Stop Ballroom Bribery Act
Summary
The Stop Ballroom Bribery Act aims to prevent corruption by limiting donations for public properties associated with the President and Vice President. It restricts donations for projects at the White House, Naval Observatory, and other related properties, as well as monuments honoring current or former presidents and vice presidents. The bill also sets guidelines for accepting donations, including transparency requirements and prohibitions on donations from certain sources.
Expected Effects
The bill would likely reduce the potential for undue influence through donations related to presidential properties and events. It establishes a framework for transparency and accountability in accepting donations. This may lead to fewer instances of perceived or actual corruption.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in donations related to the President and Vice President.
- Reduced potential for conflicts of interest and undue influence.
- Greater public trust in government integrity.
- Stricter guidelines for accepting donations from foreign governments.
- Enhanced accountability for the use of donations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced funding for maintenance and improvements of presidential properties.
- Increased administrative burden for accepting donations.
- Possible chilling effect on legitimate donations due to stringent restrictions.
- Risk of political disputes over the interpretation and enforcement of the regulations.
- Potential legal challenges based on First Amendment grounds related to freedom of association and expression.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While Congress has broad authority to regulate federal property and prevent corruption, some provisions might raise concerns under the First Amendment regarding freedom of speech and association, particularly concerning restrictions on donations and lobbying. The restrictions on foreign gifts align with the Emoluments Clause (Article I, Section 9, Clause 8), which prohibits federal officers from accepting gifts from foreign states without Congressional consent. The due process clause of the Fifth Amendment could be invoked if the enforcement mechanisms are deemed unfair or arbitrary.
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).