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on agreeing to amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed. (consideration: CR H7613)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mr. Davis, Rodney moved to recommit to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (text: CR H7616)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 212 - 217 (Roll no. 439).
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 5314.
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdministrative remediesAppropriationsBudget processCivil actions and liabilityCongressional committeesCongressional oversightCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationCriminal procedure and sentencingDefense spendingDepartment of JusticeElections, voting, political campaign regulationEmployment discrimination and employee rightsEvidence and witnessesExecutive agency funding and structureFederal-Indian relationsFederal officialsGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementGovernment ethics and transparency, public corruptionGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHouse of RepresentativesIntelligence activities, surveillance, classified informationJudicial procedure and administrationJudicial review and appealsLabor standardsLawyers and legal servicesLegal fees and court costsMerit Systems Protection BoardMilitary operations and strategyOffice of Government EthicsOffice of Special CounselPolitical parties and affiliationPresidents and presidential powers, Vice PresidentsResearch administration and fundingRight of privacyScientific communicationSenateTariffsTax administration and collection, taxpayersWar and emergency powers
Protecting Our Democracy Act
USA117th CongressHR-5314| House
| Updated: 12/13/2021
Protecting Our Democracy Act This bill addresses issues involving (1) abuses of presidential power; (2) checks and balances, accountability, and transparency; and (3) election integrity and security. Specifically, regarding abuses of presidential power, the bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the President to submit to Congress specified materials relating to certain pardons, prohibits presidential self-pardons, suspends the statute of limitations for federal offenses committed by a sitting President or Vice President, prohibits the acceptance of foreign or domestic emoluments, and sets forth provisions regarding Office of Government Ethics and Office of Special Counsel jurisdiction and enforcement authority. To address checks and balances, accountability, and transparency, the bill authorizes specified actions to enforce congressional subpoenas, imposes limits on presidential declarations of emergencies, requires DOJ to maintain a log of specified communications between it and the White House, requires cause for removal of inspectors general, increases whistleblower protections, and requires a candidate for President or Vice President to provide copies of tax returns for the 10 most recent taxable years to the Federal Election Commission. To address election integrity and security, the bill requires federal campaign reporting of foreign contacts, makes various changes to requirements concerning foreign donations to political campaigns and candidates and foreign contributions to online electioneering communications, prohibits distribution of materially deceptive audio or visual media prior to an election (i.e., deepfakes), and establishes a program to support states and localities transition to ranked choice voting systems.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, the Budget, Transportation and Infrastructure, Rules, Foreign Affairs, Ways and Means, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 838 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5314, S. 1605 and S. 610 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. Rule makes in order for the Speaker may entertain motions offered by the Majority Leader or a designee that the House suspend the rules as though under clause 1 of rule XV with respect to multiple measures that were the object of motions to suspend the rules on certain legislative days.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 838. (consideration: CR H7562-7617)
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5314, S. 1605 and S. 610 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. Rule makes in order for the Speaker may entertain motions offered by the Majority Leader or a designee that the House suspend the rules as though under clause 1 of rule XV with respect to multiple measures that were the object of motions to suspend the rules on certain legislative days.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5314.
DEBATE - The House continued with debate on H.R. 5314.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney amendment en bloc No. 1.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney en bloc No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney amendment en bloc No. 2.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney en bloc No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ocasio-Cortez amendment No. 25.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Ocasio-Cortez amendment No. 25, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on agreeing to amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed. (consideration: CR H7613)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mr. Davis, Rodney moved to recommit to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (text: CR H7616)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 212 - 217 (Roll no. 439).
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 5314.
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, the Budget, Transportation and Infrastructure, Rules, Foreign Affairs, Ways and Means, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 838 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5314, S. 1605 and S. 610 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. Rule makes in order for the Speaker may entertain motions offered by the Majority Leader or a designee that the House suspend the rules as though under clause 1 of rule XV with respect to multiple measures that were the object of motions to suspend the rules on certain legislative days.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 838. (consideration: CR H7562-7617)
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5314, S. 1605 and S. 610 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. Rule makes in order for the Speaker may entertain motions offered by the Majority Leader or a designee that the House suspend the rules as though under clause 1 of rule XV with respect to multiple measures that were the object of motions to suspend the rules on certain legislative days.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5314.
DEBATE - The House continued with debate on H.R. 5314.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney amendment en bloc No. 1.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney en bloc No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney amendment en bloc No. 2.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Carolyn B. Maloney en bloc No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 838, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ocasio-Cortez amendment No. 25.
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Ocasio-Cortez amendment No. 25, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on agreeing to amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed. (consideration: CR H7613)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mr. Davis, Rodney moved to recommit to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (text: CR H7616)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 212 - 217 (Roll no. 439).
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 5314.
• Committee on House Administration• Transportation and Infrastructure Committee• Ways and Means Committee• Foreign Affairs Committee• Rules Committee• Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee• Judiciary Committee• Intelligence (Permanent Select) Committee• Oversight and Government Reform Committee• Budget Committee
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdministrative remediesAppropriationsBudget processCivil actions and liabilityCongressional committeesCongressional oversightCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationCriminal procedure and sentencingDefense spendingDepartment of JusticeElections, voting, political campaign regulationEmployment discrimination and employee rightsEvidence and witnessesExecutive agency funding and structureFederal-Indian relationsFederal officialsGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementGovernment ethics and transparency, public corruptionGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHouse of RepresentativesIntelligence activities, surveillance, classified informationJudicial procedure and administrationJudicial review and appealsLabor standardsLawyers and legal servicesLegal fees and court costsMerit Systems Protection BoardMilitary operations and strategyOffice of Government EthicsOffice of Special CounselPolitical parties and affiliationPresidents and presidential powers, Vice PresidentsResearch administration and fundingRight of privacyScientific communicationSenateTariffsTax administration and collection, taxpayersWar and emergency powers