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

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.