Legis Daily

Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act

USA119th CongressS-1849| Senate 
| Updated: 5/21/2025
Michael F. Bennet

Michael F. Bennet

Democratic Senator

Colorado

Rules and Administration Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act" aims to prevent former federal candidates from retaining unspent campaign funds indefinitely, particularly when transitioning into lobbying or foreign agent roles. It amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require authorized committees and leadership PACs to disburse all remaining funds after an election. Specifically, these funds must be disbursed by the earliest of a six-month post-election period, the date the candidate registers as a lobbyist, or the date they register as a foreign agent. An exception exists if the candidate qualifies for the next federal election before this disbursement period begins. Funds must first cover committee obligations, with any remainder returned to contributors or donated to eligible 501(c)(3) charities . The bill explicitly prohibits disbursing funds to charities established by or bearing the candidate's name, or those employing the candidate or their relatives, with an exception for 501(c)(1) organizations. It also forbids payments to relatives unless for legitimate committee obligations. Furthermore, former candidates registering as lobbyists or foreign agents will be required to certify under penalty of perjury that their committees have complied with these new disbursement requirements, effective for elections and registrations occurring in November 2026 and thereafter.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-5028
Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-3165
Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act
May 21, 2025
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-5028
    Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-3165
    Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act


  • May 21, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Government Operations and Politics

Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act

USA119th CongressS-1849| Senate 
| Updated: 5/21/2025
The "Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act" aims to prevent former federal candidates from retaining unspent campaign funds indefinitely, particularly when transitioning into lobbying or foreign agent roles. It amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require authorized committees and leadership PACs to disburse all remaining funds after an election. Specifically, these funds must be disbursed by the earliest of a six-month post-election period, the date the candidate registers as a lobbyist, or the date they register as a foreign agent. An exception exists if the candidate qualifies for the next federal election before this disbursement period begins. Funds must first cover committee obligations, with any remainder returned to contributors or donated to eligible 501(c)(3) charities . The bill explicitly prohibits disbursing funds to charities established by or bearing the candidate's name, or those employing the candidate or their relatives, with an exception for 501(c)(1) organizations. It also forbids payments to relatives unless for legitimate committee obligations. Furthermore, former candidates registering as lobbyists or foreign agents will be required to certify under penalty of perjury that their committees have complied with these new disbursement requirements, effective for elections and registrations occurring in November 2026 and thereafter.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-5028
Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-3165
Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act
May 21, 2025
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-5028
    Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-3165
    Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act


  • May 21, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Michael F. Bennet

Michael F. Bennet

Democratic Senator

Colorado

Rules and Administration Committee

Government Operations and Politics

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted