Lying to Congress: The False Statements Accountability Act of 1996 (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
May 12, 1998 |
| Report Number |
98-456 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Paul S. Wallace, Jr., American Law Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The False Statements Accountability Act of 1996, among other things, amends the federal code
to
specify its applicability to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government prohibiting
anyone from knowingly and willfully making misrepresentations to these three branches, and by
making it clear that one can corruptly obstruct Congressional proceedings personally as well as by
influencing another person. The Act overcomes judicial decisions that had eroded the protection of
Congress against false statements and other corrupt interference while acting within the performance
of its constitutional duties. This is accomplished by providing in effect that persons who make false
statements to Congress or the federal judiciary could be prosecuted to the same extent as persons
making false statements to the executive branch. The Act provides that its false statement
provisions: (1) shall not apply with respect to statements, representations, writings, or documents
submitted to a judge or magistrate by a party or that party's counsel in a judicial proceeding; and (2)
shall apply to the legislative branch only with respect to administrative matters or any congressional
investigation or review which is conducted consistent with applicable rules of the House or Senate.
This background report will not be updated.
