STOP the SWAMP Act
Latest action (4 Aug 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5228 — STOP the SWAMP Act would change the rules for witnesses who are summoned to testify before a committee of either house of Congress. Currently, a witness who refuses to answer a pertinent question can face criminal penalties; this bill adds that such a person would also be debarred from federal employment. It creates a similar debarment for anyone who is "finally convicted" (after any appeal is exhausted) of perjury or of making false statements to the government in connection with that testimony. A federal employee found in violation would also be removed from the civil service, though any debarment would be subject to judicial review. Separately, the bill revises the procedure for withholding a federal employee's salary after facts about their conduct are referred to a U.S. attorney, allowing a broader set of members of Congress to introduce a privileged joint resolution to rescind that funding, with a fast-track timeline for committee action and floor votes in both chambers.
The bill primarily affects federal employees who testify before Congress, congressional committees handling such testimony, and the Appropriations Committees, which would process any resulting salary-rescission resolutions.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 4, 2026, by Senator Roger Marshall and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It would need committee action, passage by both the Senate and House, and the President's signature to become law; no further action has occurred yet.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on August 4, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5228 do?
- S. 5228 — STOP the SWAMP Act would change the rules for witnesses who are summoned to testify before a committee of either house of Congress. Currently, a witness who refuses to answer a pertinent question can face criminal penalties; this bill adds that such a person would also be debarred from federal employment. It creates a similar debarment for anyone who is "finally convicted" (after any appeal is exhausted) of perjury or of making false statements to the government in connection with that testimony. A federal employee found in violation would also be removed from the civil service, though any debarment would be subject to judicial review. Separately, the bill revises the procedure for withholding a federal employee's salary after facts about their conduct are referred to a U.S. attorney, allowing a broader set of members of Congress to introduce a privileged joint resolution to rescind that funding, with a fast-track timeline for committee action and floor votes in both chambers. The bill primarily affects federal employees who testify before Congress, congressional committees handling such testimony, and the Appropriations Committees, which would process any resulting salary-rescission resolutions. The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 4, 2026, by Senator Roger Marshall and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It would need committee action, passage by both the Senate and House, and the President's signature to become law; no further action has occurred yet.
- Has S. 5228 become law?
- Not yet. As of 4 Aug 2026, S. 5228 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5228?
- S. 5228 was sponsored by Sen. Roger Marshall [R-KS] (Republican-KS), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5228?
- Introduced (4 Aug 2026).
Related bills in Government Operations and Politics
Recognizing the 25th pastoral anniversary of Bishop C.T. Wells and the ministry of Emmanuel Church.
National Fossil Act of 2026
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the “Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building”.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 117 West Lovett Street in Charlotte, Michigan, as the “Francis C. Flaherty Post Office Building”.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.