Summary of HR 4461: Amendments to Donations for Presidential Libraries and Centers

Bill Number: HR 4461

Introduced: July 16, 2025

Status: Introduced in House

Primary Sponsor: Jared Moskowitz

Cosponsors: Nikema Williams, Jamie Raskin, Delia C. Ramirez, and others

Related Bill: S 2300 (companion bill)

Purpose and Intent

HR 4461 aims to amend Section 2112 of Title 44 of the United States Code to impose stricter limitations on donations to Presidential Libraries and Centers. The bill seeks to enhance transparency and prevent potential conflicts of interest by restricting who can donate and the amount that can be donated during specific timeframes.

Key Provisions

Definitions

The bill introduces several key definitions:
- Donation: Includes any monetary gift or valuable item given to a Presidential Library or Center, as well as compensation for services rendered without charge. It excludes volunteer services.
- Presidential Library or Center: Refers to organizations established to raise funds for Presidential archival depositories or related facilities.

Donation Restrictions

1. Prohibited Donors:

   • Donations cannot be accepted from individuals who are:
     • Not registered as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
     • Registered lobbyists.
     • Registered agents of foreign principals.
     • Federal contractors.
     • Foreign nationals.
     • Individuals seeking or who have received a pardon from the President for whom the library is established.

2. Timeframe for Restrictions:

   • Donations are prohibited during the time the individual is serving as President and for two years after they leave office.

3. Aggregate Donation Limit:

   • The total value of donations to a Presidential Library or Center is capped at $10,000 during the period starting from the election of the President until one year after they leave office. This limit will be adjusted annually based on inflation.

4. Reporting Requirements:

   • Presidential Libraries must file quarterly reports with the Archivist detailing any donations received during the covered period, specifically for donations exceeding $200.

5. Personal Use Prohibition:

   • Donations cannot be converted for personal use, ensuring that funds are used solely for the intended purposes of the Presidential Library or Center.

Impact

Affected Parties

• Presidential Libraries and Centers: Will face new restrictions on fundraising and must adhere to reporting requirements.
• Donors: Individuals and organizations wishing to contribute will need to comply with the new regulations, particularly those classified as lobbyists, foreign nationals, or federal contractors.

Transparency and Accountability

The bill aims to increase transparency in the funding of Presidential Libraries, thereby reducing the risk of undue influence or conflicts of interest stemming from large donations from potentially problematic sources.

Procedural Aspects

• Committee Referral: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for further consideration.
• Timeline: Introduced on July 16, 2025, with ongoing discussions expected as it moves through the legislative process.

In summary, HR 4461 seeks to regulate donations to Presidential Libraries and Centers more stringently, aiming to uphold the integrity of these institutions and prevent conflicts of interest.