S.210 - Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government Act; SWAG Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government Act (SWAG Act) aims to prohibit federal agencies from using federal funds for publicity or propaganda purposes. This includes restrictions on purchasing or distributing swag and manufacturing or using mascots. The bill mandates agencies to report their public relations and advertising spending to Congress annually.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the SWAG Act would likely reduce government spending on advertising, public relations, and promotional items. Agencies would need to justify their spending on these activities and demonstrate a positive return on investment. The Act could also lead to a decrease in the visibility of certain government programs and initiatives.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced government spending on potentially wasteful advertising and promotional items.
- Increased transparency and accountability in agency spending on public relations.
- Potential for funds to be redirected to more essential government services.
- May curb the use of taxpayer money for self-promotion by government agencies.
- Could encourage agencies to focus on program effectiveness rather than marketing.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential reduction in public awareness of important government programs and services.
- Possible hindrance of recruitment efforts for the Armed Forces and other federal agencies.
- Agencies may find it more difficult to disseminate crucial information to the public.
- The definition of 'positive return on investment' may be subjective and difficult to measure.
- Could lead to decreased morale within agencies if promotional items are seen as valuable for employee recognition.
Constitutional Alignment
The SWAG Act appears to align with the principles of fiscal responsibility and limited government, though it does not directly engage with any specific constitutional provision. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, but this bill regulates spending, not speech directly. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional right or power.
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).