New Jersey
New Jersey Senators Introduce the Andy Kim Anti-Bribery Improvement Act to Target Political Corruption
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Key points
- Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker introduced S. 5510 on September 24, 2026, to expand the federal definition of bribery.
- The bill seeks to close legal loopholes by criminalizing the buying and selling of access to public officials.
- To protect routine constituent services, the legislation requires proof of an express agreement to exchange access for value.
NewsWK — New Jersey senators have introduced a new legislative package aimed at tightening federal corruption laws. Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker introduced the bill on September 24, 2026. Meanwhile, the Senate referred the measure to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Why it matters
The legislation attempts to restore strict federal oversight over public officials. By redefining what constitutes bribery, the bill seeks to prevent wealthy donors from purchasing direct access to lawmakers. This shift could significantly alter how federal prosecutors target public corruption across the United States.
How does the S 5510 Anti-Bribery Improvement Act change federal law?
The bill amends Title 18 of the United States Code to expand the definition of bribery. It specifically outlaws buying or selling access to a public official. This change directly addresses legal loopholes from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
That case, federal bribery law McDonnell v United States, narrowed the definition of an official act. Consequently, prosecutors struggled to secure convictions in cases involving indirect political favors. The new proposal, often called the Cory Booker McDonnell Fix, targets this specific vulnerability.
Why does the Cory Booker McDonnell Fix require an express agreement?
The bill requires prosecutors to prove an express agreement to exchange access for a thing of value. This high standard protects routine constituent advocacy and legislative services from being classified as criminal behavior. It ensures that standard interactions between citizens and lawmakers remain legal.
Additionally, this measure is part of a broader anti-corruption push. The New Jersey senators anti corruption bill package includes three distinct proposals:
- S. 5509: The No Gratuities for Governing Act
- S. 5510: The Anti-Bribery Improvement Act
- S. 5511: The Honest Services Fraud Improvement Act
The bill defines “access” as the “use of a public official’s ability to influence any decision or action.” This definition ensures that selling influence, even without a formal official act, carries criminal penalties.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
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