STOP the SWAMP Act

This bill aims to enhance accountability for witnesses appearing before Congress by amending existing federal statutes to impose significant new penalties. It targets individuals who refuse to answer questions pertinent to a congressional inquiry or who are found to have committed perjury or made false statements during such proceedings. Specifically, the legislation mandates that any person who, after being summoned, refuses to answer relevant questions before either House of Congress shall be debarred from Federal employment in addition to facing misdemeanor charges. Furthermore, individuals who are finally convicted of perjury or making false statements in such proceedings will also be debarred from federal employment. For current federal employees, a violation of these provisions will result in their removal from the civil service . The bill also establishes a new mechanism for Congress to address non-compliant federal employee witnesses. It allows any Member of Congress to introduce a joint resolution to rescind funds appropriated for the salary and expenses of a federal employee witness who refused to answer questions, following the certification of facts to a U.S. attorney. This joint resolution is designated as privileged and subject to expedited legislative procedures, including specific timelines for committee referral, reporting, and floor votes, with all debarment and rescission actions subject to judicial review.