Bill Seeks to Strengthen Penalties for Bribery and Corruption Convictions
A bill (S. 401) introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) would revise the criminal code to strengthen penalties for bribery and corruption convictions. The bill would expand mail and wire fraud statutes to cover offenses involving anything of value, including intangible rights and licenses, not just monetary goods. The measure would also modify elements relating to the crime of bribery of public officials and witnesses to prohibit public officials from accepting anything of value, other than what is permitted by rule or regulation, because of the person’s official position.
