Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4786

Introduced
7/29/25  

Caption

Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act

Impact

If passed, HB4786 would significantly influence how campaign funds are managed and disbursed by candidates running for federal office. It establishes a framework requiring the disbursement of unspent funds within a specific timeframe post-election while setting rules for permissible uses of the remaining funds. Such regulations would effectively limit candidates' options to carry over these funds to future elections, potentially minimizing the risk of financial misconduct and misallocation of campaign resources.

Summary

House Bill 4786, titled the ‘Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act’, seeks to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 by mandating that authorized candidates' committees and leadership political action committees (PACs) disburse any unspent funds after the conclusion of elections. This initiative is aimed at enhancing transparency in campaign finance and ensuring that candidates utilize their resources effectively post-election, thereby addressing potential loopholes that previously allowed candidates to retain surplus funds indefinitely.

Contention

The bill introduces provisions that require additional certifications from former candidates who become registered lobbyists or foreign agents, ensuring compliance with the newly mandated disbursement requirements. This aspect of HB4786 may stir objections among political figures who view these measures as overly burdensome. Notably, the differentiation in stipulations based on whether candidates report contributions made to relatives or make connections within lobbying contexts raises questions about potential conflicts, aiming to deter unethical financial practices while navigating the intricate nature of campaign finance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB2484

Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act

US HB4563

ACE Act End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act American Confidence in Elections Act

US HB8572

Government by the People Act

US HB11

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US HB8668

AI Transparency in Elections Act of 2024

US HB1118

DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Stand By Every Ad Act

US HB8988

Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act

US HB10532

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit a candidate for election to the office or Representative in Congress or Senator from accepting contributions from any political committee other than an authorized committee of the candidate and from establishing a leadership PAC.

US SB1

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US HB2522

Campaign Spending Integrity Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.