US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB757

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government Act or the SWAG ActThis bill prohibits any federal agency or entity from using federal funds to purchase, acquire, or distribute swag (i.e., products distributed at no cost with the sole purpose of advertising or promoting an agency, organization, or program) or to manufacture or use a mascot for promotional purposes. Exceptions to these prohibitions include (1) express authorization in law, (2) recruitment related to armed forces enlistment, and (3) military academy athletic team mascots.

Impact

If enacted, the SWAG Act would amend existing regulations surrounding the use of government funds, establishing stricter guidelines on promotional spending. Under the proposed legislation, agencies would be mandated to report their public relations and advertising expenditures as part of their annual budget justifications to Congress, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of agency budgets. Furthermore, the bill includes exceptions for specific advertising efforts related to recruitment for the Armed Forces and other notable public engagements, clarifying the conditions under which advertising expenditures can still occur.

Summary

House Bill 757, known as the SWAG Act (Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government Act), aims to restrict federal agencies from utilizing taxpayer funds for publicity or promotional purposes. The bill seeks to enhance the accountability and transparency of federal spending by prohibiting the purchase or distribution of promotional items (referred to as 'swag') and the use of mascots without appropriate authorization. This legislation reflects a broader concern over the responsible allocation of taxpayer dollars and aims to eliminate what some perceive as frivolous governmental advertising practices.

Contention

The proposed bill is likely to generate discussions about the balance between necessary public outreach and wasteful spending. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for protecting taxpayer interests and ensuring that federal agencies remain focused on their primary missions rather than engaging in promotional activities. On the other hand, opponents may raise concerns that restricting advertising could hinder effective communication regarding important government programs or initiatives that benefit the public, particularly in areas such as healthcare and public safety.

Congress_id

119-HR-757

Policy_area

Government Operations and Politics

Introduced_date

2025-01-28

Companion Bills

US SB210

Identical bill Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government Act or the SWAG ActThis bill prohibits any federal agency or entity from using federal funds to purchase, acquire, or distribute swag (i.e., products distributed at no cost with the sole purpose of advertising or promoting an agency, organization, or program) or to manufacture or use a mascot for promotional purposes. Exceptions to these prohibitions include (1) express authorization in law, (2) recruitment related to armed forces enlistment, and (3) military academy athletic team mascots.

Previously Filed As

US SB210

Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government Act or the SWAG ActThis bill prohibits any federal agency or entity from using federal funds to purchase, acquire, or distribute swag (i.e., products distributed at no cost with the sole purpose of advertising or promoting an agency, organization, or program) or to manufacture or use a mascot for promotional purposes. Exceptions to these prohibitions include (1) express authorization in law, (2) recruitment related to armed forces enlistment, and (3) military academy athletic team mascots.

US HB05360

An Act Prohibiting State Agencies From Engaging In Advertising, Marketing Or Promotional Activities Concerning Recreational Cannabis.

US HB69

Freedom to Petition the Government ActThis bill allows outside nonprofit organizations to meet with federal officials in the District of Columbia (DC) on federal property without having to register as businesses in DC. Currently, entities that are formed outside of DC, including nonprofit organizations, must generally register with DC before doing business in DC. Under the bill, outside nonprofit organizations may meet with federal government officials at federally leased or owned buildings in DC without having to register. 

US A02261

Prohibits the governor from preventing or inhibiting state agency cooperation with the federal government for the purposes of immigration enforcement; prohibits state agencies from preventing or inhibiting collaboration with federal agencies for the purposes of federal immigration enforcement.

US S02241

Prohibits the governor from preventing or inhibiting state agency cooperation with the federal government for the purposes of immigration enforcement; prohibits state agencies from preventing or inhibiting collaboration with federal agencies for the purposes of federal immigration enforcement.

US HB1710

To Prohibit A School From Using Or Referencing A Public School Rating In Any Advertising, Promotional Material, Or Communication Directed To The Public.

US HF2609

One-half of an agency's advertising expenses required to be paid to local news organizations.

US SB30

Expediting Reform And Stopping Excess Regulations Act or the ERASER ActThis bill generally requires federal agencies to repeal three rules before issuing a new rule.In the case of a new nonmajor rule, an agency must repeal at least three rules that, to the extent practicable, are related to the new rule.In the case of a new major rule, (1) an agency must repeal at least three rules that are related to the new major rule, and (2) the cost of the new major rule must be less than or equal to the cost of the repealed rules. A major rule is a rule that has resulted in or is likely to result in (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government agencies, or geographic regions; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, or innovation.These requirements apply to rules issued through the notice and comment process and do not apply to interpretative rules, general statements of policy, or rules of agency organization, procedure, or practice. Further, the requirements do not apply to a rule or major rule that relates to the management, organization, or personnel of an agency or procurement by the agency.Any rule repealed under this bill must be published in the Federal Register.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the number and estimated cost of rules and major rules currently in effect.  

US HB461

Eliminate DEI in the Military Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion activities (e.g., training) of the Armed Forces, national service academies, or the Department of Defense.

US HB1604

To Amend The Law Concerning Prohibited Contracts By State Agencies; And To Prohibit The Use Of Public Funds By State Agencies To Purchase Promotional Items Made In China.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.