A resolution directing the Senate Legal Counsel to bring a civil action in the name of the Senate to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause contained in clause 8 of section 9 of article I of the Constitution of the United States.

119th Congress Introduced by Angela Alsobrooks and 14 co-sponsors

Directs the Senate Legal Counsel to file a civil lawsuit to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause against public officers.

Submitted in Senate

Summary of S. Res. 807 (Session 119)

Purpose and intent

S. Res. 807 is a Senate resolution directing the Senate Legal Counsel to initiate a civil action in the name of the United States Senate.

The objective of the action would be to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause, located in Clause 8 of Section 9 of Article I of the U.S. Constitution.

In short, the resolution seeks to authorize the Senate to sue to compel compliance with constitutional prohibitions on accepting foreign emoluments by public officers.

Key provisions and changes

Direction to the Senate Legal Counsel: The core provision is a mandate for the Senate Legal Counsel to file a civil suit on behalf of the Senate.

Targeted enforcement: The suit would aim to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause, which restricts members of Congress from accepting gifts, payments, or other emoluments from foreign states that could imply allegiance or influence.

Nature of action: The resolution contemplates a civil action in federal court, brought in the name of the Senate rather than an individual senator or a private party.

Scope of enforcement: The resolution does not itself define the specific remedies but directs litigation to remedy potential violations or ongoing compliance concerns related to foreign emoluments by public officers, as interpreted by the Senate Legal Counsel.

Who or what would be affected

The Senate and its officers: The action would be carried out by the Senate Legal Counsel and would concern the conduct of members of Congress and other officers potentially subject to the Foreign Emoluments Clause.

Potential respondents: Foreign governments or entities offering emoluments to U.S. public officials, or private individuals/entities accused of facilitating such emoluments, could become respondents in the civil action depending on the legal theory of the suit.

Public accountability framework: The resolution reinforces the Senate’s role in enforcing constitutional provisions related to foreign influence and emoluments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Referral and consideration: The measure was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration and submitted in the Senate on the same day (July 21, 2026).

Legislative status: As a Senate resolution, it is a procedural instrument rather than a standalone appropriations or substantive policy bill. It would authorize government lawyers to pursue litigation rather than creating or altering statutory entitlements.

Implications for process: If enacted, the resolution would guide the Senate Legal Counsel's litigation strategy and timing, subject to legal feasibility and judicial review in federal courts.

Additional context

The bill is sponsored/co-sponsored by a broad slate of Senate Democrats and Independents who caucus with Democrats, signaling cross-spectrum support for robust enforcement of the Foreign Emoluments Clause.

This resolution reflects ongoing concerns in Congress about foreign influence and the integrity of public office, leveraging constitutional mechanisms to pursue enforcement via civil litigation.

Note: This summary reflects the text and structure of the resolution as described and does not constitute legal advice or an interpretation of potential judicial outcomes.