S 118: Inaugural Committee Transparency Act of 2025

Cosponsors

Sheldon Whitehouse (D) RI, Chris Van Hollen (D) MD, Edward Markey (D) MA, Jeff Merkley (D) OR

Summary

Inaugural Committee Transparency Act of 2025

This bill requires the presidential inaugural committee to disclose to the Federal Election Commission, by 90 days after the presidential inaugural ceremony, any disbursement made in an amount equal to or greater than $200 and the purpose of each disbursement. The committee must also disclose the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made, the date of the disbursement, and the total amount and purpose of the disbursement.

The bill prohibits (1) an inaugural committee from soliciting or receiving a donation from a foreign national, in addition to the current ban on a committee accepting such a donation; (2) a person from making a donation to an inaugural committee in the name of another; (3) a foreign national from making a donation or making a promise to make a donation to such a committee; or (4) converting a donation to an inaugural committee to personal use.

The committee must disburse any remaining donated funds not later than 90 days after the inaugural ceremony to tax-exempt charitable organizations, but may request an extension of such 90-day period.

Subjects

Charitable contributions, Elections, voting, political campaign regulation, Fraud offenses and financial crimes, Government ethics and transparency, public corruption, Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents, Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations, Tax-exempt organizations

Policy Areas

Government Operations and Politics

Next Steps

The bill will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee, which may hold hearings, amend the bill, or vote to advance it to the full Senate.

Social Impact

The bill aims to increase transparency and public trust in political donations and spending related to presidential inaugurations.

Business Impact

This bill may increase compliance costs for businesses donating to Presidential Inaugural Committees.

Financial Impact

Increased transparency and disclosure requirements may affect campaign finance and fundraising practices, potentially impacting donations.

Bill History

Thursday, January 16, 2025
IntroReferral - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Thursday, January 16, 2025
IntroReferral - Introduced in Senate

Bill Text

Introduced in Senate January 16, 2025
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Sponsors