Combating Global Corruption Act of 2023

H.R. 457, the Combating Global Corruption Act of 2023, would require the U.S. Department of State to publish an annual report ranking foreign countries into three tiers based on their efforts to eliminate government corruption. For countries with the lowest rankings, the bill mandates the appointment of dedicated U.S. anti-corruption officials to those regions and requires the President to identify and consider sanctions against specific individuals or entities involved in significant corruption.

For the average citizen, this bill aims to increase transparency regarding how foreign governments handle public funds and to ensure that U.S. foreign policy actively discourages bribery and embezzlement abroad. By creating a formal "shame list" and potential financial sanctions, the legislation seeks to protect international stability and ensure that American foreign aid and business investments are not undermined by corrupt practices.