Representative Rich McCormick (R-GA) recently reintroduced the STOP the SWAMP Act to strengthen congressional oversight and hold federal employees accountable for obstructing congressional investigations.
What does this bill do? This legislation would bar individuals from working for the federal government if they refuse to answer certain questions before Congress or are convicted of perjury.
It then authorizes members of Congress to refer witnesses who unlawfully withhold information to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish clear consequences for those who obstruct federal investigations.
What Rep. Rich McCormick had to say:
- Via Press Release: “If you can hide from Congress, you shouldn’t be able to work for the federal government. Congress has a constitutional duty to conduct oversight, and federal employees have a duty to tell the truth. Full stop. If someone lies under oath or refuses to cooperate with a lawful investigation, there should be consequences. Public service is a privilege, and no one is above the law.”
- Via his Official X: “Government only works when the people running it answer to the American people. I reintroduced the STOP the SWAMP Act to hold federal employees accountable if they lie under oath or unlawfully obstruct congressional investigations.”
Further Context: Rep. McCormick reintroduced the STOP the SWAMP Act following renewed scrutiny surrounding Dr. Anthony Fauci’s testimony before the Senate on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Dr. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer more than 100 questions from senators investigating the federal government’s COVID-19 response.
The hearing examined Dr. Fauci’s actions during the pandemic, including decisions related to broader federal health care policy.
This bill functions as a formal response to Dr. Fauci’s conduct and first amends Section 102 of the Revised Statutes regarding congressional investigations.
One amended provision, for example, places misdemeanor criminal penalties on summoned witnesses who refuse to answer questions.
It then amends Section 104 of the Revised Statutes to create a streamlined procedure for withholding salary appropriations from non-compliant federal employees.
