To amend section 2112 of title 44, United States Code, to appropriately limit donations to Presidential Libraries and Centers.
Summary
H.R. 4461 aims to amend Title 44 of the United States Code, specifically Section 2112, to regulate donations to Presidential Libraries and Centers. The bill introduces restrictions on who can donate, limits the amount of donations, and requires reporting of donations. It seeks to prevent undue influence and ensure transparency in the funding of these institutions.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely reduce the amount of funding Presidential Libraries and Centers receive, particularly from sources deemed potentially problematic, such as lobbyists, foreign agents, federal contractors, and foreign nationals. It will also increase administrative burdens due to the new reporting requirements. The bill aims to enhance public trust by limiting potential conflicts of interest.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in the funding of Presidential Libraries and Centers.
- Reduced potential for undue influence from special interests.
- Strengthened public trust in the integrity of the presidency and related institutions.
- Clearer guidelines for acceptable donations, reducing ambiguity and potential legal challenges.
- Prevention of donations being converted to personal use.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential reduction in funding for Presidential Libraries and Centers, impacting their ability to preserve and exhibit historical materials.
- Increased administrative burden for these institutions due to reporting requirements.
- Possible chilling effect on legitimate donations from individuals or organizations who may be inadvertently captured by the restrictions.
- Complexity in defining and enforcing the restrictions, leading to potential legal disputes.
- May not fully address all avenues for influence, as individuals could still exert influence through other means.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability in government, which are implicit in the Constitution's emphasis on a government of laws, not of men. While the Constitution does not explicitly address Presidential Libraries, Congress's power to regulate activities related to federal institutions is generally understood. The First Amendment implications regarding freedom of association and speech are potentially relevant, but the restrictions are narrowly tailored to address specific concerns about undue influence and corruption.
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).