In Senate Committee·Last action 171 days ago

Bill would restrict donations tied to the White House and VP residence

Officially: Stop Ballroom Bribery Act

People and groups would face strict new limits on giving to White House-related projects and events. Some donors would be banned, donors would have to report certain contacts with officials, and violations could bring heavy fines or prison time.

Where it stands

Sitting in Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

The bill reaches more than just the White House. It covers work and events at the White House, the Vice President’s home at Number One Observatory Circle, other public property used by the sitting President or Vice President or their spouses or children, and monuments on public land honoring living Presidents, Vice Presidents, or presidential appointees.
A covered donation cannot be accepted or used until two agency heads approve it in writing. The Senate-confirmed Directors of the National Park Service and the Office of Government Ethics must both sign off, send that approval to named congressional committees, and publish it in the Federal Register.
Some donors would be blocked because of their ties to the federal government. That includes the true source of the money if that person or group is in litigation, under an agency investigation or enforcement action, seeking or holding federal contracts, holding unspent grants, lobbying the executive branch, asking for a pardon, or trying to get a presidential appointment.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

Where your representatives stand

Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Prevents corruption and pay-to-play schemes: By limiting donations tied to high-profile government properties, the bill reduces the risk of wealthy donors gaining undue influence over government actions.
Closes donation loopholes: The bill bans donations from individuals with potential conflicts of interest, ensuring that public improvements are not driven by private interests.
Enhances transparency: Quarterly reports and meeting disclosures help build public trust by preventing hidden influences on government decisions.

✕Arguments against

Hindrance to public property maintenance: The strict donor limits and approval requirements could delay necessary upgrades to public properties like the White House.
Overly restrictive on philanthropy: The bill may exclude major donors who engage in both lobbying and philanthropy, potentially reducing funds for public projects.
Burdensome bureaucracy: The requirement for dual director approvals and quarterly reporting adds red tape, potentially slowing down legitimate projects.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in Senate

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Senate Committee

Under Senate committee consideration

Latest: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (11/18/2025)

NOV 18

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Senate Floor Vote

Voted on by Senate

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Passed Senate

Approved by Senate

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House Review

Sent to House for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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Bill would restrict donations tied to the White House and VP residence

Where your representatives stand

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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