Concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding presidential inaugural committees, Senate Democrats are pushing for legislation that would require stricter reporting rules. This renewed effort comes amidst reports of record-breaking donations to President-elect Donald Trump's second inaugural committee. The proposed bill aims to shed light on the spending practices and donors associated with these committees, ensuring accountability and preventing the misuse of funds.
Senate Democrats are pushing for greater transparency from presidential inaugural committees by reintroducing legislation that would implement new reporting rules. This bill comes as corporations and their leaders are donating heavily to President-elect Donald Trump 's inaugural committee. Trump's second inaugural committee has reportedly raised $170 million and is on track to end up with around $200 million.
'The American people deserve to know how these funds are being spent and exactly who they come from,' said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., in a statement to CNBC. 'The inauguration of a president from any party should not be used as an opportunity for personal enrichment or cronyism,' Cortez Masto added.Her bill would require inaugural committees to disclose the name and address of every person or vendor paid $200 or more, along with the purpose of each expenditure. It would also mandate committees to donate their unspent funds to a 501(c)(3) charity within 90 days of the inauguration. Additionally, it would explicitly prohibit committees from converting donations to personal use or allowing donors to contribute on behalf of someone else. US Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) gestures as she speaks during a rally for US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in Reno, Nevada, on October 31, 2024. Inaugural committees are appointed by incoming presidents to handle the balls, galas, luncheons, and many of the other events surrounding the inauguration ceremony. The latest edition of the 'Inaugural Committee Transparency Act' is cosponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Maryland's Chris Van Hollen, Ed Markey of Massachusetts, and Oregon's Jeff Merkley. Cortez Masto has introduced the bill in every Congress since 2017, after Trump's first inaugural committee raised a record-shattering $107 million. As top CEOs and companies seek to cultivate relationships with Trump before his second term begins, the inaugural committee has become a magnet for million-dollar donations. However, just days away from the inauguration, there remained significant questions Friday about how the committee planned to spend all that money, given that its schedule of festivities was less extensive than previous inaugurations.
Inaugural Committees Transparency Campaign Finance Donald Trump Senate Democrats Legislation
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Senate Democrats Push for Inaugural Committee TransparencyAmidst concerns over corporate donations and a lack of transparency surrounding President-elect Donald Trump's second inaugural committee, Senate Democrats are reintroducing legislation to increase accountability. The bill, known as the 'Inaugural Committee Transparency Act,' would require committees to disclose donor information and spending details, ensuring public scrutiny of these crucial events.
Read more »
Washington Democrats Propose Unemployment Benefits for Illegal ImmigrantsWashington State Democrats are facing criticism for proposing legislation that would extend unemployment benefits to illegal immigrants. Supporters argue it promotes equity and economic stability, while opponents claim it rewards unlawful behavior, strains public resources, and undermines the integrity of the immigration system.
Read more »
Democrats Propose Ban on Fossil Fuel Lobbyists from Leading Key Federal AgenciesTwo progressive U.S. Senate Democrats introduced legislation to bar former oil, gas, and coal executives or lobbyists from leading numerous energy-related federal agencies for 10 years after leaving the private sector.
Read more »
Washington Democrats Propose Expanding Hate Crime Laws to Include Perpetrator's PerceptionSeveral House Democrats in Washington are pushing to broaden the state's hate crime laws to encompass situations where the perpetrator acts based on their perceived characteristics of the victim, even if those perceptions are inaccurate. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that crimes motivated by bias are adequately addressed and punished, regardless of whether the victim's actual identity aligns with the perpetrator's assumptions.
Read more »
Washington House Democrats Propose Rent Stabilization BillWashington State House Democrats have reintroduced a bill aimed at stabilizing rent prices and enhancing tenant protections. The bill, HB 1217, seeks to cap annual rent increases at 5% statewide and implements various measures to safeguard tenants from unfair rent hikes and eviction.
Read more »
U.S. tech continues to power Russian weapons despite export controls, Senate Democrats findJulie Tsirkin is a correspondent covering Capitol Hill.
Read more »