S.118 - Inaugural Committee Transparency Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Inaugural Committee Transparency Act of 2025 (S.118) aims to increase transparency and accountability regarding donations and spending by Presidential Inaugural Committees. The bill amends Title 36 of the United States Code, requiring more detailed disclosures of donations and disbursements. It also prohibits donations from foreign nationals and the conversion of donations for personal use.
Expected Effects
The act will likely lead to greater public scrutiny of inaugural committee finances. It should reduce the potential for corruption or undue influence. Additionally, it mandates that any remaining funds be disbursed to a 501(c)(3) organization, promoting charitable use of leftover donations.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in inaugural committee finances.
- Reduced risk of foreign influence through donation prohibitions.
- Prevention of personal use of donated funds.
- Mandatory disbursement of remaining funds to charitable organizations.
- Enhanced public trust in the inaugural process.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden for inaugural committees due to more stringent reporting requirements.
- Potential chilling effect on donations due to increased scrutiny.
- Possible delays in inaugural planning due to stricter compliance measures.
- The 90-day disbursement requirement might be too restrictive for some committees.
- The act may not address all potential avenues for improper influence.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the Constitution's emphasis on representative government. While the Constitution does not explicitly address inaugural committees, the bill's provisions against foreign influence can be seen as supporting national security and preventing undue influence in governmental processes. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and association, but these rights are not absolute and can be regulated to prevent corruption or foreign interference.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).