Bill · H.R. 4786· House(119-HR-4786)
Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act
- Introduced
- 7/29/2025
- Last activity
- 7/29/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Kathy Castor
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act," amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. It requires authorized committees and leadership PACs of Federal candidates to disburse remaining unexpended funds after an election. These funds must be distributed before the end of an applicable disbursement period or before the candidate engages in lobbying or becomes a foreign agent. The bill provides specific rules for how these funds can be used, such as returning contributions or transferring funds to political party committees. It also places restrictions on paying funds to a candidate's relatives. Finally, it requires certain former candidates to certify their compliance with these rules under penalty of perjury.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill increases transparency by requiring former candidates-turned-lobbyists or foreign agents to certify under penalty of perjury that they have disbursed all remaining campaign funds.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Rules for Fund Distribution: Committees may return contributions to the original donor, contribute to specific organizations, or transfer funds to political party committees (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Prevention of Unregulated Payments to Family: The bill prevents committees from giving funds to a candidate's relative unless it is to pay a specific committee obligation (Section 2(c)(1)).
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Accountability for Former Candidates: Individuals who were candidates but become lobbyists or foreign agents must certify, under penalty of perjury, that they have complied with the fund disbursement requirements (Section s 3 and 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Financial Flexibility: Candidates must disburse funds before certain milestones, such as becoming a lobbyist or a foreign agent, which could impact how they manage their resources (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Limitations on Payments to Family Members: Candidates are restricted from disbursing funds to relatives unless the payment is for a committee obligation that meets specific reporting requirements (Section 2(c)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- 9/18/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/29/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gus BilirakisRepublican · Florida
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Jamie RaskinDemocrat · Maryland
Paul TonkoDemocrat · New York