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119-s-210119th Congress

SWAG Act

Sponsored By: Senator Ernst, Joni [R-IA]

Introduced

Summary

Would ban federal spending on promotional "swag" and mascots. It would also force agencies to report yearly public relations and advertising spending and sets definitions and narrow exceptions for recruitment and census uses.

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  • Federal agencies would be prohibited from using federal funds to buy or distribute free promotional items like clothing, stickers, or toys except where another law allows it or the agency can show a program-level positive return on investment.
  • The Department of Defense and other military recruiters would still be allowed to use swag and mascots for enlistment and for military academy athletic teams.
  • The Census Bureau could distribute items needed to conduct the census without being blocked by the ban.
  • Agencies would have to include an annual report on PR and advertising spending in their budget justifications, and the Office of Management and Budget would write implementation rules within 180 days.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Ban on federal swag and mascots

If enacted, the bill would bar federal agencies from using federal funds to buy, acquire, or give away "swag" to advertise or promote an agency. "Swag" means free physical items used only to promote an agency, such as clothing, stickers, cups, and similar items. The bill would also bar agencies from using federal funds to make or use a mascot for promotion. Narrow exceptions would allow swag that supports an agency mission and shows a positive return on investment, swag for military or federal recruitment, and items the Census needs for the census. Mascot exceptions would allow mascots already declared U.S. property and mascots used for military recruitment or military academy athletic teams.

OMB must publish rules within 180 days

If enacted, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget would have to issue rules to carry out the bill. The rules must be published not later than 180 days after enactment. Agencies would use those rules to follow the swag and mascot bans and the listed exceptions.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Ernst, Joni [R-IA]

IA • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]

    OK • R

    Sponsored 1/23/2025

  • Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 1/23/2025

  • Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 1/28/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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