Bills · S 210
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 210Political advertisingCongressional oversight
SWAG Act
INTRO JAN 23· LAST ACTION JAN 23
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
3
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses concerns about how federal agencies spend taxpayer money on promotional activities. If it becomes law, it could lead to less government spending on items like branded merchandise and mascots, potentially reallocating those funds or reducing overall government expenditures. Voters who believe government agencies should focus strictly on their core missions, without spending on what they perceive as self-promotion or 'wasteful' advertising, would likely care about this bill.
If this bill doesn't become law, federal agencies will continue to operate under existing rules regarding promotional spending, which may include using 'swag' and mascots for various purposes without a specific, mandatory annual reporting requirement to Congress on overall public relations and advertising spending. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in this area, so its failure would mean less visibility into these specific types of government expenditures.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Prohibits federal agencies from using funds to purchase or distribute 'swag,' which includes tangible promotional items like branded pens, cups, and clothing.
This aims to reduce government spending on items perceived as non-essential promotional materials, potentially saving taxpayer money.
PROVISION 02
Prohibits federal agencies from using funds to manufacture or use mascots to promote an agency, organization, or program.
This restricts another form of agency self-promotion and aims to cut costs associated with creating and maintaining symbolic figures.
PROVISION 03
Requires federal agencies to report annually on their public relations and advertising spending to Congress.
This increases transparency regarding how much agencies spend on outreach and promotional activities, allowing for greater oversight.
PROVISION 04
Includes exceptions allowing swag and mascots for military and federal government recruitment, as well as for certain agency programs that generate a positive return on investment.
These exceptions ensure that essential government functions, like attracting talent to the armed forces or federal service, are not hindered.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
R· Iowa
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
99
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 3 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 23
Introduced in Senate
JAN 23
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 210
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 23, 2025
Last actionJan 23, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025
Senate BillS 210Political advertisingCongressional oversight
SWAG Act
INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
