What gifts are allowed to receive officials in America

Photo: depositphotos.com

The hero of the TV series “House of Cards” of an American politician named Frank Underwood is often served in chic restaurants and presented with expensive gifts.

In real life in the United States it would be called simply and clearly - corruption. And would be prosecuted.

In the US, federal government officials, from President Obama to the beginning worker, follow the same set of rules, and the punishment for violating them is very strict.

The marginal cost for gifts to the president and the first lady received from foreign individuals and legal entities is the same as for other federal employees - 375 dollars. If the presidential couple wants to keep some gift for themselves, they should ask Congress for permission (which is unlikely), or after the end of the presidential term buy it at market value for their own money.

All gifts made to the president that cost more than 375 dollars, like most less expensive ones, are considered state property and are transferred to the National Archives Office. Every year, the President and First Lady must report on each gift received, indicating the donor and cost.

The same procedure is provided for congressmen, both members of the House of Representatives and senators.

The marginal cost of gifts to government officials from American citizens is even smaller - no more than 20 dollars, while the same person cannot make gifts for an amount in excess of 50 dollars over the course of a year.

As for expensive meals, government employees must buy them themselves. The limit for free food set for the government is the same as for gifts - 20 dollars. With such restrictions on restaurants, in which Frank Underwood is accustomed to dine, you will have to stay away.

Government employees in the US have good fringe benefits and fair wages. They do not need to trade their influence or accept expensive gifts. Otherwise, they will face severe punishment - a fine or imprisonment. This is because even a minor act of corruption undermines public trust in government. As President Obama said, “corruption negatively impacts every aspect of economic and social life.”

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