Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5]
Democrat · PA · 6 bills sponsored
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.
# Summary of H.J.RES 121 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow Congress and the states to regulate money spent in elections. Currently, the Supreme Court's 2010 *Citizens United* decision limits such restrictions, ruling that political spending is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment. This proposed amendment would give lawmakers the power to set rules on campaign contributions and expenditures, potentially allowing them to limit spending by wealthy donors, corporations, and outside groups in federal and state elections. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The amendment would primarily affect political candidates, donors, corporations, unions, and political action committees (PACs) that spend money on elections. If passed by Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states, it would enable the federal government and states to enact campaign finance laws with fewer constitutional constraints than currently exist. This could include limits on individual donations, corporate spending, and "dark money" groups that don't disclose their donors. **Current Status** H.J.RES 121 is currently in committee and has not advanced further in the legislative process. Constitutional amendments face an exceptionally high bar—they require approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from 38 states. This proposal reflects an ongoing debate about money's role in politics, with supporters arguing it's necessary to reduce wealthy interests' influence and opponents contending it would restrict free speech rights.
Foster Youth Mentoring Act of 2025
# Foster Youth Mentoring Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Foster Youth Mentoring Act of 2025 would establish or expand mentoring programs designed to support young people in the foster care system. While specific details aren't available from the basic bill information provided, mentoring programs for foster youth typically aim to provide stable adult relationships, guidance on education and career paths, and emotional support to help young people in state custody navigate challenges and improve their outcomes. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily affect foster youth in state care, as well as organizations and volunteers who would participate in mentoring programs. It could also impact state child welfare agencies responsible for implementing such programs and any federal funding mechanisms that support foster care services. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it's in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. For the most detailed information about specific provisions—such as funding amounts, program requirements, and implementation timelines—you would need to review the full text of HR 4769 on Congress.gov or contact the bill's sponsor's office.
Corporate Crime Database Act of 2025
# Corporate Crime Database Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Corporate Crime Database Act of 2025 would create a publicly accessible database to track criminal violations committed by corporations. If passed, this database would compile information about corporate crimes—such as fraud, environmental violations, safety breaches, and other illegal activities—in one searchable location. The goal appears to be increasing transparency so that consumers, investors, and regulators can easily access records of corporate criminal activity. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily affect corporations and large businesses that have committed federal crimes, as well as the agencies responsible for prosecuting and tracking such violations. It would also benefit consumers and investors who could use the database to research companies' legal histories before making purchasing or investment decisions. The public would gain access to information that currently exists across different government agencies but isn't centralized or easily searchable. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. As of now, no additional details about specific provisions (such as what crimes would be included or how the database would be maintained) are publicly available in the basic bill summary.
Stopping the Fraudulent Sales of Firearms Act
# Stopping the Fraudulent Sales of Firearms Act (HR 4261) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to prevent illegal firearm sales by targeting fraudulent transactions and straw purchases (when someone buys a gun legally but gives it to a prohibited person). The specific details of the bill's provisions are not publicly available in the provided information, but based on the title, it would likely impose penalties on sellers and buyers engaged in deceptive firearm transactions and establish procedures to identify and prosecute fraud related to gun sales. **Who It Affects:** The bill would affect firearms dealers, gun buyers, law enforcement agencies, and potentially anyone involved in the distribution chain of firearms. Prohibited persons—such as those with felony convictions or domestic violence histories—would be impacted by stricter oversight aimed at keeping guns out of their hands. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House. No further action has been taken at this time. For the most detailed and current information about specific provisions, you would need to consult Congress.gov or the bill's official text.
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025
# Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025 is a proposed law designed to provide support and recognition for federal employees, law enforcement officers, and their families who have been affected by job-related injuries, illnesses, or deaths. The bill addresses several areas including cancer-related benefits, disability assistance, worker safety, and compensation for government workers and their families. **Who It Affects:** This legislation primarily impacts federal employees, law enforcement officers, disabled workers, and the families of those who have died or been injured in the line of duty. It also establishes congressional oversight mechanisms to ensure proper implementation of these benefits. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee (HR 1269, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA).
Inaugural Fund Integrity Act
# Inaugural Fund Integrity Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Inaugural Fund Integrity Act would place new restrictions on money donated to presidential inaugural committees—the organizations that raise funds to pay for inauguration ceremonies and events. The bill would ban donations from corporations and foreign nationals, cap how much individual donors can give, and prohibit people from donating money in someone else's name. It would also require that donated money cannot be converted to personal use by committee officials or the incoming president. **Who It Affects:** This bill directly affects presidential inaugural committees, major donors, corporations, and foreign entities. It also impacts the incoming president and their team, as it restricts how inaugural funds can be used. The Federal Election Commission would be responsible for receiving and monitoring the required donation disclosures. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 535) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill falls under election law and government ethics regulations.