Understanding Section 666: What Constitutes Corrupt Behavior

🔍Section 666 applies to 19 million State, local, and tribal officials and others receiving Federal benefits.

🔑Section 666 punishes corruptly receiving anything of value with intent to be influenced or rewarded.

📚The government argues for a broad interpretation of 'corruptly,' but this definition is implausible and vague.

🏛️The breadth of Section 666 raises federalism and due process concerns.

🚦The government's view lacks support in other statutes and fails to provide clear guidance for officials.

Who does Section 666 apply to?

—Section 666 applies to 19 million State, local, and tribal officials and others receiving Federal benefits.

What behavior does Section 666 punish?

—Section 666 punishes corruptly receiving anything of value with intent to be influenced or rewarded.

What is the government's interpretation of 'corruptly'?

—The government argues for a broad interpretation of 'corruptly,' encompassing wrongful, immoral, depraved, or evil behavior.

What concerns does the breadth of Section 666 raise?

—The breadth of Section 666 raises federalism and due process concerns.

Does the government's view have support in other statutes?

—No, the government's view lacks support in other statutes and fails to provide clear guidance for officials.

00:00Section 666 applies to 19 million State, local, and tribal officials and others receiving Federal benefits.

00:51Section 666 punishes corruptly receiving anything of value with intent to be influenced or rewarded.

01:40The government argues for a broad interpretation of 'corruptly,' but this definition is implausible and vague.

03:52The breadth of Section 666 raises federalism and due process concerns.

08:23The government's view lacks support in other statutes and fails to provide clear guidance for officials.