House BillHR 535Government ethics and transparency, public corruptionPresidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Inaugural Fund Integrity Act
INTRO JAN 16· LAST ACTION JAN 16
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
13
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill matters because it addresses concerns about influence peddling and transparency surrounding presidential inaugurations. Currently, there are fewer restrictions on inaugural fundraising compared to campaign fundraising, allowing large, often undisclosed, sums of money from corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals to flow into these committees. This can create a perception that donors are buying access or influence with the incoming administration.
If this bill becomes law, it would bring inaugural funding much closer to the stricter rules governing political campaigns. Voters would gain a clearer, almost real-time understanding of who is funding the president's inauguration, reducing the potential for hidden influence or conflicts of interest. Without this bill, the current system of less-regulated, large donations to inaugural committees would continue, leaving more room for questions about special interest access and the integrity of the transition process.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Inaugural Committees are prohibited from accepting donations from organizations (like corporations or unions) and foreign nationals; only individuals can donate.
This aims to reduce the influence of special interest groups and foreign entities on the incoming administration by restricting their ability to fund inaugural events.
PROVISION 02
An individual's total donations to an Inaugural Committee are limited to $50,000, with this cap adjusting for inflation every four years starting in 2032.
This limits the financial impact any single wealthy donor can have on the inaugural committee, promoting broader participation in funding.
PROVISION 03
Inaugural Committees must report any individual donation of $1,000 or more to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) within 24 hours of receipt.
This provides rapid public disclosure of significant donations, increasing real-time transparency about who is funding the inauguration.
PROVISION 04
A final report, due 90 days after the inauguration, must detail all donations over $200 and all disbursements (spending) over $200, including the recipient and purpose.
This ensures a comprehensive public accounting of all significant financial transactions of the inaugural committee, allowing for thorough oversight.
PROVISION 05
Donations to an Inaugural Committee cannot be converted for personal use; they must be used for official committee responsibilities.
This prevents misuse of inaugural funds for personal enrichment, ensuring money is spent for its intended public purpose.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 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.
This bill matters because it addresses concerns about influence peddling and transparency surrounding presidential inaugurations. Currently, there are fewer restrictions on inaugural fundraising compared to campaign fundraising, allowing large, often undisclosed, sums of money from corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals to flow into these committees. This can create a perception that donors are buying access or influence with the incoming administration.
If this bill becomes law, it would bring inaugural funding much closer to the stricter rules governing political campaigns. Voters would gain a clearer, almost real-time understanding of who is funding the president's inauguration, reducing the potential for hidden influence or conflicts of interest. Without this bill, the current system of less-regulated, large donations to inaugural committees would continue, leaving more room for questions about special interest access and the integrity of the transition process.
KEY PROVISIONS
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high
Inaugural Committees are prohibited from accepting donations from organizations (like corporations or unions) and foreign nationals; only individuals can donate.
This aims to reduce the influence of special interest groups and foreign entities on the incoming administration by restricting their ability to fund inaugural events.
high
An individual's total donations to an Inaugural Committee are limited to $50,000, with this cap adjusting for inflation every four years starting in 2032.
This limits the financial impact any single wealthy donor can have on the inaugural committee, promoting broader participation in funding.
high
Inaugural Committees must report any individual donation of $1,000 or more to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) within 24 hours of receipt.
This provides rapid public disclosure of significant donations, increasing real-time transparency about who is funding the inauguration.
med
A final report, due 90 days after the inauguration, must detail all donations over $200 and all disbursements (spending) over $200, including the recipient and purpose.
This ensures a comprehensive public accounting of all significant financial transactions of the inaugural committee, allowing for thorough oversight.
med
Donations to an Inaugural Committee cannot be converted for personal use; they must be used for official committee responsibilities.
This prevents misuse of inaugural funds for personal enrichment, ensuring money is spent for its intended public purpose.
Report any individual donation of $1,000 or more to the Federal Election Commission (FEC)
Not later than 90 days after the Presidential inaugural ceremony
File a final report detailing all donations and disbursements
Inaugurations held in 2029 and any succeeding year
Effective date for all amendments
Beginning with 2032
Indexing of the $50,000 donation limit for inflation begins
GLOSSARY
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Inaugural Committee
A committee formed to organize and carry out the events celebrating the inauguration of a newly elected President and Vice President.
Donation
Any gift, subscription, loan, or payment of money or anything of value made to an Inaugural Committee, including payment for someone's personal services. It does not include the value of volunteer services.
Foreign National
An individual who is not a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, or a foreign government, political party, or corporation. Generally prohibited from making political donations in the U.S.
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA)
The main federal law that regulates the financing of political campaigns in the United States, setting rules for campaign contributions and spending.
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
An independent agency of the United States government that enforces campaign finance law in federal elections.
Disbursement
A payment made by the Inaugural Committee for expenses, loan repayments, refunds, or any other purpose.
501(c)(3) organization
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 16, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 16, 25
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 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.
A type of non-profit organization recognized by the IRS as being tax-exempt because it is organized for religious, charitable, scientific, or educational purposes.
