No Campaign Funded Cover-Ups Act
Latest action (27 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9961, the "No Campaign Funded Cover-Ups Act," would restrict how federal candidates and officeholders can use campaign money and legal expense funds in connection with sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment claims made against them. It would bar using such funds to pay legal fees for defending against these claims (though reimbursement is allowed if the person is found not liable), to pay settlements or court-ordered judgments arising from such claims, or to hire private investigators or fund opposition research aimed at people who have brought these claims. These restrictions would apply retroactively to payments made up to two years before the bill's enactment. The bill also amends federal campaign finance disclosure law to require detailed reporting of legal-related campaign disbursements, including who received the payment, the amount and date, the general nature of the legal matter, its purpose (such as representation, settlement, or judgment), and the name of anyone whose legal expenses were covered.
The bill directly affects candidates for federal office and current federal officeholders, along with their campaign committees and any legal expense funds set up on their behalf. It is intended to prevent campaign or donor funds from being used to shield officeholders from accountability in sexual misconduct cases and to increase transparency around campaign-related legal spending.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 27, 2026, by Rep. Ro Khanna with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna as a cosponsor, and referred to the House Committee on House Administration. As a newly introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, and House and Senate passage, before it could be sent to the President.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 27, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9961 do?
- H.R. 9961, the "No Campaign Funded Cover-Ups Act," would restrict how federal candidates and officeholders can use campaign money and legal expense funds in connection with sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment claims made against them. It would bar using such funds to pay legal fees for defending against these claims (though reimbursement is allowed if the person is found not liable), to pay settlements or court-ordered judgments arising from such claims, or to hire private investigators or fund opposition research aimed at people who have brought these claims. These restrictions would apply retroactively to payments made up to two years before the bill's enactment. The bill also amends federal campaign finance disclosure law to require detailed reporting of legal-related campaign disbursements, including who received the payment, the amount and date, the general nature of the legal matter, its purpose (such as representation, settlement, or judgment), and the name of anyone whose legal expenses were covered. The bill directly affects candidates for federal office and current federal officeholders, along with their campaign committees and any legal expense funds set up on their behalf. It is intended to prevent campaign or donor funds from being used to shield officeholders from accountability in sexual misconduct cases and to increase transparency around campaign-related legal spending. The bill was introduced in the House on July 27, 2026, by Rep. Ro Khanna with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna as a cosponsor, and referred to the House Committee on House Administration. As a newly introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, and House and Senate passage, before it could be sent to the President.
- Has H.R. 9961 become law?
- Not yet. As of 27 Jul 2026, H.R. 9961 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9961?
- H.R. 9961 was sponsored by Rep. Ro Khanna [D-CA17] (Democrat-CA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9961?
- Introduced (27 Jul 2026).
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