Bill · S. 210· Senate(119-S-210)
SWAG Act
- Introduced
- 1/23/2025
- Last activity
- 1/23/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Joni Ernst
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government Act," or the "SWAG Act," aims to prevent federal agencies from using taxpayer money for certain types of publicity. It specifically prohibits agencies from using federal funds to acquire or distribute "swag," which includes various tangible products like clothing or toys. Additionally, the bill bans the use of federal funds to manufacture or use mascots to promote an agency or its agenda. To increase transparency, agencies must report their public relations and advertising spending in their annual budget justifications to Congress. There are specific exceptions for things like military recruitment and certain agency programs that show a positive return on investment.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill mandates that agencies report their public relations and advertising spending to Congress annually.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+5
The bill increases oversight by requiring agencies to report public relations and advertising spending in their annual budget justifications.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+4
The bill prohibits federal agencies from using funds for 'swag' and mascots, which reduces unnecessary promotional spending.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency: Under Section 3(b), agencies are required to report their public relations and advertising spending as part of their annual budget justification to Congress, which may include estimates for the return on investment.
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Prevention of Unnecessary Spending: Section 3(a)(1) prevents agencies from using federal funds to purchase or distribute "swag," such as items like blankets, buttons, candy, or fidget spinners, which are defined in Section 2(6) as being distributed for the sole purpose of promotion.
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Reduction of Promotional Mascots: Section 3(a)(2) prohibits agencies from using federal funds to manufacture or use a mascot to promote an agency, organization, program, or agenda.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+5Reduces Government Spending+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- 1/28/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/23/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma