Bill · S. 118· Senate(119-S-118)
Inaugural Committee Transparency Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/16/2025
- Last activity
- 1/16/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Catherine Cortez Masto
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Inaugural Committee Transparency Act of 2025 aims to increase transparency regarding money flowing into Presidential Inaugural Committees. It requires committees to disclose specific details about disbursements of $200 or more, including the recipient's name, address, date, and purpose. The bill also establishes prohibitions against soliciting or receiving donations from foreign nationals and making donations in the name of another person. Additionally, it forbids converting donations to personal use. Finally, it mandates that any remaining funds must be given to specific tax-exempt organizations within 90 days of the ceremony.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill mandates detailed public disclosure of disbursement recipients, dates, amounts, and purposes to increase oversight.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+3
The bill enhances accountability by requiring detailed disclosure of all disbursements over $200.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+2
The bill redirects remaining committee funds to charitable 501(c)(3) organizations.
The opposite
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-2
The bill requires the public disclosure of names and addresses associated with large disbursements.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency of Spending: Under Section 2, the bill requires committees to disclose the name, address, date, total amount, and purpose for any disbursement of $200 or more. This provides more clarity on how inaugural funds are being spent.
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Prevention of Foreign Influence: Section 2, subsection (c)(1) makes it unlawful for an Inaugural Committee to solicit, accept, or receive donations from foreign nationals. It also prohibits foreign nationals from making express or implied promises to donate.
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Prevention of Deceptive Donations: Section 2, subsection (c)(1)(B) prohibits making a donation in the name of another person or knowingly accepting such a donation, which helps ensure accountability in how money is contributed.
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Prevention of Misuse of Funds: Section 2, subsection (c)(1)(D) and (3) prohibits converting donations to personal use, defining this as using funds for expenses that would exist regardless of the committee's responsibilities.
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Mandatory Distribution of Leftover Funds: Section 2, subsection (d)(1) requires that any remaining funds be disbursed to a 501(c)(3) organization within 90 days of the inaugural ceremony, ensuring the money goes to tax-exempt organizations rather than sitting idle or being used elsewhere.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Administrative Requirements for Extensions: Section 2, subsection (d)(2) allows for the possibility that the 90-day deadline for distributing remaining funds can be extended by the Federal Election Commission upon request, which may affect the timeline for when funds are moved to charitable organizations.
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+7Improves Privacy Rights-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 1/16/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island