RECORD NOS. 08-5223(L), 09-5342 

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ORAL ARGUMENT HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 27, 2010 

In The 

United States Court of Appeals 

For The District of Columbia Circuit 

SPEECHNOW.ORG; DAVID KEATING; 

FRED M. YOUNG, JR.; EDWARD H. CRANE, III; 

BRAD RUSSO; SCOTT BURKHARDT, 

 Plaintiffs - Appellants, 

v. 

FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION, 

 Defendant - Appellee. 

ON APPEAL FROM THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

ADDENDUM TO BRIEF OF APPELLANTS 

William H. Mellor Stephen M. Hoersting 

*Steven M. Simpson Bradley A. Smith 

Robert W. Gall CENTER FOR COMPETITIVE POLITICS 

Robert P. Frommer 124 West Street, South, Suite 201 

Paul M. Sherman Alexandria, Virginia 22314 

INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE (703) 894-6800 

901 North Glebe Road, Suite 900 

Arlington, Virginia 22203 

(703) 682-9320 

Counsel for Appellants Counsel for Appellants 

November 16, 2009 

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i 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

FOR ADDENDUM OF STATUTES AND REGULATIONS 

IN APPELLANTS’ OPENING BRIEF 

Document Tab

2 U.S.C. § 431 ............................................................................................................ 1 

2 U.S.C. § 432 ............................................................................................................ 2 

2 U.S.C. § 433 ............................................................................................................ 3

2 U.S.C. § 434 ............................................................................................................ 4 

2 U.S.C. § 437g .......................................................................................................... 5 

2 U.S.C. § 437h .......................................................................................................... 6 

2 U.S.C. § 441a .......................................................................................................... 7 

2 U.S.C. § 441d .......................................................................................................... 8 

11 C.F.R. § 100.16 ..................................................................................................... 9 

11 C.F.R. § 100.75 ................................................................................................... 10 

11 C.F.R. § 100.77 ................................................................................................... 11 

11 C.F.R. § 102.1 ..................................................................................................... 12 

11 C.F.R. § 102.2 ..................................................................................................... 13 

11 C.F.R. § 102.3 ..................................................................................................... 14 

11 C.F.R. § 102.9 ..................................................................................................... 15 

11 C.F.R. § 103.2 ..................................................................................................... 16 

11 C.F.R. § 103.3 ..................................................................................................... 17 

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11 C.F.R. § 104.5 ..................................................................................................... 18 

11 C.F.R. § 109.1 ..................................................................................................... 19 

11 C.F.R. § 109.10 ................................................................................................... 20 

11 C.F.R. § 109.20 ................................................................................................... 21 

11 C.F.R. § 109.21 ................................................................................................... 22 

11 C.F.R. § 110.5 ..................................................................................................... 23 

11 C.F.R. § 112.4 ..................................................................................................... 24 

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TAB 1 

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LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT 2 U.S.c. A§ 431 

UNITED STATES CODE SERVICE 

Copyright © 2009 Matthew Bender & Company, Inc. 

a member of the LexisNexis Group (TM) 

All rights reserved. 

*** CURRENT THROUGH PL 111-90, APPROVED 11103/2009 WITH A GAP OF 111-84 *** 

§ 431. Definitions 

When used in this Act: 

TITLE 2. THE CONGRESS 

CHAPTER 14. FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 

DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS 

Go to the United States Code Service Archive Directory 

2 uses § 431 

(1) The term !telecHon!1 means--

(A) a general, special, primary, or runoff election; 

(B) a convention or caucus of a political party which has authority to nominate a candidate; 

Page 1 

(C) a primary election held for the selection of delegates to a national nominating convention of a political party; 

and 

(D) a primary election held for the expression of a preference for the nomination of individuals for election to the 

office of President. 

(2) The term "candidatel1 means an individual who seeks nomination for election. or election, to Federal office, and 

for purposes of this paragraph. an individual shall be deemed to seek nomination for election, or election--

(A) if such individual has received contributions aggregating in excess ofS 5,000 or has made expenditures 

aggregating in excess ofS 5,000; or 

(B) if such individual has given his or her consent to another person to receive contributions or make expenditures 

on behalf of such individual and if such person has received such contributions aggregating in excess of S 5,000 or has 

made such expenditures aggregating in excess ofS 5,000. 

(3) The tenn l1Federal office'1 means the office of President or Vice President, or of Senator or Representative in, or 

Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress. 

(4) The tenn Ilpolitical committee" means--

(A) any committee, club, association, or other group of persons which receives contributions aggregating in excess 

of S 1,000 during a calendar year or which makes expenditures aggregating in excess ofS 1,000 during a calendar year; 

or 

(B) any separate segregated fund established under the provisions of section 316(b) [2 uses § 441 bib)]; or 

(C) any local committee of a political party which receives contributions aggregating in excess ofS 5,000 during a 

calendar year, or makes payments exempted from the definition of contribution or expenditure as defined in section 301 

(8) and (9) aggregating in excess of S 5,000 during a calendar year, or makes contributions aggregating in excess of S 

1,000 during a calendar year or makes expenditures aggregating in excess of S 1,000 during a calendar year. 

(5) The tenn "principal campaign committee" means a political committee designated and authorized by a candidate 

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2 uses § 431 

under section 302(e)(I) [2 uses § 432(e)(1)]. 

(6) The tenn "authorized committee" means the principal campaign committee or any other political committee 

authorized by a candidate under section 302(e)(I) [2 uses § 432(e)(1)] to receive contributions or make expenditures 

on behalf of such candidate. 

(7) The tenn "connected organization" means any organization which is not a political committee but which directly 

or indirectly establishes, administers, or financially supports a political committee. 

(8) (A) The term "contribution" includes--

(i) any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value made by any person for the 

purpose of influencing any election for Federal office; or 

(ii) the payment by any person of compensation for the personal services of another person which are rendered to 

a political committee without charge for any purpose. 

(B) The tenn lIcontributionll does not include-

(i) the value of services provided without compensation by any individual who volunteers on behalf of a candidate 

or political committee; 

(ii) the use of real or personal property, including a church or community room used on a regular basis by 

members ofa community for noncommercial purposes, and the cost of invitations, food, and beverages, voluntarily 

provided by an individual to any candidate or any political committee of a political party in rendering voluntary 

personal services on the individual's residential premises or in the church or community room for candidate-related or 

political party-related activities, to the extent that the cumulative value of such invitations, food, and beverages 

provided by such individual on behalf of any single candidate does not exceed S 1,000 with respect to any single 

election, and on behalf of all political committees of a political party does not exceed S 2,000 in any calendar year; 

(iii) the sale of any food or beverage by a vendor for use in any candidate's campaign or for use by or on behalf of 

any political committee of a political party at a charge less than the normal comparable charge, if such charge is at least 

equal to the cost of such food or beverage to the vendor, to the extent that the cumulative value of such activity by such 

vendor on behalf of any single candidate does not exceed S 1,000 with respect to any single election, and on behalf of 

all political committees of a political party does not exceed S 2,000 in any calendar year; 

(iv) any unreimbursed payment for travel expenses made by any individual on behalf of any candidate or any 

political committee of a political party, to the extent that the cumulative value of such activity by such individual on 

behalf of any single candidate does not exceed S 1,000 with respect to any single election, and on behalf of all political 

committees of a political party does not exceed S 2,000 in any calendar year; 

(v) the payment by a State or local committee of a political party of the costs of preparation, display, or mailing or 

other distribution incurred by such committee with respect to a printed slate card or sample ballot, or other printed 

listing, of 3 or more candidates for any public office for which an election is held in the State in which such committee 

is organized, except that this clause shall not apply to any cost incurred by such committee with respect to a display of 

any such listing made on broadcasting stations, or in newspapers, magazines, or similar types of general public political 

advertising; 

(vi) any payment made or obligation incurred by a corporation or a labor organization which, under section 3l6(b) 

[2 uses § 441 bib)], would not constitute an expenditure by such corporation or labor organization; 

(vii) any loan of money by a State bank, a federally chartered depository institution, or a depository institution the 

deposits or accounts of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Savings and Loan 

Insurance Corporation, or the National Credit Union Administration. other than any overdraft made with respect to a 

checking or savings account, made in accordance with applicable law and in the ordinary course of business, but such 

loan--

(1) shall be considered a loan by each endorser or guarantor, in that proportion of the unpaid balance that each 

endorser or guarantor bears to the total number of endorsers or guarantors; 

(II) shall be made on a basis which assures repayment, evidenced by a written instrument, and subject to a due 

date or amortization schedule; and 

(III) shall bear the usual and customary interest rate of the lending institution; 

(viii) any legal or accounting services rendered to or on behalf of--

(I) any political committee of a political party if the person paying for such services is the regular employer of 

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2 USCS § 431 

the person rendering such services and if such services are not attributable to activities which directly further the 

election of any designated candidate to Federal office; or 

Page 3 

(II) an authorized committee of a candidate or any other political committee, if the person paying for such 

services is the regular employer of the individual rendering such services and if such services are solely for the purpose 

of ensuring compliance with this Act or chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 

uses §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.]. 

but amounts paid or incurred by the regular employer for such legal or accounting services shall be reported in 

accordance with section 304(b) [2 uses § 434(b)] by the committee receiving such services; 

(ix) the payment by a State or local committee of a political party of the costs of campaign materials (such as pins, 

bumper stickers, handbills, brochures, posters, party tabloids, and yard signs) used by such committee in connection 

with volunteer activities on behalf of nominees of such party: Provided, That--

(1) such payments are not for the costs of campaign materials or activities used in connection with any 

broadcasting, newspaper, magazine, billboard, direct mail, or similar type of general public communication Of political 

advertising; 

(2) such payments are made from contributions subject to the limitations and prohibitions ofthis Act; and 

(3) such payments are not made from contributions designated to be spent on behalf of a particular candidate or 

particular candidates; 

(x) the payment by a candidate, for nomination or election to any public office (including State or local office), or 

authorized committee of a candidate, of the costs of campaign materials which include infonnation on or reference to 

any other candidate and which are used in connection with volunteer activities (including pins, bumper stickers, 

handbills, brochures, posters, and yard signs, but not including the use of broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, 

billboards, direct mail, or similar types of general public communication or political advertising): Provided, That such 

payments are made from contributions subject to the limitations and prohibitions of this Act; 

(xi) the payment by a State or local committee of a political party of the costs of voter registration and 

get-out-the-vote activities conducted by such committee on behalf of nominees of such party for President and Vice 

President: Provided, That-

(1) such payments are not for the costs of campaign materials or activities used in connection with any 

broadcasting, newspaper, magazine, billboard, direct mail, or similar type of general public communication or political 

advertising; 

(2) such payments are made from contributions subject to the limitations and prohibitions of this Act; and 

(3) such payments are not made from contributions designated to be spent on behalf of a particular candidate or 

candidates; 

(xii) payments made by a candidate or the authorized committee of a candidate as a condition of ballot access and 

payments received by any political party committee as a condition of ballot access; 

(xiii) any honorarium (within the meaning of section 323 of this Act [2 uses § 44li]); and 

(xiv) any loan of money derived from an advance on a candidate's brokerage account, credit card, home equity 

line of credit, or other line of credit available to the candidate, if such loan is made in accordance with applicable law 

and under commercially reasonable tenns and if the person making such loan makes loans derived from an advance on 

the candidate's brokerage account, credit card, home equity line of credit, or other line of credit in the nonna! course of 

the person's business. 

(9) (A) The term "expenditure" includes--

(i) any purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value, made by any 

person for the purpose of influencing any election for Federal office; and 

(ii) a written contract, promise, or agreement to make an expenditure. 

(B) The term "expenditure" does not include--

(i) any news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, 

newspaper, magazine, or other periodical pUblication, unless such facilities are owned or controlled by any political 

party, political committee, or candidate; 

(ii) nonpartisan activity designed to encourage individuals to vote or to register to vote; 

(iii) any communication by any membership organization or corporation to its members, stockholders, or 

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2 uses § 431 

executive or administrative personnel, if such membership organization or corporation is not organized primarily for the 

purpose of influencing the nomination for election, or election, of any individual to Federal office, except that the costs 

incurred by a membership organization (including a labor organization) or by a corporation directly attributable to a 

communication expressly advocating the election or defeat ofa clearly identified candidate (other than a communication 

primarily devoted to subjects other than the express advocacy of the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate), 

shall, if such costs exceed $ 2,000 for any election, be reported to the Commission in accordance with section 

304(a)(4)(A)(i) [2 uses § 434(a)(4)(A)(i)], and in accordance with section 304(a)(4)(A)(ii) [2 uses § 434(a)(4)(A)(ii)] 

with respect to any general election; 

Ov) the payment by a State or local committee ofa political party of the costs of preparation, display, or mailing or 

other distribution incurred by such committee with respect to a printed state card or sample ballot, or other printed 

listing, of 3 or more candidates for any public office for which an election is held in the State in which such committee 

is organized, except that this clause shall not apply to costs incurred by such committee with respect to a display of any 

such listing made on broadcasting stations, Of in newspapers, magazines, or similar types of general public political 

advertising; 

(v) any payment made or obligation incurred by a corporation or a labor organization which, under section 316(h) 

[2 uses § 441 bIb)], would not constitute an expenditure by such corporation or labor organization; 

(vi) any costs incurred by an authorized committee or candidate in connection with the solicitation of 

contributions on behalf of such candidate, except that this clause shall not apply with respect to costs incurred by an 

authorized committee of a candidate in excess of an amount equal to 20 percent of the expenditure limitation applicable 

to such candidate under section 315(b) [2 uses § 441a(b)], but all such costs shall be reported in accordance with 

section 304(b) [2 uses § 434(b)]; 

(vii) the payment of compensation for legal or accounting services--

(I) rendered to or on behalf of any political committee of a political party if the person paying for such services 

is the regular employer of the individual rendering such services, and if such services are not attributable to activities 

which directly further the election of any designated candidate to Federal office; or 

(II) rendered to or on behalf of a candidate or political committee if the person paying for such services is the 

regular employer of the individual rendering such services, and if such services are solely for the purpose of ensuring 

compliance with this Act or chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 uses §§ 9001 et 

seq. or 9031 et seq.] 

but amounts paid or incurred by the regular employer for such legal or accounting services shall be reported in 

accordance with section 304(b) [2 uses § 434(b)] by the committee receiving such services; 

(viii) the payment by a State or local committee of a political party of the costs of campaign materials (such as 

pins, bumper stickers, handbills, brochures, posters, party tabloids, and yard signs) used by such committee in 

connection with volunteer activities on behalf of nominees of such party: Provided, That--

(1) such payments are not for the costs of campaign materials or activities used in connection with any 

broadcasting, newspaper, magazine, billboard, direct mail, or similar type of general public communication or political 

advertising; 

(2) such payments are made from contributions subject to the limitations and prohibitions ofthis Act; and 

(3) such payments are not made from contributions designated to be spent on behalf of a particular candidate or 

particular candidates; 

(ix) the payment by a State or local committee ofa political party of the costs of voter registration and 

get-out-the-vote activities conducted by such committee on behalf of nominees of such party for President and Vice 

President: Provided. That--

(l) such payments are not for the costs of campaign materials or activities used in connection with any 

broadcasting, newspaper, magazine, billboard, direct mail, or similar type of general public communication or political 

advertising; 

(2) such payments are made from contributions subject to the limitations and prohibitions of this Act; and 

(3) such payments are not made from contributions designated to be spent on behalf of a particular candidate or 

candidates; and 

(x) payments received by a political party committee as a condition of ballot access which are transferred to 

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2 USCS § 431 

another political party committee or the appropriate State official. 

(10) The term tlCornmissionl1 means the Federal Election Commission. 

(11) The term "person" includes an individual. partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization, or 

any other organization or group of persons, but such term does not include the Federal Government or any authority of 

the Federal Govemment. 

(12) The term "State" means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 

or a territory or possession of the United States. 

(13) The term "identificationll means-

(A) in the case of any individual, the name, the mailing address, and the occupation of such individual, as well as 

the name of his or her employer; and 

(B) in the case of any other person, the full name and address of such person. 

(14) The term "national committee" means the organization which, by virtue of the bylaws ofa political party, is 

responsible for the day-to-day operation of such political party at the national level, as determined by the Commission. 

(15) The term "State committee" means the organization which, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is 

responsible for the day-to-day operation of such political party at the State level, as determined by the Commission. 

(16) The term lIpolitical partyl1 means an association, committee, or organization which nominates a candidate for 

election to any Federal office whose name appears on the election ballot as the candidate of such association, committee 

or organization. 

(17) Independent expenditure. The term "independent expenditure" means an expenditure by a personw~ 

(A) expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate; and 

(B) that is not made in concert or cooperation with or at the request or suggestion of such candidate, the candidate's 

authorized political committee, or their agents, or a political party committee or its agents. 

(18) The term "clearly identified" means that--

(A) the name of the candidate involved appears; 

(B) a photograph or drawing of the candidate appears; or 

(C) the identity of the candidate is apparent by unambiguous reference. 

(19) The term "Act" means the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 as amended. 

(20) Federal election activity. 

(A) In general. The term "Federal election activity" means-

(i) voter registration activity during the period that begins on the date that is 120 dayibefore the date a regularly 

scheduled Federal election is held and ends on the date of the election; 

(ii) voter identification, get-outwthe-vote activity, or generic campaign activity conducted in connection with an 

election in which a candidate for Federal office appears on the ballot (regardless of whether a candidate for State or 

local office also appears on the ballot); 

(iii) a public communication that refers to a clearly identified candidate for Federal office (regardless of whether a 

candidate for State or local office is also mentioned or identified) and that promotes or supports a candidate for that 

office, or attacks or opposes a candidate for that office (regardless of whether the communication expressly advocates a 

vote for or against a candidate); or 

(iv) services provided during any month by an employee of a State, district, or local committee of a political party 

who spends more than 25 percent of that individual's compensated time during that month on activities in connection 

with a Federal election. 

(B) Excluded activity. The term "Federal election activity" does not include an amount expended or disbursed by a 

State, district, or local committee of a political party for-

(i) a public communication that refers solely to a clearly identified candidate for State or local office, if the 

communication is not a Federal election activity described in subparagraph (A)(i) or (ii); 

(ii) a contribution to a candidate for State or local office, provided the contribution is not designated to pay for a 

Federal election activity described in subparagraph (A); 

(iii) the costs of a State, district, or local political convention; and 

(iv) the costs of grassroots campaign materials, including buttons, bumper stickers, and yard signs, that name or 

depict only a candidate for State or local office. 

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2 USCS § 431 

(21) Generic campaign activity. The term "generic campaign activitylt means a campaign activity that promotes a 

political party and does not promote a candidate or non-Federal candidate. 

(22) Public communication. The term "public communicationl1 means a communication by means of any broadcast, 

cable, or satellite communication, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, mass mailing, or telephone bank 

to the general public, or any other form of general public political advertising. 

(23) Mass mailing. The term "mass mailing" means a mailing by United States mail or facsimile of more than 500 

pieces of mail matter of an identical or substantially similar nature within any 30-day period. 

(24) Telephone bank. The term "telephone bank" means more than 500 telephone calls of an identical or substantially 

similar nature within any 30-day period. 

(25) Election cycle. For purposes of sections 315(i) and 315A [2 uses §§ 441a(i), 441a-J) and paragraph (26), the 

term "election cyclell means the period beginning on the day after the date of the most recent election for the specific 

office or seat that a candidate is seeking and ending on the date of the next election for that office or seat. For purposes 

of the preceding sentence, a primary election and a general election shall be considered to be separate elections. 

(26) Personal funds. The term "personal funds" means an amount that is derived from-

(A) any asset that, under applicable State law, at the time the individual became a candidate, the candidate had legal 

right of access to or control over, and with respect to which the candidate had-

(i) legal and rightful title; or 

(ii) an equitable interest; 

(B) income received during the current election cycle of the candidate, including-

(i) a salary and other earned income from bona fide employment; 

(Ii) dividends and proceeds from the sale of the candidate's stocks or other investments; 

(iii) bequests to the candidate; 

(iv) income from trusts established before the beginning of the election cycle; 

(v) income from trusts established by bequest after the beginning ofthe election cycle of which the candidate is 

the beneficiary; 

(vi) gifts ofa personal nature that had been customarily received by the candidate prior to the beginning of the 

election cycle; and 

(vii) proceeds from lotteries and similar legal games of chance; and 

(C) a portion of assets that are jointly owned hy the candidate and the candidate's spouse equal to the candidate's 

share of the asset under the instrument of conveyance or ownership, but ifno specific share is indicated by an 

instrument of conveyance or ownership, the value of 1/2 of the property. 

HISTORY: 

(Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, Title !II, § 301, 86 Stat. 11; Oct. 15, 1974, P.L. 93-443, Title n, §§ 201(a), 208(c)(1), 88 

Stat. 1272, 1286; May 11, 1976, P.L. 94-283, Title J, §§ 102, 115(d), (h), 90 Stat. 478, 495, 496; Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 

96-187, Title I, § 101,93 Stat. 1339; Oct. 22,1986, P.L. 99-514, § 2,100 Stat. 2095; Oct. 23, 2000, P.L. 106-346, § 

101(a), 114 Stat. 1356; March 27, 2002, P.L. 107-155, Title I, §§ 101(b), 103(b)(I), Title II, Subtitle B, § 211, Title !II, 

§ 304(c), 116 Stat. 85, 87, 92,100.) 

HISTORY; ANCILLARY LAWS AND DIRECTIVES 

References in text: 

"This Act", referred to in this section, is Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, 86 Stat. 3, popularly known as the Federal 

Election Campaign Act of 1971, which appears generally as 2 uses §§ 431 et seq. For full classification of such Act, 

consult USCS Tables volumes. 

The "Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ", referred to in para. (19), is Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, 86 Stat. 3, 

which appears generally as 2 uses §§ 431 et seq. For full classification of such Act, consult USCS Tables volumes. 

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2 USCS § 431 

Explanatory notes: 

"1986" has been inserted in brackets in paras. (8)(B)(viii) and (9)(B)(vii) pursuant to § 2 of Act Oct. 22, 1986, P.L. 

99-514, which redesignated the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (Act Aug. 16, 1954, ch 736) as the Internal Revenue 

Code of 1986. In redesignating the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Congress 

provided, in Act Oct. 22, 1986, P.L. 99-514, § 2(b), 100 Stat. 2095, for construction of references to the Internal 

Revenue Code as follows: except when inappropriate, any reference in any law, Executive Order, or other document to 

the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 shall include a reference to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and any reference to 

the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall include a reference to the provisions of law fonnerly known as the Internal 

Revenue Code of 1954. 

The 2000 amendments are based upon H. Res. 5394 of Oct. 5,2000, Title V, § 502(b), as incorporated in Act Oct. 23, 

2000, P.L. 106-346. 

Effective date of section: 

This section became effective 60 days after enactment, pursuant to § 408 of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, which 

appears as a note to this section. 

Amendments: 

1974. Act Oct. 15, 1974, in the introductory matter, inserted nand title IV of this Actn; in subsec. (a), inserted "andll 

preceding "(4)", and deleted ", and (5) the election of delegates to a constitutional convention for proposing 

amendments to the Constitution of the United States"; substituted subsecs. (d)-(g) for ones which read: 

ned) 'political committee' means any committee, association, or organization which accepts contributions or makes 

expenditures during a calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding S 1,000; 

nee) 'contribution' means--

"(1) a gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value, made for the purpose of 

influencing the nomination for election, or election, of any person to Federal office or as a presidential or 

vice-presidential elector, or for the purpose of influencing the result of a primary held for the selection of delegates to a 

national nominating convention of a political party or for the expression of a preference for the nomination of persons 

for election to the office of President, or for the purpose of influencing the election of delegates to a constitutional 

convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States; 

"(2) a contract, promise, or agreement, whether or not legally enforceable, to make a contribution for any such 

purpose; 

"(3) a transfer of funds between political committees; 

"(4) the payment, by any person other than a candidate or political committee, of compensation for the personal 

services of another person which are rendered to such candidate or committee without charge for any such purpose; and 

"(5) notwithstanding the foregoing meanings of , contribution" the word shall not be construed to include services 

provided without compensation by individuals volunteering a portion or all of their time on behalf of a candidate or 

political committee; 

"(f) 'expenditure' means-~ 

"(1) a purchase, payment, distribution, loan advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value, made for the 

purpose of influencing the nomination for election, or election, of any person to Federal office, Or as a presidential and 

vice-presidential elector, or for the purpose of influencing the result of a primary held for the selection of delegates to a 

national nominating convention of a political party or for the expression of a preference for the nomination of persons 

for election to the office of President, or for the purpose of influencing the election of delegates to a constitutional 

convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States; 

"(2) a contract, promise, or agreement, whether or not legally enforceable, to make an expenditure, and 

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2 USCS § 431 

"(3) a transfer of funds between political committees; 

1t(g) 'supervisory officer' means the Secretary of the Senate with respect to candidates for Senator; the Clerk of the 

House of Representatives with respect to candidates for Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, 

the Congress of the United States; and the Comptroller General of the United States in any other case;"; 

in subsec. (h). deleted "and" following "persons;!!; in subsec. (i), substituted the concluding semicolon for a period; 

and added subsecs. G)-(n). 

1976. Act May 11, 1976, in subsec. (a)(2), substituted "which has authority to" for "held to"; in subsec. (e), in para. (2), 

inserted "written!!, and deleted "express or implied," following Itor agreement,'\ in para. (4), inserted n, except that this 

paragraph shall not apply in the case oflegal or accounting services rendered to or on behalf of the national committee 

of a political party (unless the person paying for such services is a person other than the regular employer of the 

individual rendering such services), other than services attributable to activities which directly further the election ofa 

designated candidate or candidates to Federal office, nor shall this paragraph apply in the case oflegal or accounting 

services rendered to or on behalf of a candidate or political committee solely for the purpose of insuring compliance 

with the provisions of this Act or chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (unless the person 

paying for such services is a person other than the regular employer of the individual rendering such services), but 

amounts paid or incurred for such legal or accounting services shall be reported in accordance with the requirements of 

section 304(b)", in para. (5), in c1. (E), deleted "or" at the end thereof, in c1. (F), substituted "section 321 (b)" for "the last 

paragraph of seclion610 oJlitle 18. United States Code", added cls. (G)-(l), and, in the concluding matter, substituted 

I1personn for "individual!!; in subsec. (f)(4), in cl. (C), inserted '\ except that the costs incurred by a membership 

organization, including a labor organization, or by a corporation, directly attributable to a communication expressly 

advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate (other than a communication primarily devoted to 

subjects other than the express advocacy of the election or defeat ofa clearly identified candidate) shall, if those costs 

exceed S 2,000 per election, be reported to the Commission", in c1. (F), deleted "or" at the end thereof; in c1. (G), 

deleted "or" at the end thereof; in c1. (H), substituted "section 32 1 (b)" for "the last paragraph of section 610 oJtille 18, 

United Stales Code", added cis. (1)-(K); in subsec. (m), deleted "and" following "organization;"; in subsec. (n), 

substituted "302(e)(I)" for "302(f)(1)", substituted a semicolon for s concluding period at the end thereof; and added 

subsecs (o)-(q). . 

1980. Act Jan. 8,1980, substituted the text of this section for text which read: 

"When used in this title and title IV of this Act--

"(a) 'election' means (1) a general, special, primary, or runoff election, (2) a convention or caucus ofa political party 

which has authority to nominate a candidate, (3) a primary election held for the selection of delegates to a national 

nominating convention of a political party, and (4) a primary election held for the expression of a preference for the 

nomination of persons for election to the office of President; 

't(b) 'candidate' means an individual who seeks nomination for election, or election, to Federal office, whether or not 

such individual is elected, and, for purposes of this paragraph, an individual shall be deemed to seek nomination for 

election, or election, ifhe has (1) taken the action necessary under the law of a State to qualify himself for nomination 

for elections, or election, to Federal office, or (2) received contributions or made expenditures, or has given his consent 

for any other person to receive contributions or make expenditures, with a view to bringing about his nomination for 

election, or election, to such office; 

ncc) 'Federal office' means the office of President or Vice President of the United States; or of Senator or 

Represent~tive in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress of the United States; 

lI(d) 'political committee' means any committee, club, association, or other group of persons which receives 

contributions or makes expenditures during a calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding S 1,000; 

"(e) 'cbntribution'-

n(1) means a gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value made for the purpose of-

"eA) influencing the nomination for election, or election, of any person to Federal office or for the purpose of 

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influencing the results of a primary held for the selection of delegates to a national nominating convention of a political 

party, or 

"(B) influencing the result of an election held for the expression of a preference for the nomination of persons for 

election to the office of President of the United States; 

"(2) means a written contract, promise, or agreement, whether or not legally enforceable, to make a contribution for 

such purposes; 

"(3) means funds received by a political committee which are transferred to such committee from another political 

committee or other source; 

11(4) means the payment, by any person other than a candidate or a political committee, of compensation for the 

personal services of another person which are rendered to such candidate or political committee without charge for any 

such purpose, except that this paragraph shall not apply in the case of legal or accounting services rendered to or on 

behalf of the national committee ofa political party (unless the person paying for such services is a person other than 

the regular employer of the individual rendering such services), other than services attributable to activities which 

directly further the election ofa designated candidate or candidates to Federal office, nor shall this paragraph apply in 

the case of legal or accounting services rendered to or on behalf of a candidate or political committee solely for the 

purpose of insuring compliance with the provisions of this Act or chapter 95 or chapter 96 ofthe Internal Revenue Code 

of 1954 (unless the person paying for such services is a person other than the regular employer of the individual 

rendering such services), but amounts paid or incurred for such legal or accounting services shall be reported in 

accordance with the requirements of section 304(b); but 

"(5) does not inc1ude--

"(A) the value of services provided without compensation by individuals who volunteer a portion or all oftheir 

time on behalf of a candidate or political committee; 

"(B) the use of real or personal property and the cost of invitations, food, and beverages, voluntarily provided by 

an individual to a candidate in rendering voluntary personal services on the individual's residential premises for 

candidate-related activities; 

U(C) the sale of any food or beverage by a vendor for use in a candidate'S campaign at a charge less than the 

normal comparable charge, if such charge for use in a candidate's campaign is at least equal to the cost of such food or 

beverage to the vendor; 

"(D) any unreimbursed payment for travel expenses made by an individual who on his own behalf volunteers his 

personal services to a candidate; 

"(E) the payment by a State or local committee ofa political party of the costs of preparation, display, or mailing 

or other distribution incurred by such committee with respect to a printed slate card or sample ballot, or other pririted 

listing, of 3 or more candidates for any public office for which an election is held in the State in which such committee 

is organized, except that this clause shall not apply in the case of costs incurred by such committee with respect to a 

display of any such listing made on broadcasting stations, or in newspapers, magazines or other similar types of general 

public political advertising; 

"(F) any payment made or obligation incurred by a corporation or a labor organization which, under the provisions 

of section 321 (b), would not constitute an expenditure by such corporation or labor organization; 

"(G) a loan of money by a national or State bank made in accordance with the applicable banking laws and 

regulations and in the ordinary course of business, but such loans--

"(i) shall be reported in accordance with the requirements of section 304(b); and 

"(ii) shall be considered a loan by each endorser or guarantor, in that proportion of the unpaid balance thereof 

that each endorser or guarantor bears to the total number of endorsers or guarantors; or 

"(H) a gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value to a national committee of a 

political party or a State committee of a political party which is specifically designated for the purpose of defraying any 

cost incurred with respect to the construction or purchase of any office facility which is not acquired for the purpose of 

influencing the election of any candidate in any particular election for Federal office, except that any such gift, 

subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value, and any such cost, shall be reported in 

accordance with section 304(b); or 

"(1) any honorarium (within the meaning of section 328); to the extent that the cumulative value of activities by 

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2 uses § 431 

any person on behalf of any candidate under each of clauses (B), (C), and (D) does not exceed $ 500 with respect to any 

election; 

tt(t) 'expenditure'--

"(I) means a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value, made 

for the purpose of--

"(A) influencing the nomination for election, or the election, of any person to Federal office, or to the office of 

presidential and vice-presidential elector; or 

"(B) influencing the results of a primary election held for the selection of delegates to a national nominating 

convention of a political party or for the expression of a preference for the nomination of persons for election to the 

office of President of the United States; 

"(2) means a contract, promise, or agreement, express or implied, whether or not legally enforceable, to make any 

expenditure; 

"(3) means the transfer of funds by a political committee to another political committee; but 

"(4) does not include--

"(A) any news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, 

newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication, unless such facilities are owned or controlled by any political 

party, political committee, or candidate; 

I1(B) nonpartisan activity designed to encourage individuals to register to vote or to vote; 

Il(C) any communication by any membership organization or corporation to its members or stockholders, if such 

membership organization or corporation is not organized primarily for the purpose of influencing the nomination for 

election, or election, of any person to Federal office except that the costs incurred by a membership organization, 

including a labor organization, or by a corporation, directly attributable to a communication expressly advocating the 

election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate (other than a communication primarily devoted to subjects other than 

the express advocacy of the election or defeat of .clearly identified candidate) shall, if those costs exceed $ 2,000 per 

election, be reported to the Commission; 

"(D) the use of real or personal property and the cost of invitations, food, and beverages, voluntarily provided by 

an individual to a candidate in rendering voluntary personal services on the individual's residential premises for 

candidate-related activities if the cumulative value of such activities by such individual on behalf of any candidate do 

not exceed $ 500 with respect to any election; 

"(E) any unreimbursed payment for travel expenses made by an individual who on his own behalf volunteers his 

personal services to a candidate if the cumulative amount for such individual incurred with respect to such candidate 

does not exceed S 500 with respect to any election; 

"(F) any communication by any person which is not made for the purpose of influencing the nomination for 

election, or election, of any person to Federal office; 

"(G) the payment by a State or local committee ofa political party of the costs of preparation, display, or mailing 

or other distribution incurred by such committee with respect to a printed slate card or sample ballot, or other printed 

listing, of 3 or more candidates for any public office for which an election is held in the State in which such committee 

is organized, except that this clause shall not apply in the case of costs incurred by such committee with respect to a 

display of any such listing made on broadcasting stations, or in newspapers, magazines or other similar types of general 

public political advertising; 

"(H) any payment made or obligation incurred by a corporation or a labor organization which, under the 

provisions of section 321 (b), would not constitute an expenditure by such corporation or labor organization; 

11(1) any costs incurred by a candidate in connection with the solicitation of contributions by such candidate, except 

that this clause shall not apply with respect to costs incurred by a candidate in excess of an amount equal to 20 percent 

of the expenditure limitation applicable to such candidate under section 320(b), but all such costs shall be reported in 

accordance with section 304(b); 

"(J) the payment, by any person other than a candidate or political committee, of compensation for legal or 

accounting services rendered to or on behalf of the national committee ofa political party (unless the person paying for 

such services is a person other than the regular employer of the individual rendering such services), other than services 

attributable to activities which directly further the election ofa designated candidate or candidates to Federal office, or 

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2 USCS § 431 

the payment for legal or accounting services rendered to or on behalf of a candidate or political committee solely for the 

purpose of insuring compliance with the provisions of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue 

Code of 1954 (unless the person paying for such services is a person other than the regular employer of the individual 

rendering such services), but amounts paid or incurred for such legal or accounting services shall be reported under 

section 304(b); or 

"(K) a loan of money by a national or State bank made in accordance with the applicable banking laws and 

regulations and in the ordinary course of business, but such loan shall be reported in accordance with section 304(b) 

neg) 'Commission' means the Federal election commission; 

"(h) 'person' means an individual, partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization, and any other 

organization or group of persons; 

"(i) 'State' means each State ofthe United States, the District of Columbia, and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and 

any territory or possession ofthe United States; 

n(j) 'identification' means-

"(1) in the case of an individual, his full name and the full address of his principal place of residence; and 

"(2) in the case of any other person, the full name and address of such person; 

11(k) 'national committee' means the organization which, by virtue of the bylaws ofa political party, is responsible for 

the day-to-day operation of such political party at the national level, as determined by the Commission; 

"(1) 'State committee' means the organization which, by virtue of the bylaws of a political party, is responsible for the 

day-to-day operation of such political party at the State level, as determined by the Commission; 

"(m) 'political party' means an association, committee, or organization which nominates a candidate for election to any 

Federal office, whose name appears on the election ballot as the candidate of such association. committee, or 

organization; 

"(n) 'principal campaign committee' means the principal campaign committee designated by a candidate under section 

302(e)(I). 

"(0) 'Act' means the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 as amended by the Federal Election Campaign Act 

Amendments ofl974 and the Federal Election Federal Election Campaign Act Amendments of 1976; 

"(P) 'independent expenditure' means an expenditure by a person expressly advocating the election or defeat ofa 

clearly identified candidate which is made without cooperation or consultation with any candidate or any authorized 

committee or agent of such candidate and which is not made in concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, any 

candidate or any authorized committee or agent of such candidate; and 

"(q) 'clearly identified' means that (1) the name of the candidate appears; (2) a photograph or drawing of the candidate 

appears; or (3) the identity of the candidate is apparent by unambiguous reference.". 

2000. Act Oct. 23, 2000 (applicable with respect to elections occutring after 1/2001 as provided by § 502(d) ofB.R. 

5394, as enacted into law by such Act, which appears as a note to this section), in para. (8)(B), in c1. (xiii), deleted "and" 

following the concluding semicolon, in c1. (xiv), substituted "; and" for a concluding period, and added c1. (xv). 

2002. Act March 27, 2002 (effective 11/6/2002, as provided by § 402 of such Act, which appears as a note to this 

section), in para. (8)(B), deleted c1. (viii), which read: "(viii) any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money 

or anything of value to a national or a State committee of a polHical party specifically designated to defray any cost for 

construction or purchase of any office facility not acquired for the purpose of influencing the election of any candidate 

in any particular election for Federal office;", and redesignated cls. (ix)-(xv) as cls. (viii)-(xiv), respectively, and added 

paras. (20)-(24). 

Such Act further (effective 11/6/2002, but not applicable with respect to runoff elections, recounts, or election 

contests reSUlting from elections held prior to such date, as provided by § 402(a)(4) of such Act, which appears as a note 

to this section), substituted para. (17) for one which read: "( 17) The term "independent expenditure" means an 

expenditure by a person expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate which is made 

without cooperation or consultation with any candidate. or any authorized committee or agent of such candidate, and 

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2 USCS § 431 

which is not made in concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate, or any authorized committee or 

agent of such candidate. ", and added paras. (25) and (26). 

Short titles: 

Act Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, § 1,86 Stat. 3, provides: "This Act [2 uses §§ 431 et seq. generally; for full 

classification of such Act, consult USCS Tables volumes] may be cited as the 'Federal Election Campaign Act of 

1971',", 

Act Oct. 15, 1974, P.L. 93-443, § 1,88 Stat. 1263, provides: "This Act may be cited as the 'Federal Election 

Campaign Act Amendments of 1974'.". For full classification of such Act, consult USCS Tables volumes. 

Act May I I, 1976, P.L. 94-283, § 1,90 Stat. 475, provides: "This Act may be cited as the 'Federal Election Campaign 

Act Amendments of 1976'.". For full classification of such Act, consult USCS Tables volumes. 

Act Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, § I, 93 Stat. 1339, provides: "This Act may be cited as the 'Federal Election Campaign 

Act Amendments of 1979'.". For full classification of such Act, consult USCS Tables volumes. 

Act March Ti, 2002, P.L. 107-I 55, § I (a), I 16 Stat. 81, provides: "This Act may be cited as the 'Bipartisan Campaign 

Reform Act of 2002'.". For full classification of such Act, consult USCS Tables volumes. 

Other provisions: 

Effective date of Act Feb. 7, 1972. Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, Title IV, § 408 [406], 86 Stat. 20; Oct. 15, 1974, 

P.L. 93-443, Title llJ, § 302, 88 Stat. 1289, provides: "Except as provided in § 401 of this Act [2 uses § 451], the 

provisions of this Act [2 uses §§ 431 et seq. generally; for full classification, consult USCS Tables volumes] shall 

become effective on December 3 I, 1971, or sixty days after the date of enactment of this Act, whichever is later.". 

Applicability of 1974 amendments. Act Oct. 15, 1974, P.L. 93-443, Title IV, § 410, 88 Stat. 1304, provided: 

"(a) Except as provided by subsection (b) and subsection (c), the foregoing provisions ofthis Act [amending this 

section, among other things; for full classification, consult USCS Tables Volumes] shall become effective January I, 

1975. 

"(b) Section 104 [18 uses § 591 note] and the amendment made by section 301 [amendment to 2 uses § 453] shall 

become effective on the date of the enactment of this Act. 

"(c) 

(I) The amendments made by sections 403(a) [amending 26 uses § 9006], 404 [amending 26 uses §§ 9002-9007, 

9009-9012],405 [amending 26 uses §§ 9003,9005],406 [amending 26 uses § 276,prec. §§ 9001,9008,9009, 

9012],408 [26 uses §§ 9031-9042, amending 26 uses pree. § 1,pree. § 9001, repealing 26 uses § 9021], and 409 

[amending 26 uses § 9009] shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after December 3 I, 1974. 

"(2) The amendment made by section 407 [amending 26 uses § 6012] shall apply with respect to taxable years 

beginning after December 3 I, 1971.". 

Effective date of Jan. 8, 1980 amendments. Act Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, Title JlI, § 301, 93 Stat. 1368, provides: 

"(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by this Act are effective upon enactment. 

"(b) For authorized committees of candidates for President and Vice President, section 304(b) of the Federal Election 

Campaign Act of 1971 [2 uses § 434(b)] shall be effective for elections occurring after January I, 1981". 

Voting System Study. Act Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, Title III, § 302, 93 Stat. 1368, as amended by Act Aug. 23, 

1988, P.L. 100-418, Title V, § 5115(c), 102 Stat. 1433, provides: "The Federal Election Commission, with the 

cooperation and assistance of the National Bureau of Standards, shall conduct a preliminary study with respect to the 

future development of voluntary engineering and procedural perfonnance standards for voting systems used in the 

United States. The Commission shall report to the Congress the results of the study, and such report shall include 

recommendations, if any, for the implementation of a program of such standards (including estimates of the costs and 

time requirements of implementing such a program). The cost ofthe study shall be paid out of any funds otherwise 

available to defray the expenses of the Commission. It. 

Transition provisions. Act Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, Title JJl, § 303, 93 Stat. 1368, provides: 

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2 USCS § 431 

"(a) The Federal Election Commission shall transmit to the Congress proposed rules and regulations necessary for the 

purpose of implementing the provisions of this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, prior to February 29, 1980. 

"(b) The provisions of section 311(d) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 [2 uses § 438(d)] allowing 

disapproval of rules and regulations by either House of Congress within 30 legislative days after receipt shall, with 

respect to rules and regulations required to be proposed under subsection (a) of this section, be deemed to allow such 

disapproval within 15 legislative days after receipt.". 

Abolition and transfer of functions of Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. For abolition and 

transfer of functions of the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, see Act Aug. 9, 1989, P .L. 1 01 ~ 73, Title 

IV, §§ 401-406, which appears as 12 uses § 1437 note. 

Applicability of Oct. 23, 2000 amendments. Act Oct. 23, 2000, P.L. 106·346, § 101(a), 114 Stat. 1356 (enacting into 

law § 502(d) ofTitle V ofH.R. 5394 (114 Stat. 1356A-49), as introduced on Oct. 5, 2000), provides: "The amendments 

made by this section [amending 2 uses §§ 431 and 434] shall apply with respect to elections occurring after January 

2001.". 

Study and report on clean money clean elections laws. Act March 27, 2002, P.L. 107·155, Title 111, § 310, 116 Stat. 

104 (effective on 11/6/2002, as provided by § 402 of such Act, which appears as a note to this section), provides: 

"(a) Clean money clean elections defined. In this section, the tenn 'clean money clean elections' means funds received 

under State laws that provide in whole or in part for the public financing of election campaigns. 

"(b) Study. 

(I) In general. The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of the clean money clean elections of Arizona and 

Maine. 

"(2) Matters studied. 

(A) Statistics on clean money clean elections candidates. The Comptroller General shall determine--

"(i) the number of candidates who have chosen to run for public office with clean money clean elections 

including--

"(I) the office for which they were candidates; 

"(II) whether the candidate was an incumbent or a challenger; and 

"(1II) whether the candidate was successful in the candidate's bid for public office; and 

n(ii) the number of races in which at least one candidate ran an election with clean money clean elections. 

"(8) Effects of clean money clean elections. The Comptroller General of the United States shall describe the 

effects of public financing under the clean money clean elections laws on the 2000 elections in Arizona and Maine. 

"(c) Report. Not later than I year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 

shall submit a report to the Congress detailing the results of the study conducted under subsection (b).". 

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002; effective dates and regulations. Act March 27,2002, P.L. 107·155, 

Title IV, § 402,116 Stat. 112, provides: 

"(a) General effective date. 

(I) In general. Except as provided in the succeeding provisions of this section, the effective date of this Act, and the 

amendments made by this Act [for full classification, consult USCS Tables volumes], is November 6, 2002. 

"(2) Modification of contribution limits. The amendments made by--

"(A) section 102 [amending 2 uses § 441a(a)(1)] shall apply with respect to contributions made on or after 

January 1,2003; and 

"(B) section 307 [amending 2 uses § 441 (a)(1)] shall take effect as provided in subsection (e) of such section [2 

uses § 441a note]. 

"(3) Severability; effective dates and regulations; judicial review. Title IV [2 uses §§ 431 note, 437h note, and 454 

note] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act. 

"(4) Provisions not to apply to runoff elections. Section 323(b) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 [2 

uses § 441i(b)] (as added by section 101 (a)), section 103(a) [adding 2 uses § 434(e)], title 11 [amending 2 uses §§ 

431,434, 441a, and 441b, appearing in part as 2 uses §§ 434 note and 441a note, and unclassified in part], sections 

304 [amending 2 uses §§ 431, 434(a)(6), and 441a] (including section 315Ul of Federal Election Campaign Act of 

1971 [2 uses § 441a(j)], as added by section 304(a)(2)), 305 [amending 47 uses § 315(b)] (notwithstanding 

subsection (c) of such section [47 uses § 315 note]), 311 [amending 47 uses § 441dj, 316 [amending 2 uses § 

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2 USCS § 431 

441a(i)(I)J, 318 [adding 2 uscs § 441 kJ, and 319 [adding 2 USCS § 441a-l and amending 441a(a)(I)J, and title V 

[amending 2 USCS §§ 434(a) and 47 USCS § 315 and classified in part to 2 USCS § 438aJ (and the amendments made 

by such sections and titles) shall take effect on November 6, 2002, but shall not apply with respect to runoff elections, 

recounts, or election contests resulting from elections held prior to such date. 

"(b) Soft money of national political parties. 

(I) In general. Except forsubsection (b) of such section, section 323 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of1971 

[2 USCS § 441!1 (as added by section 101(a)) shall take effect on November 6, 2002. 

"(2) Transitional rules for the spending of soft money of national political parties. 

(A) In general. Notwithstanding section 323(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 [2 USCS § 441 ira)] 

(as added by section 101(a), if a national committee ofa political party described in such section (including any person 

who is subject to such section under paragraph (2) of such section), has received funds described in such section prior to 

November 6, 2002, the rules described in subparagraph (B) shall apply with respect to the spending of the amount of 

such funds in the possession of such committee as of such date. 

"(B) Use of excess soft money funds. 

(i) In general. Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii), the national committee ofa political party may use the amount 

described in subparagraph (A) prior to January 1,2003, solely for the purpose of-

"(I) retiring outstanding debts or obligations that were incurred solely in connection with an election held prior 

to November 6, 2002; or 

"(II) paying expenses or retiring outstanding debts or paying for obligations that were incurred solely in 

connection with any runoff election, recount, or election contest resulting from an election held prior to November 6, 

2002. 

"(ii) Prohibition on using soft money for hard money expenses, debts, and obligations. A national committee of a 

political party may not use the amount described in subparagraph (A) for any expenditure (as defined in section 301(9) 

of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.c. 431 (9)) or for retiring outstanding debts or obligations that 

were incurred for such an expenditure. 

"(iii) Prohibition of building fund uses. A national committee of a political party may not use the amount 

descnbed in subparagraph (A) for activities to defray the costs of the construction or purchase of any office building or 

facility. 

"(c) Regulations. 

(I) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal Election Commission shall promulgate regulations 

to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act [for full classification, consult USCS Tables volumesJ that 

are under the Commission's jurisdiction not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act. 

"(2) Soft money of political parties. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal 

Election Commission shall promUlgate regulations to carry out title I of this Act and the amendments made by such title 

[amending 2 USCS §§ 431, 434, 441a, and 453, and adding 2 USCS § 441!].". 

NOTES: 

Code of Federal Regulations: 

Federal Election Commission--Scope and definitions (2 U.s.c. 431), 11 CFR 100.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Reports by political committees and other persons (2 u.s.c. 434), 11 CFR 104.1 et 

seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Coordinated and independent expenditures (2 U.s. c. 431 (J 7), 441 a(a) and (d), and 

Pub. L. 107-155 Sec. 214(c)), 11 CFR 109.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Contribution and expenditure limitations and prohibitions, 11 CFR 110.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Corporate and labor organization activity, 11 CFR 114.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Increased limits for candidates opposing self-financed candidates, 11 CFR 400.1 et 

seq. 

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2 USCS § 431 

Related Statutes & Rules: 

This section is referred to in 2 uses §§ 58, 5ge, 610-9, 61/-13, 1301,433,434, 437c, 441b, 44li; 5 uses Appx § 101; 

6 uses § 331; 18 uses §§ 602, 603, 607; 20 uses § 1094; 22 uses § 3944; 42 uses §§ 1973gg-1, 5043; 47 uses § 

315; 50 uses Appx § 595. 

Research Guide: 

Federal Procedure: 

22 Moore's Federal Practice (Matthew Bender 3d ed.), ch 404, Authorization for Three-Judge Courts and Direct 

Appeals to the Supreme Court § 404.04. 

lOB Fed Proc L Ed, Elections and Elective Franchise §§ 28:256, 257, 262, 300, 305. 

Am Jur: 

26 Am Jur 2d, Elections §§ 352, 354, 449. 

45A Am Jur 2d, Job Discrimination §§ 27-35. 

Criminal Law and Practice: 

2 Business Crime (Matthew Bender), ch 6A, Preventing Corporate Criminal Liability P 6A.01. 

Annotations: 

Governmental regulation of financing of political campaign as violating freedom of speech, press, or association 

under Federal Constitution's First Amendment-Supreme Court cases. 150 L Ed 2d 865. 

Validity, Construction, and Application of Campaign Finance Laws--Supreme Court Cases. 19 ALR Fed 2d 1. 

Validity, construction, and application of provisions of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 uses §§ 431-454) 

pertaining to disclosure of campaign funds. 18 ALR Fed 949. 

Actionability, under 42 uses § 1983, of claim arising out of maladministration of election. 66 ALR Fed 750. 

Validity and construction of state statute prohibiting anonymous political advertising. 4 ALR4th 741. 

Validity and construction of orders and enactments requiring public officers and employees, or candidates for office, 

to disclose financial condition, interests, or relationships. 22 ALR4th 237. 

Election campaign activities as ground for disciplining attorney. 26 ALR4th 170. 

Solicitation or receipt of funds by public officer or employee for political campaign expenses or similar purposes as 

bribery. 55 ALR2d 113 7. 

Texts: 

1 Banking Law (Matthew Bender), ch 14, Banks and Political Activities §§ 14.02, 14.04. 

1 The Law of Advertising (Matthew Bender), ch7, Access to the Media § 7.05. 

Law Review Articles: 

Schotland. Analyzing the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. 56 Admin L Rev 867, Summer 2004. 

Gora. Buckley v. Valeo: A Landmark of Political Freedom. 33 Akron L Rev 7,1999. 

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2 USCS § 431 

Hohenstein. "Clio, Meet Buckley-Buckley, Clio": Re-Introducing History to Un-ravel the Tangle of Campaign 

Finance Reform. 1 Alb Gov't L Rev 63, 2008. 

Page 16 

Richards. Federal Election Commission v. Colorado Republican Federal Campaign Committee: Implications for 

Parties, Corporate Political Dialogue, and Campaign Finance Reform. 40 Am Bus U 83, Fall 2002. 

Election law--Regulation of Campaign Financing. 1976 Ann Swwy Am L 649, 1976. 

Hansen. Anything But Typical. 89 ABA J 22, 24, September 2003. 

Kuhne. Restricting Political Campaign Speech: The Uneasy Legacy of McConnell v. FEC. 32 Cap U L Rev 839, 

Summer 2004. 

Leatherberry. Rethinking Regulation of Independent Expenditures by PACs. 35 Case IV Res L Rev 13, 1985. 

Ellis. "Electioneering communication" under the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002: a constitutional 

reclassification of "express advocacy". 54 Case IV Res L Rev 187, Fall 2003. 

Hayward. When Does An Advertisement About Issues Become An "Issues Ad"? 49 Cath U L Rev 63, Fall 1999. 

Thomas; Bowman. Coordinated Expenditure Limits: Can They Be Saved? 49 Cath U L Rev 133, Fall 1999. 

Bopp; Coleson. The First Amendment Needs No Reform: Protecting Liberty from Campaign Finance "Refonners1!. 

51 Cath U L Rev 785, Spring 2002. 

Cox. Constitutional Issues in the Regulation of the Financing of Election Campaigns. 31 Clev St L Rev 395, Summer 

1982. 

Briffaull The Political Parties and Campaign Finance Reform. 100 Colum L Rev 620, April 2000. 

Constitutionality of Financial Disclosure Laws. 59 Cornell L Rev 345, January 1974. 

Burke. Twenty Years after the Federal Election Campaign Act Amendments of 1974: Look Who's Running Now. 99 

Dick L Rev 357. Winter 1995. 

Simmons. An Essay on Federal Income Taxation and Campaign Finance Reform. 54 Flo L Rev 1, January 2002. 

Tobin. Anonymous Speech and Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. 37 Go L Rev 611, Winter 2003. 

Kuhne. The Diminishing Sphere ofPoHtical Speech: Implications of An Overbear-ing Election Bureaucracy. 3 Geo J 

L & Pub Poly 189, Winter 2005. 

The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971: Reform of the Political Process? 60 Geo U 1309, 1972. 

Galston. Emerging Constitutional Pamdigms and Justifications for Campaign Fi-nance Regulation: The Case of 527 

Groups. 95 Geo LJ 1181, April 2007. 

Briffaull The 527 Problem ... and the Buckley Problem. 73 Geo Wash L Rev 949, August 2005. 

Comeau. Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. 40 Harv J on Legis 253, Winter 2003. 

Ryan. 527S in 2008: The Past, Present, and Future of 527 Organization Political Activity Regulation. 45 Harv J on 

Legis 471, Summer 2008. 

Campaign Contributions and Federal Bribery Law. 92 Han' L Rev 451, December 1978. 

Campaign Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1973. 11 Hous L Rev 971, May 1974. 

Smith. The Current Debate over Soft Money: Soft Money, Hard Realities: The Constitutional Prohibition on a Soft 

Money Ban. 24 J Legis 179,1998. 

Hess. The Business of Politics: Overlooked Issues for State Political Committees. 60 J Mo B 226, September-October 

2004. 

Pierce. Regulating Our Mischievous Factions: Presidential Nominations and the Law. 78 Ky U 31 1, 1990. 

Bopp; Coleson. Examining McConnell's Exception to Buckley's General Rule Pro-tecting Issue Advocacy. 31 N Ky L 

Rev 289, 2004. 

Smith. Campaign Finance Reform: The John Roberts Salvage Company: After McConnell, a New Court Looks to 

Repair the Constitution. 68 Ohio St U 891,2007. 

Gmnl Election campaign funding reform and judicial review in the United States. Public Law, Autumn 2004. 

Clark; Lichtman. The Finger in the Dike: Campaign Finance Regulation after McConnell. 39 Suffolk U L Rev 629, 

2006. 

Briffault. Issue Advocacy: Redrawing the ElectionslPolitics Line. 77 Tex L Rev 1751, June 1999. 

Jones. The Stephen Colbert Problem: The Media Exemption for Corporate Political Advocacy and the "Hail to the 

Cheese Stephen Colbert Nacho Cheese Doritos 2008 Presidential Campaign Coverage". 19 U Fla JL & Pub Pol'y 295, 

August 2008. 

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2 USCS § 431 

Thomas; Bowman. Congress as a Court of Appeals. 60 U Miami L Rev 201, January 2006. 

McGeveran. Mrs. Mcintyre's Checkbook: Privacy Costs of Political Contri-bution Disclosure. 6 U Pa J Canst L 1, 

September 2003. 

La Pierre. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, Political Parties, and the First Amendment: Lessons from Missouri. 

80 Wash U LQ //01, Winter 2002. 

Perl; Demarchi. Election Law: Direct Democracy and Indirect Regulation: The Brewing Conflict Between Federal 

Campaign Finance Law and State Ballot Measure Campaigns. 34 Wm Mitchell L Rev 591, 2008. 

Brown. Alien Donors: The Participation of Non-Citizens in the U.S. Campaign Fi-nance System. 15 Yale L & PolJ' 

Rev 503, 1997. 

Feingold. Campaign Finance Reform. 22 Vale Law & Pol'y Rev 339, Spring 2004. 

Emerging Issues Analysis 

The Supreme Court's Latest Pronouncement On Federal Campaign Financing: Leveling the Playing Field/or 

Self-Financed Candidates and Non-Self-Financed Candidates - Davis v. Federal Election Commission, 128 S. Ct. 2759. 

2008 u.s. LEXIS 5267 (2008). 

The Supreme Court examines the constitutionality ofa provision of the BIPARTISAN CAMPAIGN REFORM 

ACT of 2002 (BCRA) called the Millionaires' Amendment which Congress passed to level the playing field between 

the wealthy self-financed candidate for public office, and non-self-financed candidates for the same federal position in 

Davis v. Federal Election Commission. 

Interpretive Notes and Decisions: 

.1. US Supreme Court Alert I. Generally; purpose 2. Constitutionality 3.--Standing 4. Construction and application, 

generally 5. Communications; speech 6. Membership organizations 7. Political committees S.-Particular committees 9. 

Contributions and expenditures 10. Relationship with other laws II. Enforcement, generally 12.--Powers and duties of 

Attorney General 

.1. US Supreme Court Alert 

US Supreme Court Case Alert-On November 17,2008, Court noted probable jurisdiction and agreed to review 

decision by U.S. District Court for District of Columbia on questions of whether (I) all as-applied challenges to 

disclosure requirements (reporting and disclaimers) imposed on "electioneering communications" by Bipartisan 

Campaign Reform Act of2002 (BCRA) (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) were resolved by statement in McConnell v. FEC 

(2003) 540 u.s. 93, 124 S. Ct. 619, 157 L. Ed. 2d 491, upholding disclosure requirements against facial challenge for 

entire range of electioneering communications set forth in statute; (2) BeRAls disclosure requirements impose 

unconstitutional burden when applied to electioneering communications allegedly protected from prohibition by 

appeal-to-vote test of FEC v. Wis. Right to Life, Inc. (2007, US) 127 S. Ct. 2652, 168 L. Ed. 2d 329, (WRTL II), on 

theories that (a) under Buckley v. Valeo (1976) 424 U.S. I, 96 S. Ct. 612, 46 L. Ed. 2d 659, such communications are 

protected political speech, not regulable campaign speech, in that they are not unambiguously related to campaign of 

particular federal candidate, or (b) disclosure requirements fail strict scrutiny when so applied; (3) WRTL II's 

appeal-to~vote test requires clear plea for action to vote for or against candidate, so that communication lacking such 

clear plea for action is not subject to electioneering-communication prohibition under 2 USCS § 441 b; and (4) broadcast 

feature-length documentary movie that allegedly is sold on DVD, shown in theaters, and accompanied by compendium 

book (a) is to be treated as broadcast "ads" at issue in McConnell, or (b) is not subject to regulation as electioneering 

communication. Citizens United v FEC (2008, DC Dist Col) 530 F Supp 2d 274, later proceeding (US) 128 S Ct 1471, 

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170 L Ed 2d 294, app dismd (US) 128 S Ct 1732, 170 L Ed 2d 511 and motions ruled upon (DC Dist Col) 2008 US Dist 

LEXlS 54767, jur noted (US) 77 USLW 3295. 

1. Generally; purpose 

Primary purpose of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 which imposes limitations upon giving and spending of 

money in political campaigns for federal offices, is to limit actuality and appearance of corruption resulting from large 

individual financial contributions. Buckley v Valeo (1976) 424 US 1,96 S Ct 612,46 L Ed 2d 659, 76-1 USTC P 9189 

(criticized in Homans v City of Albuquerque (2002, DC NM) 217 F Supp 2d 1197) and (criticized in McConnell v FEC 

(2003) 540 US 93,124 S Ct 619,157 L Ed 2d 491,17 FLW Fed S 13) and (criticized in Ctr.for Individual Freedom, 

Inc. v Ireland (2008, SD W Va) 2008 US Dist LEXlS 83856). 

Principal congressional concern in enacting Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) was 

reform of political campaign financing. United States v Notional Committee for Impeachment (J 972, CA2 NY) 469 F2d 

1135,18ALRFed925. 

Federal Election Commission's revised campaign finance regulations defining get-out~the-vote activity and voter 

registration activity were rejected as being arbitrary and capricious under Administrative Procedures Act, 5 USCS § 

706(2)(A), and Chevron standard because they permitted campaign contributors to circumvent purpose of 

McCain-Feingold Act, formally known as Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002, Pub. L. No. 107-155, 116 Stat. 81, 

which was to control corrupting influence of large, unregulated soft money donations to federal political candidates. 

Shays v FEC (2008, App DC) 528 F3d 914. 

Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 USCS §§ 431 -454) represents complete revision of prior law and 

Congress revised old law because it considered reporting requirements pertaining to general elections to be inadequate 

for purpose of keeping electorate informed as to sources of political campaign money. Pichler v Jennings (1972, SD 

NY) 347 F SliPP 1061. 

2. Constitutionality 

Reporting and disclosure provisions of Federal Election Campaign Act were not overbroad, in violation of First 

Amendment speech and association rights, insofar as they applied to contributions to minor parties and independent 

candidates since any serious infringement of First Amendment rights was highly speCUlative and harm generally alleged 

was outweighed by substantial government interest in infonning public as to source of campaign moneys, deterring 

corruption, and gathering data to detect violation of act's contributions limitations (J 8 USCS § 608); blanket exemption 

for minor parties from reporting and disclosure provisions was not required to protect their right of freedom of 

association, but minor parties could show act's requirements could not be constitutionally applied to them, and evidence 

offered needed to show only reasonable probability that compelled disclosure of contributors' names would subject 

them to threats, harassment or reprisals from government officials or private parties; monetary thresholds set in 

reporting and disclosure provisions of act, in 2 USCS §§ 431 et seq., did not violate First Amendment speech and 

association rights as being overbroad in their extension to contributions as small as S 10 to $ 100 since act did authorize 

disclosure outside commission of contributions between S 10 and S 100; threshold was within reasonable latitude given 

legislature since Supreme Court could not require Congress to establish highest possible threshold, and limits were not 

wholly without rationality in relation to purposes of act. Buckley v Valeo (/976) 424 US 1,96 S Ct 612,46 L Ed 2d 

659, 76-1 USTC P 9189 (criticized in Homans v City of Albuquerque (2002, DC NM) 217 F Supp 2d 1197) and 

(criticized in McConnell vFEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 LEd 2d 491,17 FLW Fed S 13) and (criticized in 

Ctr.for Individual Freedom, Inc. v Ireland (2008, SD IV Va) 2008 US Dist LEXIS 83856). 

With respect to political expenditures that are coordinated with candidate. limits imposed under provisions of 

Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) on such expenditures by political activists, media 

executives, and political action committees are valid for purposes of Federal Constitution's First Amendment. FEe v 

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Colo. Republican Fed. Campaign Comm. (2001) 533 US 431, 150 LEd 2d 461, 121 S Ct 2351, 2001 CDOS 5225, 2001 

Daily Journal DAR 6447, 2001 ColoJ CAR 3296,14 FLW Fed S 389. 

For purposes of Federal Constitution's First Amendment, § 301(20)(A)(iii) of Federal Election Campaign Act 

(FECA) (2 USCS § 431 (20}(A}(Ui})-wbicb defines tenn "Federal election activity" to include "a public communication 

that refers to clearly identified candidate for Federal office (regardless of whether candidate for State or local office is 

also mentioned or identified) and that promotes or supports candidate for that office, or attacks or opposes candidate for 

that office (regardless of whether communication expressly advocates vote for or against candidate)It--is not 

unconstitutionally vague. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 LEd 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13 

(criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 515}. 

Title I of Bipartisan Campaign Refonn Act of 2002 (codified at locations including 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq.)--regularing use of liS oft money" by political parties. officeholders, and candidates--does not exceed Congress' 

authority under Federal Constitution'S elections clause to make or alter rules governing federal elections. McConnell v 

FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 L Ed 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 

476 F Supp 2d 515}. 

Title I of Bipartisan Campaign Refonn Act of2002 (BCRA) (codified at locations including 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq.)-regulating use of "soft money" by political parties, officeholders, and candidates--does not impair authority of 

states to regulate their own elections and thus does not violate federal constitutional principles of federalism. 

McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 L Ed 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake 

(2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 515}. 

Title I of Bipartisan Campaign Refonn Act of2002 (BCRA) (codified at locations including 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq.) does not violate equal protection component of due process clause of Federal Constitution's Fifth Amendment as 

allegedly discriminating against political parties in favor of special interest groups. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 

93,124 S Ct619, 157 LEd 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 

515}. 

Application of proscription under § 203 of Bipartisan Campaign Refonn Act of2002, 2 USCS § 

441 b(b)(2})-which made it federal crime for corporation to use its general treasury funds to pay for any "electioneering 

communication," which Act, in 2 USCS § 434(f)(3)(A}, defined as any broadcast that referred to candidate for federal 

office and was aired within 30 days of federal primary election or 60 days of federal general election in jurisdiction 

where that candidate was running--to bar political organization's advertisements that protested filibuster to delay voting 

on federal judicial nominees violated free-speech guarantee of First Amendment. FEC v Wis. Right to Life, Inc. (2007, 

US) 127 S Ct 2652, 168 L Ed 2d 329, 182 BNA LRRM 2097,20 FLW Fed S 399. 

Provisions of Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431-442, 441-455) were designed to protect integrity of 

political process and to insure that political debate and political speech are effective, and in this regard Congress acted 

to vindicate First Amendment interests, not to derogate them; thus, provisions in Act are constitutional. California 

Medical Asso. v Federal Election Com. (1980, CA9 Ca/) 641 F2d 619, affd (1981) 453 US 182, 69 L Ed 2d 567, 101 S 

Ct2712. 

Because audit provisions neither explicitly nor implicitly authorize disclosure by Federal Election Commission of 

contribution records, confidential status of those records precludes any claim of real or threatened injury to First 

Amendment interests arising from public disclosure. Buckley v Valeo (1975, App DC) 171 USApp DC 172,519 F2d 

821, 75-2 USTC P 9750, mod on other grounds (1976, App DC) 174 US App DC 300,532 F2d 187,affd in part and revd 

in part on other grounds (1976) 424 US 1,96 S Ct 612, 46 LEd 2d 659, 76-1 USTC P 9189 (criticized in Homans v CiO' 

of Albuquerque (2002, DC NM) 217 F Supp 2d 1197} and (criticized in McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 

619, 157 L Ed 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13) and (criticized in Ctr.for Individual Freedom, Inc. v Ireland (2008, SD W Va) 

2008 US Dist LEXlS 83856}. 

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Burroughs v United States (1934) 290 US 534, 78 L Ed 484,54 S Ct 287, forecloses inquiry as to whether there is 

substantial connection between disclosure requirements of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 USCS §§ 

431-454), and compelling governmental interest, and therefore, Act could constitutionally override plaintiffs' asserted 

rights of privacy and of freedom of association since Congress possessed power to pass appropriate legislation to 

safeguard elections from improper use of money to influence result, and Congress1 conclusion that public disclosure of 

political contributions, together with names of contributors and other details, would tend to prevent corrupt use of 

money to affect elections, was reasonable conclusion; attack by Conservative Party on Federal Election Campaign Act 

of 1971, challenging constitutionality of provisions which in effect serve to place ceiling on amounts which candidates 

may spend for election campaigns, were so insubstantial that three~judge court would not be convened and complaint 

would be dismissed. Pichler v Jennings (1972, SD NY) 347 F SlIPP 1061. 

2 USCS § 431(b)(2) [now 2 USCS § 431 (2)] is constitutional since Congress has authority to regulate campaign of 

"private citizen" who is not officially candidate, but is "unofficial candidate" within terms of § 43 I (b) (2) [now § 

431 (2)]; if Act did not include unofficial candidates within in purview, obvious and enormous loophole would exist. 

Gifford v Congress (1978, ED Col) 452 F Supp 802. 

Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) does not violate First or Fifth 

Amendments as overbroad and does not deprive candidates of Ninth Amendment rights. Republican Nat'l Committee v 

Federal Election Com. (1980, SD NY) 487 F SlIPP 280, affd (1980) 445 US 955,64 L Ed 2d 231,100 S Ct 1639. 

While provisions of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, 2 USCS §§ 431 et seq., could infringe on some First 

Amendment freedoms, such infringement was minimal and reasonable to keep electorate fully informed about source of 

campaign funds and to deter or expose corruption. FEC v Adams (2008, CD Col) 558 F SlIPP 2d 982. 

3.-Standing 

Third-party candidate and voter lacked standing to challenge constitutionality of Act on grounds that, by 

"authorizing" out-of~state contributions, Act violates their rights to free association, equal protection, and republican 

form of government, since Act neither authorizes nor prohibits such contributions and causal connection with plaintiffs' 

alleged injuries is therefore lacking, and claim is frivolous as well since plaintiffs sought unprecedented limitation on 

constitutionally protected freedom of political expression. Whitmore v Federal Election Comm 'n (1995, CA9 Alaska) 68 

F3d 1212. 95 CDOS 8334, 95 Daily Journal DAR 14399, amd on other grounds, motion den (1995, CA9 Alaska) 68 

F3d 1212, 96 CDOS 249, 96 Daily Journal DAR 353 and cert den (1996) 517 US II55, 134 L Ed 2d 646, 116 S Ct 

1543. 

Potential candidate, who chose not to seek election because he believed he could not raise funds necessary to mount 

effective campaign, and his potential supporters lack standing to challenge constitutionality of Federal Election 

Campaign Act (FECA) (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) insofar as it allows for use of private moneys in federal elections, 

because alleged hann is, at this stage, abstract and conjectural, candidate opted not to participate in election process, 

and, in light of goal of eliminating contribution of private funds to politicians and leveling electoral playing field, 

declaring FECA, which limits such contributions, unconstitutional would not redress candidate's and supporters' injury. 

Alsanese v Federal Election Comm'n (1995, ED NY) 884 F Supp 685, affd (1996, CA2 NY) 78 F3d 66, cert den (1996) 

519 US 819,136 L Ed 2d 33, II7 S Ct 73. 

Public interest groups challenging alleged illegal campaign contribution through distribution and sale of mailing list 

did not establish that they sustained informational injury, and therefore did not satisfY injury-in-fact requirement of 

standing under U.S. Const., art. III; no informational injury was sustained because information regarding mailing list 

required to be disclosed by Federal Election Campaigns Act, 2 USCS §§ 431 et seq., had already been disclosed on 

Federal Election Commission's website. Alliance Jar Democracy v FEC (2005, DC Dist Col) 362 F SlIPP 2d 138. 

4. Construction and application, generally 

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Federal Election Commission1s (FEe) revised campaign finance coordinated communication regulation. known as 

"firewall safe harbor," II CFR § I 09.21(h), was upheld as valid under Administrative Procedures Act, 5 USCS § 

706(2)(A) and Chevron standard; even though it was somewhat vague as to what constituted acceptable firewall, it was 

valid rule-making because McCain-Feingold Act, formally known as Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002, Pub. L. 

No. 107-155, 116 Stat. 81, did not preclude FEC from permitting organizations that contributed to campaigns from 

setting their own conduct standards. Shays v FEC (2008, App DC) 528 F3d 914. 

Every phase of nominating process, preference primaries, conventions, primaries, run-offs, special and general 

elections, even election of delegates to constitutional conventions, is brought within specific coverage of 2 USCS §§ 

431-454, and every candidate for nomination or election to federal elective office and political committees, whether 

national or local, so long as committees individually accept contributions or make expenditures of aggregate amount 

exceeding S 1,000 during calendar year. Pichler v Jennings (1972, SD NY) 347 F Supp 1061. 

Plaintiff political action committee's vagueness claiIns as to words IIsupport,n "oppose,n and it and l1indicate," as 

used in II CFR § 100.57, Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA), Pub. L. No. 92-255, 86 Stat. 3, as amended 

by Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002 (BCRA), Pub. L. No, 107-155, 116 Stat. 81, failed because they provided 

explicit standards for those who applied them and gave person of ordinary intelligence reasonable opportunity to know 

what was prohibited; moreover, if plaintiffs felt that they needed further guidance, they were able to seek advisory 

opinions for clarification, 2 USCS § 437f(a)(I), and thereby remove any doubt there may have been as to meaning of 

law. EMILY'S List v FEC (2008, DC Dist Col) 569 F Supp 2d 18. 

5. Communications; speech 

Assuming that regular newsletter of nonprofit corporation formed to support npro·1ifel1 causes is exempt as 

periodical publication from prohibition against corporate campaign expenditures under Federal Election Campaign Act 

provision (2 USCS § 441 b), such exemption does not apply to special edition of newsletter urging readers to vote 

pro-life and identifying pro-life candidates in upcoming state election where special edition newsletter cannot be 

considered comparable to any single issue of regular newsletter since it was prepared by staff not connected with 

regular newsletter, it was not distributed to newsletter's regular audience, it did not bear corporation's masthead, and 

contained no volume or issue number identifying it as continuing series of issues. Fed Election Com. v Mass. Citizens 

for Life, Inc. (1986) 479 US 238,93 L Ed 2d 539, 107 S Ct 616. 

In determining whether speech is "expressed advocacy" for purposes of Federal Election Campaign Act, speech 

must be susceptible of no other reasonable interpretation than exhortation to vote for or against specific candidate where 

speech is read as whole and with limited reference to external events; speeches are "express" for determining what are 

independent expenditures that must be disclosed, if message is unmistakable, unambiguous, and suggestive of only one 

plausible meaning; speech may only be termed "advocacy" when it presents clear plea for action, FEC v Flirgatch 

(1987, CA9 Cal) 807 F2d 857, cert den (1987) 484 US 850, 98 L Ed 2d 106, 108 S Ct 151 and (criticized in Virginia 

SOC)' for Human Life, Inc. v FEC (2000, ED Va) 83 F Supp 2d 668) and (criticized in League of Women Voters of State 

v Davidson (2001, App) 23 P3d 1266, 30 Colo J CAR 159, 2001 Colo J CAR 1795) and (criticized in Chamber of 

Commerce of the United States v Moore (2002, CA5 Miss) 288 F3d 187) and (criticized in Governor Gray Davis Com. v 

American Taxpayers Alliance (2002, 1st Dist) 102 Cal App 4th 449,125 Cal Rplr 2d 534,2002 CDOS 9916,2002 

Dai/yJolirna/ DAR I Il77, 31 Media L R Il61) and (criticized in McConnell v FEC (2003, DC Disl Col) 251 F SliPP 2d 

176) and (criticized in N.c. RighI 10 Life, Inc, v Leake (2003, CA4 NC) 344 F3d 418). 

In order to trigger reporting requirement of 2 USCS § 431 (j)(4)(C) [now 2 USCS § 431 (9)(8)(ii)], material must 

come within statutory definition of communication expressly advocating election or defeat of clearly identified 

candidate, and at same time it must not be primarily devoted to subjects other than express advocacy of election or 

defeat or candidate; poster was type of political speech which is protected from regulation under 2 USCS §§ 431 et seq, 

where (1) poster depicted then·President Gerald Ford, wearing button reading npardon Me" and embracing former 

President Richard Nixon, but (2) although poster included clearly identified candidate and may have tended to influence 

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2 USCS § 431 

voting, it contained communication on public issue widely debated during campaign. Federal Election Com. v 

American Federalion o/Slale, County & Municipal Employees (1979, DC Disl Col) 471 F Supp 315, 101 BNA LRRM 

2574. 

To extent that II C.F.R. § 100.29(b)(3)(i), in implementing 2 USCS § 431 (20)(A)(iii), defines "electioneering 

communication" to exempt from regulation all communications, regardless of their content, provided that fee is not paid 

for their broadcast, regulation is invalid as contrary to statutory requirement that public communications that promote or 

oppose candidate for office be regulated. Shays v FEC (2004, DC Disl Col) 337 F Supp 2d 28, dismd, in part (2004, 

App DC) 2004 US App LEXIS 24896 and affd (2005, App DC) 367 US App DC 185, 414 F3d 76. 

Where /1 C.F.R. § 100.26 excludes communications over Internet from definition of public communications set 

out in 2 USCS § 431(22), regulation unduly compromises purposes of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 and 

creates potential for gross abuse; Internet communications are clearly capable of general public political advertising and 

thus wholesale exclusion ofInternet communications improperly pennits evasion of campaign finance laws. Shays v 

FEC (2004, DC Disl Col) 337 F SliPP 2d 28, dismd, in part (2004, App DC) 2004 US App LEXIS 24896 and affd (2005, 

App DC) 367 US App DC 185,414 F3d 76. 

To extent that 11 C.F.R. § 100.25 implements 2 USCS § 431 (20)(A)(ii) by defining "generic campaign activity" as 

limited to activities involving public communication as defined in 2 USCS § 431 (22), regulation was invalid since it 

excluded range of campaign activity, including most Internet communications and mailing and phone banks directed to 

fewer than 500 people, and exclusions were not shown to be de minimis exemptions from statutory requirements. Shays 

v FEC (2004, DC Disl Col) 337 F Supp 2d 28, dismd, in part (2004, App DC) 2004 US App LEXIS 24896 and affd 

(2005, App DC) 367 US App DC 185,414 F3d 76. 

Plaintiff received summary judgment on its as-applied challenge to Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002, Pub. 

L. No. 107-155, § 203,116 Stat. 81, because its 2004 anti-filibuster ads were neither express advocacy nor functional 

equivalent and government did not articulate sufficiently compelling interest to justify burden placed on First 

Amendment rights since government interests that justified regulating express advocacy and its functional equivalent 

did not apply to regulation of genuine issue ads. Wis. RighI 10 Lije, 1nc. v FEC (2006, DC Disl Col) 466 F SliPP 2d 195, 

affd (2007, US) 127 S Ct 2652, 168 L Ed 2d 329, 182 BNA LRRM 2097,20 FLW Fed S 399. 

Federal Election Commission's conclusion that political organization was political committee under 2 uses § 

431 (4)(A) did not violate First Amendment because organization's major purpose was to influence federal election by 

spending money to enable ballot access for candidates for federal office who were certain to be clearly identifiable. 

Unily08 v FEC (2008, DC Disl Co/) 583 F Supp 2d 50. 

6. Membership organizations 

State medical association could not be embraced by phrase "membership organization" thus falling within 

exemption for unlimited administrative support under 2 USCS § 431 (e)(5)(F) [now 2 USCS § 431 (8)(B)(vi)] and 2 

USCS § 441 b(b)(J)(C) as "membership organization" language was only intended to rescue organizations that would 

otherwise fall within § 441 b's blanket prohibition of any election activity. Calijornia Medical Asso. v Federal Eleclion 

Com. (1980, CA9 Cal) 641 F2d 619, affd (1981) 453 US 182,69 LEd 2d 567,101 S Ct 2712. 

FECNs rule limiting "members"--to whom membership organization can convey political messages and 

solicitations--to individuals having right to vote for at least one member of organization's highest governing body is not 

reasonable interpretation ofFECA; interpretation presents First Amendment difficulties and explicitly but inexplicably 

excludes certain labor unions that would otherwise be covered as well as federated fann and rural electric cooperatives. 

Chamber a/Commerce v FEC (/995, App DC) 314 USApp DC 436,69 F3d 600, reh, en banc, den (1996, App DC) 

1996 USApp LEXIS 3954. 

Where 11 C.F.R. § 109.3 defines "agent" for purposes of 2 USCS § 431 (17) as one having express or implied 

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2 USCS § 431 

authority, but does not include one acting with apparent authority, regulatory construction is pennissible under statute, 

but regulation is nonetheless invalid; there is no indication that Federal Election Commission considered how their 

decision to exclude apparent authority might facilitate circumvention of campaign finance laws or perpetuate 

appearance of corruption, and thus Commission failed to consider important aspect of problem which rendered rule 

arbitrary and capricious. Shays v FEC (2004. DC Disl Col) 337 F Supp 2d 28. dismd, in part (2004, App DC) 2004 US 

App LEXIS 24896 and affd (2005, App DC) 367 US App DC 185,414 F3d 76. 

7. Political committees 

Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, 2 USCS §§ 431-455, neither grants Federal Election Commission 

exclusive jurisdiction to enforce criminal provisions of Act nor limits, in any way, Attorney General's plenary power to 

enforce criminal provisions of Act. Fiegel' v Uniled Siaies AG (2008, CA6 Mich) 542 F3d 1111, 2008 FED App 346P. 

District court properly dismissed action by attorney and his law firm seeking declaration that U.S. Attorney General 

(AG) acted contrary to Federal Election Campaign Act, 2 USCS §§ 431-455, in conducting ongoing grand jury 

investigation into their alleged violations of federal campaign finance laws; Act did not bar AG from investigating 

alleged violations of Act without referral from Federal Eleclion Commission. Fiegel' v United Siaies AG (2008, CA6 

Mich) 542 F3d 1111,2008 FED App 346P. 

2 USCS § 431 is applicable only to committees soliciting contributions or making expenditures nature or purpose of 

which is nomination or election of candidates. American Civil Liberties Union, Inc. v Jennings (1973, DC Disl Col) 

366 F Supp 1041, vacated on other grounds (1975) 422 US 1030,45 LEd 2d 686,95 S Ct 2646. 

Under 2 USCS § 431 (h) [now 2 USCS § 431 (11)], if two or more political action committees (multi-candidate 

political committees under 2 USCS § 441 (a)(4)) are controlled by one person or one group of persons, then committees 

should be treated as one committee for purpose of controlling political contributions; § 431 provides no exception based 

on special relationship between union and organization like AFL-CIO. Wallher v Federal Election Com. (1979, DC 

Disl Col) 468 F Supp 1235, 101 RNA LRRM 2198. 

Federal Election Commission's (FEC's) decision to determine status of 26 USCS § 527 political organizations on 

casewby-case basis rather than through rulemaking was not per se abuse of discretion as Bipartisan Campaign Reform 

Act did not impose statutory mandate on FEC, but decision was remanded because FEC failed to provide reasoned 

explanation for that decision. Shays v FEC (2006, DC Dist Col) 424 F Supp 2d 100. 

S.-Particular committees 

Appearance in large metropolitan newspaper of advertisement headed "Resolution To Impeach Richard M. Nixon 

as President of United Statesll, paid for by National Committee for Impeachment, did not bring such committee within 

purview of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 USCS §§ 431-454) since Act applies only to committees 

soliciting contributions or making expenditure major purpose of which is nomination or election of candidates and 

National Committee did not attempt to influence outcome of congressional or presidential primary or general elections; 

Act did not apply to national committee organized to promote impeachment of President on ground of his Vietnam war 

policy. United Siaies v National Commilleefor Impeachmenl (1972. CA2 NY) 469 F2d 1135, 18 ALR Fed 925. 

Because reporting, disclosure and registration provisions of Act apply only to political committees soliciting 

contributions or making expenditures for major purpose of nominating or electing candidates or to expenditures by 

political committees made with authorization, consent or control of candidates, district court erred in granting 

preliminary injunction at request of government against "National Committee for Impeachment," which had no 

connection with any candidate for office. United Slales v National Committee/or Impeachment (/972, CA2 NY) 469 

F2d 1135, 18ALRFed925. 

ItDrafttl groups which aim to produce someday candidate acceptable to them, but have not yet succeeded, are not 

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2 USCS § 431 

promoting specific candidate for office, and do not fall within limited definition of political committees. Federal 

Election Com. v Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (1981, App DC) 210 US App DC 267,655 F2d 380, cert den 

(1981) 454 US 897, 70 LEd 2d 213, 102 S Ct 397. 

Organizatton which lobbied Congress and executive branch for military and economic aid for Israel and generally 

encouraged close relations with Israel was political committee subject to Federal Election Campaign Act's limitations 

on contributions or coordinated expenditures, even if organization's campaign-related activities were only small portion 

of its overall activities, since, in light of statute's unambiguous language, Supreme Court opinions using major purpose 

test to limit construction of npolitical committee" to one whose major purpose is influencing federal elections occurred 

in cases which focused on constitutional concerns raised by independent expenditures not coordinated with or made in 

consultation with any candidate. Akins v FEC (1996, App DC) 322 US App DC 58, 101 F3d 731, vacated on other 

grounds, remanded (1998) 524 US 11. 141 L Ed 2d 10, JI8 S Ct 1777, 98 CDOS 4092,98 Dai/yJournal DAR 5637, 

1998 ColoJ CAR 2743, remanded (1998, App DC) 331 US App DC 108,146 F3d 1049. 

Although Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) may have over-reacted by excluding all third-party 

candidates from debate based on fear that one of them would disrupt debate, that possibility hardly required Federal 

Election Commission to find that CPD's actions amounted to opposing political candidates in violation of 11 CFR § 

110.13(0)(1); therefore, contrary to third-party candidates' contentions, CPD was not rendered ineligible to stage 

debates and its receipt of corporate donations were not rendered illegal under 2 USCS § 431 (9}(B}(ii). Hagelin v FEC 

(2005, App DC) 366 US App DC 261,411 F3d 237, reh den (2005, App DC) 2005 US App LEXIS 16620. 

Organization, on basis of its newspaper advertisement that criticized Nixon administration on issue of school 

busing, and praised certain congressmen, could not be classified on that ground alone as a "political committee. n 

American Civil Liberties Union, Inc. v Jennings (1973, DC Dist Col) 366 F Supp 1041, vacated on other grounds (1975) 

422 US 1030,45 L Ed 2d 686,95 S Ct 2646. 

Federal Election Commission's complaint against GOPAC, Inc., may proceed, where complaint alleges that 

GOPAC violated 2 USCS §§ 433(0) and 434(0) during distribution of its "Campaign For Fair Elections" communication 

between June 1989 and August 1990, which advocated breaking Democrats' 35-year stranglehold on power in 

Congress, because complaint can fairly be construed to contend that GOPAC was acting as l1political committeel1 within 

meaning of 2 USCS § 431 (4). Federal Election Comm'n v GOPAC (1994, DC Dist Col) 871 F Supp 1466, injunction 

den (1995, DC Dist Col) 897 F StIPP 615,33 FR Serv 3d 794. 

Federal Election Commission's civil action against GOPAC, Inc., alleging that in 1989 and 1990 GOPAC was 

"political committee" which had failed to register and report as required by 2 USCS §§ 433(0) and 434(0), must fail, 

where GO PAC avoided directly supporting federal candidates although its ultimate major purpose was to influence 

election of Republican candidates for House of Representatives, because bright-line test is necessary in this First 

Amendment arena and GOPAC's activities did not clearly cross line to make it § 431 "political committee" during years 

in question. Federal Election Comm'n v GOPAC, Inc. (1996, DC Dist Col) 917 F SIIPP 851. 

Two organizations were "political committees" under Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq., because organizations' major purpose was nomination or election of specific candidates and organizations received 

contributions aggregating more than S 1,000 in calendar year. FEC v Malenick (2004, DC Dist Col) 310 F Supp 2d 230. 

9. Contributions and expenditures 

Words "made for purpose of influencing" various election processes, as used in Federal Election Campaign Act of 

1971 's provision defining words "contribution" (2 USCS § 431 (e)) [now 2 USCS § 431 (8)] and "expenditure" (2 USCS § 

431 (f)) [now 2 USCS § 431 (9)], mean expenditure made with authorization or consent, express or implied, or under 

control, direct or indirect, of candidate or his agents. United States v National Committee for Impeachment (1972, CA2 

NY) 469 F2d IJ35, 18 ALRFed925. 

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2 USCS § 431 

Postelection loan guarantees of at least S 5,000 to retire political candidate's campaign costs violated Federal 

Election Campaign Act limitations on campaign contributions by individual donors by exceeding $ 1,000 limit on 

contributions made for purpose of influencing any election for federal office, since Federal Election Committee's 

interpretation of phrase Ilfor the purpose of influencing any election for Federal office" in its regulations and advisory 

opinions included postelection loan guarantees for retiring campaign costs; FEes construction ofFECA is entitled to 

strong deference since Congress failed to affinnatively define what it intended by pbrnse regarding influencing election 

for federal office, and further failed to state whether postelection contributions were subject to § 431; Congress' 

acquiescence to FEC's interpretation of postelection contributions indicates Congress does not disapprove of 

interpretation, where Congress failed to disapprove regulation including postelection contributions made to retire 

campaign debts has not created exception for postelection contributions. Federal Election Com. v Ted Haley 

Congressional Committee (1988, CA9 Wash) 852 F2d 1111. 

FEes content-based standard for coordinated communication, which implemented Bipartisan Campaign Finance 

Refonn Act of2002 (SCRA), Pub. L. No. 107-155, 116 Stat. 81, was arbitrary and capricious because, contrary to 

Administrative Procedure Act, FEC offered no persuasive justification for l20-day time-frame under 11 CFR § 109.21 

and weak restraints applying outside of it; rather, notwithstanding its obligation to attempt to avoid unnecessarily 

infringing on First Amendment interests, FEC failed to establish that rule rationally separated election-related advocacy 

from other activity falling outside expenditure definition in Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, Pub. L. 92-225, 86 

Stat. 3, and did not pennit substantial coordinated expenditures. Shays v FEC (2005, App DC) 367 US App DC 185, 414 

F3d76. 

Congressional concern was with political campaign financing, not with funding of movements dealing with 

national policy, and expenditures "made for the purpose of influencing" include expenditures Ttmade with the 

authorization or consent, express or implied, under the control, direct or indirect, of a candidate or his agents." 

American Civil Liberties Union, Inc. v Jennings (1973, DC Dist Col) 366 F Supp 1041, vacated on other grounds (1975) 

422 US 1030,45 L Ed 2d 686,95 S Ct 2646. 

Federal Election Commission (FEC) must submit concise reports at 90-day intervals on its progress toward rules 

regulating soft money expenditures that influence federal elections, where current regulations leave too much discretion 

to state and local committees allowed to allocate percentage of funding used for federal as opposed to state and local 

elections, because 2 USCS § 431 requires that only hard money-contributed within special federal election limits--be 

used for volunteer, voter registration and t1 get-out-the vote" activities with regard to federal elections, and both petition 

of voter organization and recommendations ofFECts general counsel indicate need for tighter regulation of hard 

money/soft money allocation. Common Couse v Federal Election Com. (1988, DC Dist Col) 692 F Supp 1397. 

Where 11 C.F.R. § 100.24(a)(2) implemented 2 USCS § 431 (20)(A)(i) by defining "voter registration activity" to 

include requirement that activity assist in registration of voters, regulation was invalid under 5 USCS § 553(b)(3) since 

final rule was not logical outgrowth of proposed rule as set out in notice of proposed rulemaking; there was no notice of 

proposed limitation to voter registration activity nor any solicitation of comments concerning possible exceptions to 

limitation; also, to extent that II C.F.R. § 100.24(a)(4) implements 2 USCS § 431 (20)(A)(ii) by defining "voter 

identification'1 to exclude purchase of voter lists, regulation is invalid, regardless of whether purchaser1s intent in 

obtaining voter list is unrelated to federal elections as acquiring list necessarily involved voter identification. Shays v 

FEC (2004, DC Dist Col) 337 F Supp 2d 28, dismd, in part (2004, App DC) 2004 US App LEXIS 24896 and affd (2005, 

App DC) 367 US App DC 185, 414 F3d 76. 

To extent that 11 C.F.R. § 300.33(c)(2) implements 2 USCS § 431 (20}(A)(M by providing that political committee 

employees spending 25 percent or less of their time on federal election activity are not subject to fund allocation rules 

with regard to their wages, regulation is invalid as unduly compromising purpose of federal campaign laws to prevent 

circumvention of restrictions on use of non federal funds. Shays v FEC (2004, DC Dist Col) 337 F Supp 2d 28, dismd, in 

part (2004, App DC) 2004 USApp LEXIS 24896 and affd (2005, App DC) 367 US App DC 185,414 F3d 76. 

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2 USCS § 431 

Absent justification for defendant Federal Election Conunission (FEC) writing off evidence that candidates ran 

advertisements to influence federal elections outside pre-election windows of 11 C.F.R. § 109.21 (c)'s content standards, 

it was not reasoned decisionrnaking and § 109.21(c), upon plaintiff U.S. House of Representatives member's challenge, 

was remanded; 2 USCS § 441a(a)(7)(B)(i) provided that expenditures that were coordinated with candidate constituted 

campaign contributions, and, 5 USCS § 431 (9)(A)(i), in tum, defined "expenditure" as any purchase, payment, 

distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value. made by any person for purpose of 

influencing any election for Federal office, but FEC's Explanation and Justification failed to provide any assurance that 

its revised content standards actually I1captured universe" of communications made for purpose of influencing federal 

election. Shays v United States FEC (2007, DC Dist Col) 508 F Supp 2d 10, affd in par! and revd in par! on other 

grounds, remanded (2008, App DC) 381 US App DC 296, 528 F3d 914. 

Federal Elections Commission's explanation as to why it chose not to issue regulations concerning applicability of 

campaign finance laws to 26 USCS § 527 groups erroneously concluded that there was express advocacy requirement 

for expenditures on communications made independently of candidate which applied to all organizations regardless of 

whether they satisfied major purpose test; case law actually narrowed term "expenditure, II as used in 2 uses § 

431 (4)(A), to reach only funds used from communications that expressly advocated election or defeat of clearly 

identified candidate. Shays v FEC (2007, DC Dist Col) 511 F Supp 2d 19. 

10. Relationship with other laws 

Default statute of limitations (28 USCS § 2462) applies to Federal Election Commission's actions for assessment or 

imposition of civil penalties under Federal Election Campaign Act, and limitations period begins to run at time alleged 

offense was conunitted; doctrine of equitable tolling does not apply where party has complied with FECA's campaign 

finance reporting requirements since they are, as matter of law, sufficient to give FEe notice of facts that, if 

investigated, would indicate elements of cause of action. FEC v Williams (1996, CA9 Cal) 104 F3d 23 7, 96 CDOS 

9422, 96 Daily Journal DAR 15496 (criticized in United States v Banks (1997, CAll Flo) 115 F3d 916. 45 Env/ Rep 

Cas 1281,37 FR Serv 3d 1108,28 ELR 20060, 11 FLW Fed C 86) and cer! den (1997) 522 US 1015.139 L Ed 2d 488, 

118 S Ct 600 and (criticized in United States v Telluride Co. (1998, CA10 Colo) 146 F3d 1241.46 Ellvt Rep Cas 1897, 

1998 Colo J CAR 3602. 28 ELR 21334). 

Specific provisions of Hatch Act (5 USCS § 7324) control over more general provisions of Federal Election 

Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) in dispute over extent of political activities of labor unions representing federal 

employees. American Fed'n of Government Employees v O'Connor (1984, DC Dist Col) 589 F Supp 1551, vacated on 

other grounds, remanded (1984, App DC) 241 US App DC 311, 747 F2d 748, cer! den (1985) 474 US 909.88 L Ed 2d 

243, 106 S Ct 279. 

Alleged illegal campaign contributor is denied dismissal of counts charging him with violations of general 

conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and false statements statutes, even though he asserts all charges stem from alleged 

violations of specific criminal provisions of Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.), which 

should preempt more general criminal statutes, because Congress did not express intent that misdemeanor sanctions of 

FECA be substitute for all other possible criminal sanctions. United States v Trie (1998, DC Dist Col) 21 F Supp 2d 7. 

Where 11 C.F.R. § 100.24(0)(3) implements 2 USCS § 431 (20)(A)(ii) by defining "get-out-the-vote activity" to 

exempt associations or similar groups of candidates for state or local office or of individuals holding state or local 

office, regulation was contrary to clearly expressed congressional intent and is thus invalid. Shays v FEC (2004, DC 

Dis/ Col) 337 F Supp 2d 28, dismd, in par! (2004, App DC) 2004 US App LEXIS 24896 and affd (2005, App DC) 367 

US App DC 185,414 F3d 76. 

11. Enforcement, generally 

Federal Election Campaign Act does not confer private right of action on political party to sue for opposing party's 

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2 USCS § 431 

alleged excessive expenditures for issue ads; there is no authority supporting Congress's intention to have anyone other 

than government enforce Act, and in light of Act's remedial scheme, it would be inappropriate for court to find implied 

cause of action. National Comm. of the Reform Party v Democratic Nat'! Comm. (1999, CA9 Cal) 168 F3d 360,99 

CDOS 1065,99 Daily Journal DAR 1337. 

Although there are certain specific time limits established in various sections ofFEC Act, there is no relevant 6 

month time limit for enforcement ofFEC subpoena, particularly where any significant delays are attributable to 

campaign committee's actions, and not to any malice on part ofFEC. Federal Election Com. v Citizens/or Freeman 

(1985, DC Md) 602 F Supp 1250, dismd without op (1985, CA4 Md) 767 F2d 9lJ. 

12.-Powers and duties of Attorney General 

Concurrent criminal jurisdiction between U.S. Attorney General and Federal Election Commission (FEC) to 

investigate criminal violations of campaign finance laws did not conflict with FEes power to render advisory opinions 

pursuant to 2 USCS § 437d(a)(7); there was no reason to believe that courts would not give weight to FEC's 

interpretation of its governing statute, as reflected in advisory opinion, even in criminal case initiated by Attorney 

General; and regardless of whether case was civil or criminal, there was only one final arbiter of interpretation of 

Federal Election Campaign Act, 2 USCS §§ 431-455: federal courts; so, even if interpretive disagreements arose 

between FEC and Attorney General, they would be resolved in normal course oflitigation. Bialek v Mukasey (2008, 

CAJO Colo) 529 F3d 1267. 

Concurrent criminal jurisdiction between U.S. Attorney General and Federal Election Commission (FEC) to 

investigate criminal violations of campaign finance laws did not undennine purposes of Federal Election Campaign Act, 

2 USCS §§ 431-455; individuals would not exercise their Fifth Amendment privilege in FEC proceedings more 

frequently because feared independent U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutions; there was no reason to believe 

that individual's decision to invoke privilege in civil FEC proceeding would turn on whether threat of eventual criminal 

prosecution came from DOl rather than FEe itself; individual's decision to invoke privilege was always one of personal 

choice no matter which agency took investigatory lead, and effect of concurrent jurisdiction on that decision would be 

speculative and likely inconsequential. Bialek v Mukasey (2008, CAJO Colo) 529 F3d 1267. 

Action by private citizens for mandamus to force attorney general of United States and United States attorney for 

District of Columbia to enforce Federal Corrupt Practices Act did not state claim on which court could grant relief; 

apart from fact that Act on which suit was based has since been repealed and replaced by Federal Election Campaign 

Act of 1971 and apart from fact that plaintiff admitted attorney general did investigate and refused prosecution of 

certain persons suggested as violators by plaintiff, the judiciary had no power to compel discretionary action by 

members of executive branch of government. Nader v Kleindienst (1973, DC Disl Col) 375 F Supp 1138. 

At no place in Federal Election Campaigns Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) is specific provision made prohibiting 

Attorney General from going forward with criminal investigation without referral by Federal Election Commission; in 

absence of such specific provision, general authority of Attorney General cannot be limited. United States v Tomy 

(/977, ED La) 433 F Supp 620. 

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TAB 2 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 32
LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT 2 U.S.C. A§ 432 

UNITED STATES CODE SERVICE 

Copyright © 2009 Matthew Bender & Company. Inc. 

a member of the LexisNexis Group (TM) 

All rights reserved. 

*** CURRENT THROUGH PL I I 1-90, APPROVED 11103/2009 WITH A GAP OF 111-84 * •• 

TITLE 2. THE CONGRESS 

CHAPTER 14. FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 

DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS 

Go to the United States Code Service Archive Directory 

2 uses § 432 

§ 432. Organization of political committees 

Page I 

(a) Treasurer vacancy; official authorization. Every political committee shall have a treasurer. No contribution or 

expenditure shall be accepted or made by or on behalf of a political committee during any period in which the office of 

treasurer is vacant. No expenditure shall be made for or on behalf of a political committee without the authorization of 

the treasurer or his or her designated agent. 

(b) Account of contributions; segregated funds. 

(1) Every person who receives a contribution for an authorized political committee shall, no later than 10 days after 

receiving such contribution, forward to the treasurer such contribution, and if the amount of the contribution is in excess 

of S 50 the name and address of the person making the contribution and the date of receipt. 

(2) Every person who receives a contribution for a political committee which is not an authorized committee shall--

(A) if the amount of the contribution is S 50 or less, forward to the treasurer such contribution no later than 30 days 

after receiving the contribution; and 

(B) if the amount of the contribution is in excess ofS 50, forward to the treasurer such contribution, the name and 

address of the person making the contribution, and the date ofreceipt of the contribution, no later than 10 days after 

receiving the contribution. 

(3) All funds of a political committee shall be segregated from, and may not be commingled with, the personal funds 

of any individual. 

(c) Recordkeeping. The treasurer of a political committee shall keep an account of--

(1) all contributions received by or on behalf of such political committee; 

(2) the name and address of any person who makes any contribution in excess of S 50, together with the date and 

amount of such contribution by any person; 

(3) the identification of any person who makes a contribution or contributions aggregating more than S 200 during a 

calendar year, together with the date and amount of any such contribution; 

(4) the identification of any political committee which makes a contribution, together with the date and amount of any 

such contribution; and 

(5) the name and address of every person to whom any disbursement is made, the date, amount, and purpose of the 

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2 USCS § 432 

disbursement, and the name of the candidate and the office sought by the candidate, if any, for whom the disbursement 

was made, including a receipt, invoice, or canceled check for each disbursement in excess of $ 200. 

(d) Preservation of records and copies of reports. The treasurer shall preserve all records required to be kept by this 

section and copies of all reports required to be filed by this title for 3 years after the reports is filed. For any report filed 

in electronic format under section 304(a)(II), the treasurer shall retain a machine-readable copy of the report as the 

copy preserved under the preceding sentence. 

(e) Principal and additional campaign committees; designations, status of candidate, authorized committees, etc. 

(I) Each candidate for Federal office (other than the nominee for the office of Vice President) shall designate in 

writing a political committee in accordance with paragraph (3) to serve as the principal campaign committee ofsuch 

candidate. Such designation shall be made no later than 15 days after becoming a candidate. A candidate may designate 

additional political committees in accordance with paragraph (3) to serve as authorized committees of such candidate. 

Such designation shall be in writing and filed with the principal campaign committee of such candidate in accordance 

with subsection (f)(I). 

(2) Any candidate described in paragraph (I) who receives a contribution, or any loan for use in connection with the 

campaign of such candidate for election, or makes a disbursement in connection with such campaign, shall be 

considered, for purposes of this Act, as having received the contribution or loan, or as having made the disbursement, as 

the case may be, as an agent of the authorized committee or committees of such candidate. 

(3) (A) No political committee which supports or has supported more than one candidate may be designated as an 

authorized committee, except that--

(i) the candidate for the office of President nominated by a political party may designate the national committee of 

such political party as a principal campaign committee, but only if that national committee maintains separate books of 

account with respect to its function as a principal campaign committee; and 

(ii) candidates may designate a political committee established solely for the purpose of joint fundraising by such 

candidates as an authorized committee. 

(B) As used in this section, the tenn "support" does not include a contribution by any authorized committee in 

amounts of $ 2,000 or less to an authorized committee of any other candidate. 

(4) The name of each authorized committee shall include the name of the candidate who authorized such committee 

under paragraph (I). In the case of any political committee which is not an authorized committee, such political 

committee shall not include the name of any candidate in its name. 

(5) The name of any separate segregated fund established pursuant to section 316(b) [2 USCS § 441 b(b)] shall include 

the name of its connected organization. 

(f) Filing with and receipt of designations, statements, and reports by principal campaign committee. 

(I) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, each designation, statement, or report of receipts or 

disbursements made by an authorized committee of a candidate shall be filed with the candidate's principal campaign 

committee. 

(2) Each principal campaign committee shall receive all designations, statements, and reports required to be filed with 

it under paragraph (I) and shall compile and file such designations, statements, and reports in accordance with this Act. 

(g) Filing with and receipt of designations, statements, and reports by Secretary of the Senate; forwarding to 

Commission; filing requirements with Commission; public inspection and preservation of designations, etc. 

(I) Designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under this Act by a candidate for the office of Senator, 

by the principal campaign committee of such candidate, and by the Republican and Democratic Senatorial Campaign 

Committees shall be filed with the Secretary of the Senate, who shall receive such designations, statements, and reports, 

as custodian for the Commission. 

(2) The Secretary of the Senate shall forward a copy of any designation, statement, or report filed with the Secretary 

under this subsection to the Commission as soon as possible (but no later than 2 working days) after receiving such 

designation, statement, or report. 

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2 USCS § 432 

(3) All designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under this Act, except designations, statements, and 

reports filed in accordance with paragraph (1), shall be filed with the Commission. 

(4) The Secretary of the Senate shall make the designations, statements, and reports received under this subsection 

available for public inspection and copying in the same manner as the Commission under section 311(a)(4) [2 uses § 

438(a}(4)], and shall preserve such designations, statements, and reports in the same manner as the Commission under 

section 311(a)(5) [2 uses § 438(a)(5)]. 

(h) Campaign depositories; designations, maintenance of accounts. etc.; petty cash fund for disbursements; record of 

disbursements. 

(1) Each political committee shall designate one or more State banks, federally chartered depository institutions, or 

depository institutions the deposits or accounts of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the 

Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, or the National Credit Union Administration, as its campaign 

depository or depositories. Each political committee shall maintain at least one checking account and such other 

accounts as the committee determines at a depository designated by such committee. All receipts received by such 

committee shall be deposited in such accounts. No disbursements may be made (other than petty cash disbursements 

under paragraph (2)) by such committee except by check drawn on such accounts in accordance with this section. 

(2) A political committee may maintain a petty cash fund for disbursements not in excess of S 100 to any person in 

connection with a single purchase or transaction. A record of all petty cash disbursements shall be maintained in 

accordance with subsection (c)(5). 

(i) Reports and records, compliance with requirements based on best efforts. When the treasurer ofa political 

committee shows that best efforts have been used to obtain, maintain, and submit the information required by this Act 

for the political committee, any report or any records of such committee shall be considered in compliance with this Act 

or chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code ofl954 [1986] [2 uses §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.]. 

HISTORY, 

(Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, Title 1lI, § 302, 86 Stat. 12; Oct. 15, 1974, P.L. 93-443, Title 11, §§ 202, 208(c)(2), 88 Stat. 

1275,1286; May II, 1976, P.L. 94-283, Title I, § 103,90 Stat. 480; Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, Title I, § 102,93 Stat 

1345; Dec. 28, 1995, P.L. 104-79, §§ 1 (b), 3(a), 109 Stat. 791, 792; Oct. 10, 1997, P.L. 105-61, Title VI, § 637, 111 

Stat. 1316; Dec. 8,2004, P.L. 108-447, Div H, Title V, § 525,118 Stat. 3271.) 

HISTORY; ANCILLARY LAWS AND DIRECTIVES 

References in text; 

"This Act", referred to in this section, is Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, 86 Stat. 3, popularly known as the Federal 

Election Campaign Act of 1971, which appears generally as 2 uses §§ 431 et seq. For full classification of the Act, 

consult USCS Tables volumes. 

"This title", referred to in subsec. (d), is Title III of Act Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, 86 Stat. 3, which appears generally 

as 2 uses §§ 431 et seq. For full classification, consult USCS Tables volumes. 

Explanatory notes: 

"1986" has been inserted in brackets in subsec. (i) pursuant to § 2 of Act Oct. 22, 1986, P.L. 99-514, which 

redesignated the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (Act Aug. 16, 1954, ch 736) as the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. In 

redesignating the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Congress provided, in Act Oct. 

22, 1986, P.L. 99-514, § 2(b), 100 Stat. 2095, for construction of references to the Internal Revenue Code as follows: 

except when inappropriate, any reference in any law, Executive Order, or other document to the Internal Revenue Code 

of 1954 shall include a reference to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and any reference to the Internal Revenue Code 

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Page 4 

2 USCS § 432 

of 1986 shall include a reference to the provisions of law formerly known as the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. 

Effective date of section: 

This section took effect 60 days after enactmen~ pursuant to § 408 of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, which appears as 

2 USCS § 431 note. 

Amendments: 

1974. Act Oct. 15, 1974 (effective 111175 as provided by § 410(a) of such Act; see 2 uses § 431 note), in subsec. (b), 

substituted "of the contribution and the identificationl1 for ", the name and address (occupation and the principal place of 

business, if any)"; in subsec. (c), in para. (2), substituted l1identification" for I1full name and mailing address (occupation 

and principal place of business, if any)", and inserted "and, if a person's contributions aggregate more than S 100, the 

account shall include occupation, and the principal place of business (if any)"; and in para. (4), substituted 

"identification" for IIfull name and mailing address (occupation and principal place of business, if any)"; in subsec. Cd), 

substituted "Commissionlt for IIsupervisory officer!!; substituted subec. (f) for one which read: 

"(I) 

(l) Any political committee shall include on the face or front page of all literature and advertisements soliciting 

funds the following notice: 

" 'A copy of our report filed with the appropriate supervisory officer is (or will be) available for purchase from the 

Superintendent of Documents, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.'. 

"(2) 

(A) The supervisory officer shall compile and furnish to the Public Printer, not later than the last day of March of 

each year, an annual report for each political cornmittee which has filed a report with him under this title during the 

period from March 10 of the preceding calendar year through January 31 of the year in which such annual report is 

made available to the Public Printer. Each such annual report shall containl'(i) a copy of the statement of organization of the political committee required under section 303, together with 

any amendments thereto; and 

"(ii) a copy of each report filed by such committee under section 304 from March 10 of the preceding year 

through January 31 of the year in which the annual report is so furnished to the Public Printer. 

"(B) The Public Printer shall make copies of such annual reports available for sale to the public by the 

Superintendent of Documents as soon as practicable after they are received from the supervisory officer.I!. 

1976. Act May 11, 1976, in subsec. (b), substituted "S 50" for "S 10"; in subsec. (c)(2), substituted "$ 50" for "S 10"; 

deleted subsec. (e), which read; "Any political committee which solicits or receives contributions or makes expenditures 

on behalf of any candidate that is not authorized in writing by such candidate to do so shall include a notice on the face 

or front page of all literature and advertisements published in connection with such candidate's campaign by such 

committee or on its behalf stating that the committee is not authorized by such candidate and that such candidate is not 

responsible for the activities of such committee."; redesignated former subsec. (I) as subsec. (e); and, in para. (1) of 

subsec. (e) as redesignated, added a new last sentence, beginning "Any occasional, isolated, ... ". 

1980. Act Jan. 8, 1980 (effective 1/8/80 as provided by § 301(a) of such Act; see 2 uses § 431 note), substituted this 

section for former one which read: 

"ea) Every political committee shall have a chairman and a treasurer. No contribution and no expenditure shall be 

accepted or made by or on behalf of a political committee at a time when there is a vacancy in the office of chairman or 

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Page 5 

2 USCS § 432 

treasurer thereof. No expenditure shall be made for or on behalf of a political committee without the authorization of its 

chainnan or treasurer, or their designated agents. 

"(b) Every person who receives a contribution in excess ofS 50 for a political committee shall, on demand of the 

treasurer, and in any event within five days after receipt of such contribution, render to the treasurer a detailed account 

thereof, including the amount of the contribution and the identification of the person making such contribution, and the 

date on which received. All funds of a political committee shall be segregated from, and may not be commingled with, 

any personal funds of officers, members, or associates of such committee. 

"(e) It shall be the duty of the treasurer ofa political committee to keep a detailed and exact account of-~ 

"(I) all contributions made to or for such committee; 

"(2) identification of every person making a contribution in excess of $ 50, and the date and amount thereof and, if a 

person's contributions aggregate more than S 100, the account shall include occupation, and the principal place of 

business (if any); 

"(3) all expenditures made by or on behalf of such committee; and 

"(4) identification of every person to whom any expenditure is made, the date and amount thereof and the name and 

address of, and office sought by, each candidate on whose behalf such expenditure was made. 

"(d) It shall be the duty of the treasurer to obtain and keep a receipted bill, stating the particulars, for every 

expenditure made by or on behalf of a political committee in excess ofS 100 in amount, and for any such expenditure in 

a lesser amount, if the aggregate amount of such expenditures to the same person during a calendar year exceeds S 100. 

The treasurer shall preserve all receipted bills and accounts required to be kept by this section for periods of time to be 

determined by the Commission. 

"(e) 

(I) Each individual who is a candidate for Federal office (other than the office of Vice President of the United 

States) shall designate a political committee to serve as his principal campaign committee. No political committee may 

be designated as the principal campaign committee of more than one candidate, except that the candidate for the office 

of President of the United States nominated by a political party may designate the national committee of such political 

party as his principal campaign committee. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, no political committee which 

supports more than one candidate may be designated as a principal campaign committee. Any occasional, isolated, or 

incidental support of a candidate shall not be construed as support of such candidate for purposes of the preceding 

sentence. 

1t(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, each report or statement of contributions received or 

expenditures made by a political committee (other than a principal campaign committee) which is required to be filed 

with the Commission under this title shall be filed instead with the principal campaign committee for the candidate on 

whose behalf such contributions are accepted or such expenditures are made. 

"(3) It shall be the duty of each principal campaign committee to receive all reports and statements required to be 

filed with it under paragraph (2) of this subsection and to compile and file such reports and statements, together with its 

own reports and statements, with the Commission in accordance with the provisions of this title.lt• 

1995. Act Dec. 28, 1995 (applicable with respect to reports for periods beginning after 12/31/96, as provided by § I(c) 

of such Act, which appears as a note to this section), in subsec. (d), added "For any report filed in electronic format 

under section 304(a)(11), the treasurer shall retain a machine~readable copy of the report as the copy preserved under 

the preceding sentence.". 

Such Act further (applicable with respect to reports, designations, and statements required to be filed after 12/31/95, 

as provided by § 3(d) of such Act, which appears as a note to this section), in subsec. (g), deleted para. (I), which read: 

1'Designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under this Act by a candidate or by an authorized committee 

of a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress, and by the 

principal campaign committee of such a candidate, shall be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who 

shall receive such designations, statements, and reports as custodian for the Commission.", redesignated paras. (2)-(5) as 

paras. (1)-(4), respectively, in para. (2) as redesignated, deleted "Clerk of the House of Representatives and the" 

following IIThe" and substituted I'the Secretaryt' for Iithem", in para. (3) as redesignated, substituted "paragraph (1)" for 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 37
2 USCS § 432 

"paragraphs (1) and (2)" and, in para. (4) as redesignated, deleted "Clerk of the House of Representatives and the" 

following nThell• 

Page 6 

1997. Act Oct. 10, 1997, in subsec. (g)(I), deleted "and" following "Senator,", and inserted "and by the Republican and 

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committees". 

2004. Act Dec. 8,2004, in subsec. (e)(3)(B), substituted"$ 2,000" for"$ 1,000". 

Other provisions: 

Abolition and transfer of functions of Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. For abolition and 

transfer of functions of the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, see Act Aug. 9,1989, P.L. 101-73, Title 

IV, §§ 401-406, which appears as 12 USCS § 1437 note. 

Application of amendments made by § 1 of Act Dec. 28, 1995. Act Dec. 28, 1995, P.L. 104-79, § l(c), 109 Stat. 

791, provides: "The amendments made by subsection (a) and subsection (b) [amending subsec. (d) of this section and 

adding 2 USCS § 434(a}(II)] shall apply with respect to reports for periods beginning after December 31, 1996.". 

Application of amendments made by § 3 of Act Dec. 28, 1995. Act Dec. 28, 1995, P.L. 104-79, § 3(d), 109 Stat. 

792, provides: "The amendments made by this section [amending subsec. (g) of this section and 2 USCS §§ 434(a}(6), 

(c)(2), and 438(a)( 4)] shall apply with respect to reports, designations, and statements required to be filed after 

December 31, 1995.". 

NOTES: 

Code of Federal Regulations: 

Federal Election Commission-Candidate status and designations (2 U.s.c. 432(e)), II CFR 101.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Registration, organization, and recordkeeping by political committees (2 US.C 433), 

II CFR 102.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Campaign depositories (2 U.s.c. 432(/')), II CFR 103.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Reports by political committees and other persons (2 US. C. 434), II CFR 104.1 et 

seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Document filing (2 US.c. 432(g)), II CFR 105.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Contribution and expendittue limitations and prohibitions, II CFR 110.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Use of campaign accounts for non-campaign purposes, II CFR 113.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Corporate and labor organization activity, II CFR 114.1 et seq. 

Related Statutes & Rules: 

This section is referred to in 2 USCS §§ 431,433; 18 USCS §§ 603, 607; 26 USCS § 527. 

Research Guide: 

Annotations: 

Validity, Construction, and Application of Campaign Finance Laws-Supreme Court Cases. 19 ALR Fed 2d I. 

Actionability, under 42 USCS § 1983, of claim arising out of maladministration of election. 66 ALR Fed 750. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 38
Page 7 

2 USCS § 432 

Validity and construction of state statute prohibiting anonymous political advertising. 4 ALR4th 741. 

Validity and construction of orders and enactments requiring public officers and employees, or candidates for office, 

to disclose financial condition, interests, or relationships. 22 ALR4th 237. 

Election campaign activities as ground for disciplining attorney. 26 ALR4th 170. 

Law Review Articles: 

Adamany. Political Finance and the American Political Parties. 10 Hastings Canst LQ 497, Spring 1983. 

Interpretive Notes and Decisions: 

I. Generally 2. Construction, generally 3. Relationship with other laws 4. Safe harbor provision 

1. Generally 

Party chairman was properly held to have violated 2 USCS § 432(b)(1) where Federal Election Commission 

presented competent evidence that party chairman concealed campaign contribution and used it for his own purposes, 

and party chairman admitted to same. FEC v Toledano (2002, CA9 Cal) 317 F3d 939,2002 CDOS 10993,2002 Daily 

Journal DAR 12755, amd on other grounds, reh den, reh, en bane, den (2003, CA9 Cal) 2003 CDOS 929, 2003 Daily 

Journal DAR 1179. 

2 uses § 432 forbids political action committee from using candidate's name in its title without authorization; in 

view of pendency of proceedings before Federal Election Commission, court refuses to consider whether "independent 

project" of political action committee may use candidate's name without authorization. Friends of Phil Gramm v 

Americans for Phil Gramm in '84 (1984, ED Va) 587 F SliPP 769. 

2. Construction, generally 

Deference is appropriate to Federal Election Commission's interpretation of 2 USCS § 432 as prohibiting use of 

political candidate's name in name of any unauthorized political committee, but as not prohibiting use of candidate's 

name in name of any fund-raising projects that committee sponsors, since plain language and legislative history of § 

432 is ambiguous to such use of candidate names and FEes interpretation is pennissible; thus, District Court's order 

that § 432 applies to all projects sponsored by political committee is reversed; § 432(e)(4) and § 432(e)(5) are not to be 

construed together under in pari materia, since these subsections serve distinctively different purposes. Common Calise 

v FEC (1988, App DC) 268 USApp DC 440.842 F2d 436 (criticized in Commoll Calise v FEC (1997, App DC) 323 US 

App DC 359, 108 F3d 413). 

3. Relationship with other laws 

Postal Service may not (while enforcing proscriptions against fraudulent representations in mail solicitations under 

39 USCS § 3005) impose constraints upon use of names or disclaimers of organizations that mail solicitations for 

political contributions beyond those restraints imposed by Federal Election Campaign Act, in particular 2 USCS §§ 432 

and 441; solicitations for political contributions are not entirely immune from postal service scrutiny, since certain 

statements may constitute false representation under § 3005 and no standards exist under FECA for such 

representations. Galliallo v United States Postal Service (1988, App DC) 267 US App DC 14.836 F2d 1362. 

4. Safe harbor provision 

Prosecution for making false statements to Federal Election Commission of defendant who funneled money to 

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Page 8 

2 uses § 432 

various campaigns via straw contributors was not precluded by safe harbor provision ofFECA since its allowance of 

safe harbor only when treasurer shows use of best efforts suggests that provision only applies to proceeding against 

committee itself or one in position to make such efforts on committee's behalf; it would make no sense for Congress to 

allow treasurers to rely on provision of information by others while giving others virtual carte blanche to provide 

inaccurate information. United States v Hsia (1999, App DC) 336 US App DC 91,176 F3d 517, cer! den (2000) 528 US 

II 36, 145 L Ed 2d 929, 120 S Ct 978. 

Federal Election Commission fine imposed on campaign treasurer and campaign committee for late-filed 

Congressional campaign year end report was vacated and remanded because Commission failed to issue opinion and, in 

particular, failed to address argument that best efforts absolved defendants ofliability. Lovely v FEC (2004, DC Mass) 

307 F Supp 2d 294. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 40
TAB 3 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 41
LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT 2 U.S.C. A§ 433 

UNITED STATES CODE SERVICE 

Copyright © 2009 Matthew Bender & Company, Inc. 

a member of the LexisNexis Group (TM) 

All rights reserved. 

*** CURRENT THROUGH PL 111-90, APPROVED 11103/2009 WITH A GAP OF 111-84 *** 

TITLE 2. THE CONGRESS 

CHAPTER 14. FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 

DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL CAMPAlGN FUNDS 

Go to the United States Code Service Archive Directory 

2 uses § 433 

§ 433. Registration of political committees 

Page I 

(a) Statement of organizations. Each authorized campaign committee shall file a statement of organization no later than 

10 days after designation pursuant to section 302(e)(I) [2 uses § 432(0)(1)]. Each separate segregated fund established 

under the provisions of section 316(b) [2 uses § 441 b(b)] shall file a statement of organization no later than 10 days 

after establishment. All other committees shall file a statement of organization within 10 days after becoming a political 

committee within the meaning of section 301(4) [2 uses § 431 (4)]. 

(b) Contents of statements. The statement of organization of a political committee shall include--

(I) the name, address, and type of committee; 

(2) the name, address, relationship, and type of any connected organization or affiliated committee; 

(3) the name, address, and position of the custodian of books and accounts of the committee; 

(4) the name and address of the treasurer of the committee; 

(5) if the committee is authorized by a candidate, the name, address, office sought, and party affiliation of the 

candidate; and 

(6) a listing of all banks, safety deposit boxes, or other depositories used by the committee. 

(c) Change of information in statements. Any change in information previously submitted in a statement of 

organization shall be reported in accordance with section 302(g) [2 uses § 432(g)] no later than 10 days after the date 

of the change. 

(d) Termination, etc., requirements and authorities. 

(1) A political committee may terminate only when such a committee files a written statement, in accordance with 

section 302(g) [2 uses § 432(g)], that it will no longer receive any contributions or make any disbursements and that 

such committee has no outstanding debts or obligations. 

(2) Nothing contained in this subsection may be construed to eliminate or limit the authority of the Commission to 

establish procedures for--

(A) the determination ofinsolvency with respect to any political committee; 

(B) the orderly liquidation of an insolvent political committee, and the orderly application of its assets for the 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 42
Page 2 

2 uses § 433 

reduction of outstanding debts; and 

(C) the termination of an insolvent political conunittee after such liquidation and application of assets. 

HISTORY: 

(Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, Title Ill, § 303, 86 Stat. 14; Oct. 15, 1974, P.L. 93-443, Title 11, §§ 203, 208(c)(3), 88 Stat. 

1276,1286; Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, Title I, § 103,93 Stat. 1347.) 

HISTORY; ANCILLARY LAWS AND DIRECTIVES 

Effective date of section: 

This section took effect 60 days after enactment, pursuant to § 408 of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, which appears as 

2 USCS § 431 note. 

Amendments: 

1974. Act Oct. 15, 1974 (effective 1/1/75, as provided by § 410(a) of such Act; see 2 USCS § 431 note) substituted 

nCommission" for I1supervisory officer" each time it appeared; in subsec. (a), in the second sentence, substituted \titll for 

"he"; and added subsec. (e). 

1980. Act Jan. 8,1980 (effective 1/8/80, as provided by § 301(a) of such Act; see 2 USCS § 431 note), substituted this 

section for former one which read: "(a) Each political committee which anticipates receiving contributions or making 

expenditures during the calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding S 1,000 shall file with the Conunission a 

statement of organization, within ten days after its organization or, if later, ten days after the date on which it has 

information which causes the committee to anticipate it will receive contributions or make expenditures in excess of S 

1,000. Each such conunittee in existence at the date of enactment of this Act shall file a statement of organization with 

the Commission at such time as it prescribes. 

"(b) The statement of organization shall include--

"(1) the name and address of the committee; 

"(2) the names, addresses, and relationships of affiliated or connected organizations; 

"(3) the area, scope, or jurisdiction of the committee; 

"(4) the name, address, and position of the custodian of books and accounts; 

"(5) the name, address, and position of other principal officers, including officers and members of the finance 

committee, if any; 

"(6) the name, address, office sought, and party affiliation of (A) each candidate whom the conunittee is supporting, 

and (B) any other individual, if any, whom the committee is supporting for nomination for election, or election, to any 

public office whatever; or, if the conunittee is supporting the entire ticket of any party, the name of the party; 

"(7) a statement whether the committee is a continuing one; 

"(8) the disposition of residual funds which will be made in the event of dissolution; 

"(9) a listing of all banks, safety deposit boxes, or other repositories used; 

"(10) a statement of the reports required to be filed by the committee with State or local officers, and, if so, the 

names, addresses, and positions of such persons; and 

"(11) such other information as shall be required by the Conunission. 

"(c) Any change in information previously submitted in a statement of organization shall be reported to the 

Commission within a ten-day period following the change. 

"(d) Any committee which, after having filed one or more statements of organization, disbands or detennines it will 

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Page 3 

2 USCS § 433 

no longer receive contributions or make expenditures during the calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding $ 

1,000 shaH so notify the Connnission. 

nee) In the case of a political committee which is not a principal campaign committee, reports and notifications 

required under this section to be filed with the Connnission shall be filed instead with the appropriate principal 

campaign committee. tt. 

NOTES: 

Code of Federal Regulations: 

Federal Election Commission--Registration, organization, and recordkeeping by political connnittees (2 U.S.C 433), 

11 CFR 102.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Debts owed by candidates and political connnittees, 11 CFR 116.1 et seq. 

Related Statutes & Rules: 

This section is referred to in 2 USCS § 441 a; 26 USCS § 9008. 

Research Guide: 

Federal Procedure: 

lOB Fed Proc L Ed, Elections and Elective Franchise § 28:280. 

Annotations: 

Validity, Construction, and Application of Campaign Finance Laws-Supreme Court Cases. 19 ALR Fed 2d 1. 

Actionability, under 42 USCS § 1983, of claim arising out of maladministration of election. 66 ALR Fed 750. 

Validity and construction of state statute prohibiting anonymous political advertising. 4 ALR41h 741. 

Validity and construction of orders and enactments requiring public officers and employees, or candidates for office, 

to disclose financial condition, interests, or relationships. 22 ALR41h 237. 

Election campaign activities as ground for disciplining attorney. 26 ALR41h 170. 

Texts: 

I Banking Law (Matthew Bender), ch 14, Banks and Political Activities § 14.05. 

Law Review Articles: 

Adamany. Political Finance and the American Political Parties. 10 Hastings CanSI LQ 497, Spring 1983. 

Interpretive Notes and Decisions: 

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Page 4 

2 USCS § 433 

Group organized for sole purpose of encouraging Senator Edward M. Kennedy to seek party nomination for 

president is not affiliated political committee within meaning of 2 USCS § 433, therefore, Federal Election Commission 

has no jurisdiction to investigate activities of such group on behalf of nQn~candidate. Federal Election Com. v Florida 

Jar Kennedy Committee (1982, CAlI Fla) 681 F2d 1281. 

Two organizations were "political committees" under Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq., because organizations' major purpose was nomination or election of specific candidates; organizations violated Act 

by failing to register as political committees. FEC v Malenick (2004, DC Disl Col) 3 I 0 F Supp 2d 230. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 45
TAB 4 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 46
• LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT 2 U.S.c. A§ 434 

UNlTED STATES CODE SERVICE 

Copyright ©2009 Matthew Bender & Company, Inc. 

a member of the LexisNexis Group (TM) 

All rights reserved . 

• *. CURRENT THROUGH PL 111-90, APPROVED 11/0312009 W1TH A GAP OF 111-84 ••• 

TITLE 2. THE CONGRESS 

CHAPTER 14. FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 

DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS 

Go to the United States Code Service Archive Directory 

2 uses § 434 

§ 434. Reporting requirements 

(a) Receipts and disbursements by treasurers of political committee; filing requirements. 

Page 1 

(1) Each treasurer ofa political committee shall file reports of receipts and disbursements in accordance with the 

provisions ofthis subsection. The treasurer shall sign each such report. 

(2) If the political committee is the principal campaign committee of a candidate for the House of Representatives or 

for the Senate--

(A) in any calendar year during which there is[ aJ regularly scheduled election for which such candidate is seeking 

election, or nomination for election, the treasurer shall file the following reports: 

(i) a pre-election report, which shall be filed no later than the 12th day before (or posted by any of the following: 

registered mail, certified mail, priority mail having a delivery confirmation, or express mail having a delivery 

confirmation, or delivered to an overnight delivery service with an on-line tracking system, ifposted or delivered no 

later than the 15th day before) any election in which such candidate is seeking election, or nomination for election, and 

which shall be complete as of the 20th day before such election; 

(ii) a post-general election report, which shall be filed no later than the 30th day after any general election in 

which such candidate has sought election, and which shall be complete as of the 20th day after such general election; 

and 

(iii) additional quarterly reports, which shall be filed no later than the 15th day after the last day of each calendar 

quarter, and which shall be complete as of the last day of each calendar quarter: except that the report for the quarter 

ending December 31 shall be filed no later than January 31 of the following calendar year; and 

(B) in any other calendar year the treasurer shall file quarterly reports, which shall be filed not later than the 15th 

day after the last day of each calendar quarter, and which shall be complete as of the last day of each calendar quarter, 

except that the report for the quarter ending December 31 shall be filed not later than January 31 of the following 

calendar year. 

(3) If the committee is the principal campaign committee of a candidate for the office of President-

(A) in any calendar year during which a general election is held to fill such office--

(i) the treasurer shall file monthly reports if such committee has on January 1 of such year, received contributions 

aggregating S 100,000 or made expenditures aggregating S 100,000 or anticipates receiving contributions aggregating S 

100,000 or more or making expenditures aggregating S 100,000 or more during such year: such monthly reports shall be 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 47
Page 2 

2 USCS § 434 

filed no later than the 20th day after the last day of each month and shall be complete as of the last day of the month, 

except that, in lieu of filing the report otherwise due in November and December, a pre-general election report shall be 

filed in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(i), a post-general election report shall be filed in accordance with paragraph 

(2)(A)(ii), and a year end report shall be filed no later than January 31 of the following calendar year; 

(ii) the treasurer of the other principal campaign committees ofa candidate for the office of President shall file a 

preelection report or reports in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(i), a post-general election report in accordance with 

paragraph (2)(A)(ii), and quarterly reports in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(iii); and 

(iii) ifat any time during the election year a committee filing under paragraph (3)(A)(ii) receives contributions in 

excess ofS 100,000 or makes expenditures in excess ofS 100,000, the treasurer shall begin filing monthly reports under 

paragraph (3)(A)(i) at the next reporting period; and 

(8) in any other calendar year, the treasurer shall file either--

(i) monthly reports, which shall be filed no later than the 20th day after the last day of each month and shall be 

complete as of the last day of the month; or 

(ii) quarterly reports, which shall be filed no later than the 15th day after the last day of each calendar quarter and 

which shall be complete as of the last day of each calendar quarter. 

(4) All political committees other than authorized committees of a candidate shall file either--

(A) (i) quarterly reports, in a calendar year in which a regularly scheduled general election is held, which shall be 

filed no later than the 15th day after the last day of each calendar quarter: except that the report for the quarter ending on 

December 31 of such calendar year shall be filed no later than January 31 of the following calendar year; 

(ii) a pre-election report, which shall be filed no later than the 12th day before (or posted by any of the following: 

registered mail, certified mail, priority mail having a delivery confirmation, or express mail having a delivery 

confirmation, or delivered to an overnight delivery service with an on~line tracking system, if posted or delivered no 

later than the 15th day before) any election in which the committee makes a contribution to or expenditure on behalf of 

a candidate in such election, and which shall be complete as of the 20th day before the election; 

(iii) a post-general election report, which shall be filed no later than the 30th day after the general election and 

which shall be complete as of the 20th day after such general election; and 

(iv) in any other calendar year, a report covering the period beginning January I and ending June 30, which shall 

be filed no later than July 31 and a report covering the period beginning July I and ending December 31, which shall be 

filed no later than January 31 of the following calendar year; or 

(8) monthly reports in all calendar years which shall be filed no later than the 20th day after the last day of the 

month and shall be complete as of the last day of the month, except tha~ in lieu of filing the reports otherwise due in 

November and December of any year in which a regularly scheduled general election is held, a pre-general election 

report shall be filed in accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(i), a post-general election report shall be filed in accordance 

with paragraph (2)(A)(ii), and a year end report shall be filed no later than January 31 of the following calendar year. 

Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a national committee of a political party shall file the reports required under 

subparagraph (8). 

(5) lfa designation, report, or statement filed pursuant to this Act (other than under paragraph (2)(A)(i) Or (4)(A)(ii) or 

subsection (g)(1)) is sent by registered mail, certified mail, priority mail having a delivery confirmation, or express mail 

having a delivery confirmation, the United States postmark shall be considered the date of filing the designation, report 

or statement. If a designation, report or statement filed pursuant to this Act (other than under paragraph (2)(A)(i) or 

(4)(A)(ii), or subsection (g)(J» is sent by an overnight delivery service with an on-line tracking system, the date on the 

proof of delivery to the delivery service shall be considered the date of filing of the designation, report, or statement. 

(6) (A) The principal campaign committee of a candidate shall notify the Secretary or the Commission, and the 

Secretary of State, as appropriate, in writing, of any contribution of $ 1,000 or more received by any authorized 

committee of such candidate after the 20th day, but more than 48 hours before, any election. This notification shall be 

made within 48 hours after the receipt of such contribution and shall include the name of the candidate and the office 

sought by the candidate, the identification of the contributor, and the date of receipt and amount of the contribution. 

(8) Notification of expenditure from personal funds. 

(i) Definition of expenditure from personal funds. In this subparagraph, the term "expenditure from personal 

fundsu means~~ 

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2 USCS § 434 

(I) an expenditure made by a candidate using personal funds; and 

(II) a contribution or loan made by a candidate using personal funds or a loan secured using such funds to the 

candidate's authorized committee. 

(ii) Declaration of in ten!. Not later than the date that is 15 days after the date on which an individual becomes a 

candidate for the office of Senator, the candidate shall file a declaration stating the total amount of expenditures from 

personal funds that the candidate intends to make, or to obligate to make, with respect to the election that will exceed 

the State-by-State competitive and fair campaign formula with-

(1) the Commission; and 

(II) each candidate in the same election. 

(iii) Initial notification. Not later than 24 hours after a candidate described in clause (ii) makes or obligates to 

make an aggregate amount of expenditures from personal funds in excess of 2 times the threshold amount in connection 

with any election, the candidate shall file a notification with--

(I) the Commission; and 

(II) each candidate in the same election. 

(iv) Additional notification. After a candidate files an initial notification under clause (iii), the candidate shall file 

an additional notification each time expenditures from personal funds are made or obligated to be made in an aggregate 

amount that exceed [exceeds] S 10,000 with-

(I) the Commission; and 

(II) each candidate in the same election. 

Such notification shall be filed not later than 24 hours after the expenditure is made. 

(v) Contents. A notification under clause (iii) or (iv) shall include--

(I) the name of the candidate and the office sought by the candidate; 

(II) the date and amount of each expenditure; and 

(III) the total amount of expenditures from personal funds that the candidate has made, or obligated to make, 

with respect to an election as of the date of the expenditure that is the subject of the notification. 

(C) Notification of disposal of excess contributions. In the next regularly scheduled report after the date of the 

election for which a candidate seeks nomination for election to, or election to, Federal office, the candidate or the 

candidate's authorized committee shall submit to the Commission a report indicating the source and amount of any 

excess contributions (as determined under paragraph (1) of section 315(i) [2 uses § 441o(lj]) and the manner in which 

the candidate or the candidate's authorized committee used such funds. 

(D) Enforcement. For provisions providing for the enforcement of the reporting requirements under this paragraph, 

see section 309 [2 uses § 437g]. 

(E) The notification required under this paragraph shall be in addition to all other reporting requirements under this 

Act. 

(7) The reports required to be filed by this subsection shall be cumulative during the calendar year to which they 

relate, but where there has been no change in an item reported in a previous report during such year, only the amount 

need be carried forward. 

(8) The requirement for a political committee to file a quarterly report under paragraph (2)(A)(iii) or paragraph 

(4)(A)(i) shall be waived if such committee is required to file a pre-election report under paragraph (2)(A)(i), or 

paragraph (4)(A)(ii) during the period beginning on the 5th day after the close of the calendar quarter and ending on the 

15th day after the close of the calendar quarter. 

(9) The Commission shall set filing dates for reports to be filed by principal campaign committees of candidates 

seeking election, or nomination for election, in special elections and political committees filing under paragraph (4)(A) 

which make contributions to or expenditures on behalf of a candidate or candidates in special elections. The 

Commission shall require no more than one pre-election report for each election and one post-election report for the 

election which fills the vacancy. The Commission may waive any reporting obligation of committees required to file for 

special elections if any report required by paragraph (2) or (4) is required to be filed within 10 days ofa report required 

under this subsection. The Commission shall establish the reporting dates within 5 days of the setting of such election 

and shall publish such dates and notify the principal campaign committees of all candidates in such election of the 

reporting dates. 

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(10) The treasurer of a committee supporting a candidate for the office of Vice President (other than the nominee ofa 

political party) shall file reports in accordance with paragraph (3). 

(11) (A) The Commission shall promulgate a regulation under which a person required to file a designation, 

statement, or report under this Act--

(i) is required to maintain and file a designation, statement, or report for any calendar year in electronic form 

accessible by computers if the person has, or has reason to ex-pect to have, aggregate contributions or expenditures in 

excess of a threshold amount determined by the Commission; and 

(ii) may maintain and fil~ a designation, statement, or report in electronic form or an alternative form ifnot 

required to do so under the regulation promulgated under clause (i). 

(B) The Commission shall make a designation, statement, report, or notification that is filed with the Commission 

under this Act available for inspection by the public in the offices of the Commission and accessible to the public on the 

Internet not later than 48 hours (Of not later than 24 hours in the case of a designation. statement, report, or notification 

filed electronically) after receipt by the Commission. 

(C) In promulgating a regulation under this paragraph, the Commission shall provide methods (other than requiring 

a signature on the document being filed) for verifying designations, statements, and reports covered by the regulation. 

Any document verified under any of the methods shall be treated for all purposes (including penalties for peIjury) in the 

same manner as a document verified by signature. 

CD) As used in this paragraph, the term ttreportl1 means, with respect to the Commission, a report, designation, or 

statement required by this Act to be filed with the Commission. 

(12) Software for filing of reports. 

(A) In generaL The Commission shall--

(i) promulgate standards to be used by vendors to develop software that-

(I) pennits candidates to easily record infonnation concerning receipts and disbursements required to be reported 

under this Act at the time of the receipt or disbursement; 

(II) allows the information recorded under subclause (I) to be transmitted immediately to the Commission; and 

(Ill) allows the Commission to post the information on the Internet immediately upon receipt; and 

(ii) make a copy of software that meets the standards promulgated under clause (i) available to each person 

required to file a designation, statement, or report in electronic fonn under this Act. 

(B) Additional information. To the extent feasible, the Commission shall require vendors to include in the software 

developed under the standards under subparagraph (A) the ability for any person to file any designation, statement, or 

report required under this Act in electronic form. 

(C) Required use. Notwithstanding any provision of this Act relating to times for filing reports, each candidate for 

Federal office (or that candidate's authorized committee) shall use software that meets the standards promulgated under 

this paragraph once such software is made available to such candidate. 

CD) Required posting. The Commission shall, as soon as practicable, post on the Internet any information received 

under this paragraph. 

(b) Contents of report. Each report under this section shall disclose--

(l) the amount of cash on hand at the beginning of the reporting period; 

(2) for the reporting period and the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a 

candidate for Federal office), the total amount of all receipts, and the total amount of all receipts in the following 

categories: 

(A) contributions from persons other than political committees; 

(B) for an authorized committee, contributions from the candidate; 

(C) contributions from political party committees; 

(D) contributions from other political committees; 

CE) for an authorized committee, transfers from other authorized committees of the same candidate; 

(F) transfers from affiliated committees and, where the reporting committee is a political party committee, transfers 

from other political party committees, regardless of whether such committees are affiliated; 

(G) for an authorized committee, loans made by or guaranteed by the candidate; 

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2 USCS § 434 

(H) all other loans; 

(I) rebates, refunds, and other offsets to operating expenditures; 

(J) dividends, interest, and other forms of receipts; and 

Page 5 

(K) for an authorized committee ofa candidate for the office of President, Federal funds received under chapter 95 

and chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 uses §§ 9001 et seq. and 9031 et seq.] 

(3) the identification of each-

(A) person (other than a political committee) who makes a contribution to the reporting committee during the 

reporting period, whose contribution or contributions have an aggregate amount or value in excess of $ 200 within the 

calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee ofa candidate for Federal office), or in any 

lesser amount ifthe reporting committee should so elect, together with the date and amount of any such contribution; 

(B) political committee which makes a contribution to the reporting committee during the reporting period, together 

with the date and amount of any such contribution; 

(C) authorized committee which makes a transfer to the reporting committee; 

(D) affiliated committee which makes a transfer to the reporting committee during the reporting period and, where 

the reporting committee is a political party committee, each transfer of funds to the reporting committee from another 

political party committee, regardless of whether such committees are affiliated, together with the date and amount of 

such transfer; 

(E) person who makes a loan to the reporting committee during the reporting period, together with the identification 

of any endorser or guarantor of such loan, and the date and amount or value of such loan; 

(F) person who provides a rebate, refund, or other offset to operating expenditures to the reporting committee in an 

aggregate amount or value in excess of $ 200 within the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized 

committee of a candidate for Federal office), together with the date and amount of such receipt; and 

(G) person who provides any dividend, interest, or other receipt to the reporting committee in an aggregate value or 

amount in excess of$ 200 within the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a 

candidate for Federal office), together with the date and amount ofany such receipt; 

(4) for the reporting period and the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee ofa 

candidate for Federal office), the total amount of all disbursements, and all disbursements in the following categories: 

(A) expenditures made to meet candidate or committee operating expenses; 

(B) for authorized committees, transfers to other committees authorized by the same candidate; 

(C) transfers to affiliated committees and, where the reporting committee is a political party committee, transfers to 

other political party committees, regardless of whether they are affiliated; 

(D) for an authorized committee, repayment ofloans made by or guaranteed by the candidate; 

(E) repayment of all other loans; 

(F) contribution refunds and other offsets to contributions; 

(G) for an authorized committee, any other disbursements; 

(H) for any political committee other than an authorized committee-

(i) contributions made to other political committees; 

(ii) loans made by the reporting committees; 

(iii) independent expenditures; 

(iv) expenditures made under section 3l5(d) of this Act [2 uses § 441a(d)]; and 

(v) any other disbursements; and 

(I) for an authorized committee of a candidate for the office of President, disbursements not subject to the limitation 

of section 315(b) [2 uses § 441a(b)]; 

(5) the name and address of each-

(A) person to whom an expenditure in an aggregate amount or value in excess of S 200 within the calendar year is 

made by the reporting committee to meet a candidate or committee operating expense, together with the date, amount, 

and purpose of such operating expenditure; 

(B) authorized committee to which a transfer is made by the reporting committee; 

(C) affiliated committee to which a transfer is made by the reporting committee during the reporting period and, 

where the reporting committee is a political party committee, each transfer of funds by the reporting committee to 

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another political party committee, regardless of whether such committees are affiliated, together with the date and 

amount of such transfers; 

Page 6 

(D) person who receives a loan repayment from the reporting committee during the reporting period, together with 

the date and amount of such loan repayment; and 

(E) person who receives a contribution refund Of other offset to contributions from the reporting committee where 

such contribution was reported under paragraph (3)(A) of this subsection, together with the date and amount of such 

disbursement; 

(6) (A) for an authorized committee, the name and address of each person who has received any disbursement not 

disclosed under paragraph (5) in an aggregate amount or value in excess ofS 200 within the calendar year (or election 

cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office), together with the date and amount of 

any such disbursement; 

(B) for any other political committee, the name and address of each--

(i) political committee which has received a contribution from the reporting committee during the reporting 

period, together with the date and amount of any such contribution; 

(ii) person who has received a loan from the reporting committee during the reporting period, together with the 

date and amount of such loan; 

(iii) person who receives any disbursement during the reporting period in an aggregate amount or value in excess 

of S 200 within the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal 

office) in connection with an independent expenditure by the reporting committee, together with the date, amount, and 

purpose of any such independent expenditure and a statement which indicates whether such independent expenditure is 

in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate, as well as the name and office sought by such candidate, and a 

certification, under penalty of perjury, whether such independent expenditure is made in cooperation, consultation, or 

concert, with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or any authorized committee or agent of such committee; 

(iv) person who receives any expenditure from the reporting committee during the reporting period in connection 

with an expenditure under section 315(d) in the Act [2 uses § 441a(d)], together with the date, amount, and purpose of 

any such expenditure as well as the name of, and office sought by, the candidate on whose behalf the expenditure is 

made; and 

(v) person who has received any disbursement not otherwise disclosed in this paragraph or paragraph (5) in an 

aggregate amount or value in excess of S 200 within the calendar year (or election cycle, in the case of an authorized 

committee of a candidate for Federal office) from the reporting committee within the reporting period, together with the 

date, amount, and purpose of any such disbursement; 

(7) the total sum of all contributions to such political committee, together with the total contributions less offsets to 

contributions and the total sum of all operating expenditures made by such political committee, together with total 

operating expenditures less offsets to operating expenditures, for both the reporting period and the calendar year (or 

election cycle, in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office); and 

(8) the amount and nature of outstanding debts and obligations owed by or to such political committee; and where 

such debts and obligations are settled for less than their reported amount or value, a statement as to the circumstances 

and conditions under which such debts or obligations were extinguished and the consideration therefor. 

(c) Statements by other than political committees; filing; contents; indices of expenditures. 

(1) Every person (other than a political committee) who makes independent expenditures in an aggregate amount or 

value in excess of S 250 during a calendar year shall file a statement containing the infonnation required under 

subsection (b)(3)(A) for all contributions received by such person. 

(2) Statements required to be filed by this subsection shall be filed in accordance with subsection (a)(2), and shall 

include--

(A) the information required by subsection (b)(6)(B)(iii), indicating whether the independent expenditure is in 

support of, or in opposition to, the candidate involved; 

(B) under penalty of perjury, a certification whether or not such independent expenditure is made in cooperation, 

consultation, or concert, with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or any authorized committee or agent of 

such candidate; and 

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(C) the identification of each person who made a contribution in excess of S 200 to the person filing such statement 

which was made for the purpose of furthering an independent expenditure. 

(3) The Commission shall be responsible for expeditiously preparing indices which set forth, on a 

candidate~by-candidate basis, all independent expenditures separately. including those reported under subsection 

(b)(6)(B)(iii), made by or for each candidate, as reported under this subsection, and for periodically publishing such 

indices on a timely pre-election basis. 

(d) Filing by facsimile device or electronic mail. 

(I) Any person who is required to file a statement under subsection (c) or (g) of this section, except statements 

required to be filed electronically pursuant to subsection (a)(II)(A)(i) may file the statement by facsimile device or 

electronic mail, in accordance with such regulations as the Commission may promulgate. 

(2) The Commission shall make a document which is filed electronically with the Commission pursuant to this 

paragraph accessible to the public on the Internet not later than 24 hours after the document is received by the 

Commission. 

(3) In promulgating a regulation under this paragraph, the Commission shall provide methods (other than requiring a 

signature on the document being filed) for verifying the documents covered by the regulation. Any document verified 

under any of the methods shall be treated for all purposes (including penalties for peIjury) in the same manner as a 

document verified by signature. 

(e) Political committees. 

(I) National and congressional political committees. The national committee of a political party, any national 

congressional campaign committee of a political party. and any subordinate committee of either, shall report all receipts 

and disbursements during the reporting period. 

(2) Other political committees to which section 323 [2 uses § 44li] applies. 

(A) In general. In addition to any other reporting requirements applicable under this Act, a political committee (not 

described in paragraph (I)) to which section 323(b)(I) [2 uses § 44li(b)(1)] applies shall report all receipts and 

disbursements made for activities described in section 301(20)(A) [2 uses § 431 (20)(A)], unless the aggregate amount 

of such receipts and disbursements during the calendar year is less than $ 5,000. 

(B) Specific disclosure by State and local parties of certain non-Federal amounts penmitted to be spent on Federal 

election activity. Each report by a political committee under subparagraph (A) of receipts and disbursements made for 

activities described in section 30 I (20)(A) [2 uses § 43 J (20)(A)] shall include a disclosure of all receipts and 

disbursements described in section 323(b)(2)(A) and (B) [2 uses § 44Ji(b)(2)(A) and (B)]. 

(3) Itemization. Ifa political committee has receipts or disbursements to which this subsection applies from or to any 

person aggregating in excess of S 200 for any calendar year, the political committee shall separately itemize its 

reporting for such person in the same manner as required in paragraphs (3)(A), (5), and (6) of subsection (b). 

(4) Reporting periods. Reports required to be filed under this subsection shall be filed for the same time periods 

required for political committees under subsection (a)(4)(B). 

(f) Disclosure of electioneering communications. 

(I) Statement required. Every person who makes a disbursement for the direct costs of producing and airing 

electioneering communications in an aggregate amount in excess ofS 10,000 during any calendar year shall, within 24 

hours of each disclosure date, file with the Commission a statement containing the information described in paragraph 

(2). 

(2) Contents of statement. Each statement required to be filed under this subsection shall be made under penalty of 

perjury and shall contain the following infonmation: 

(A) The identification of the person making the disbursement, of any person sharing or exercising direction or 

control over the activities of such person, and of the custodian of the books and accounts of the person making the 

disbursement. 

(B) The principal place of business of the person making the disbursement, if not an individual. 

(C) The amount of each disbursement of more than S 200 during the period covered by the statement and the 

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identification of the person to whom the disbursement was made. 

(D) The elections to which the electioneering communications pertain and the names (if known) of the candidates 

identified or to be identified. 

(E) If the disbursements were paid out of a segregated bank account which consists of funds contributed solely by 

individuals who are United States citizens or nationals or lawfully admitted for permanent residence (as defined in 

section 101 (a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. IlOI (a)(20))) directly to this account for 

electioneering communications, the names and addresses of all contributors who contributed an aggregate amount of S 

1,000 or more to that account during the period beginning on the first day of the preceding calendar year and ending on 

the disclosure date. Nothing in this subparagraph is to be construed as a prohibition on the use of funds in such a 

segregated account for a purpose other than electioneering communications. . 

(F) If the disbursements were paid out of funds not described in subparagraph (E), the names and addresses of all 

contributors who contributed an aggregate amount of$ 1,000 or more to the person making the disbursement during the 

period beginning on the first day of the preceding calendar year and ending on the disclosure date. 

(3) Electioneering communication. For purposes of this subsection--

(A) In general. 

(i) The term l1 electioneering communicationll means any broadcast, cable, or satellite communication which-· 

(I) refers to a clearly identified candidate for Federal office; 

(II) is made within--

(aa) 60 days before a general, special, or runoff election for the office sought by the candidate; or 

(bb) 30 days before a primary or preference election, or a convention or caucus of a political party that has 

authority to nominate a candidate, for the office sought by the candidate; and 

(III) in the case of a communication which refers to a candidate for an office other than President or Vice 

President, is targeted to the relevant electorate. 

(ii) If clause (i) is held to be constitutionally insufficient by final judicial decision to support the regulation 

provided herein, then the term "electioneering communication" means any broadcast, cable, or satellite communication 

which promotes or supports a candidate for that office, or attacks or opposes a candidate for that office (regardless of 

whether the communication expressly advocates a vote for or against a candidate) and which also is suggestive of no 

plausible meaning other than an exhortation to vote for or against a specific candidate. Nothing in this subparagraph 

shall be construed to affect the interpretation or application of sectioll lOO.22(b) of title II, Code of Federal 

Regulations. 

(B) Exceptions. The term t1 electioneering communication" does not include--

(i) a communication appearing in a news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities of any 

broadcasting station, unless such facilities are owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or 

candidate; 

(ii) a communication which constitutes an expenditure or an independent expenditure under this Act; 

(iii) a communication which constitutes a candidate debate or forum conducted pursuant to regulations adopted by 

the Commission, or which solely promotes such a debate or forum and is made by or on behalf of the person sponsoring 

the debate or forum; or 

(iv) any other communication exempted under such regulations as the Commission may promulgate (consistent 

with the requirements of this paragraph) to ensure the appropriate implementation of this paragraph, except that under 

any such regulation a communication may not be exempted if it meets the requirements of this paragraph and is 

described in section 301(20)(A)(iii) [2 USCS § 43I(20)(A) (iii)]. . 

(C) Targeting to relevant electorate. For purposes of this paragraph, a communication which refers to a clearly 

identified candidate for Federal office is t1targeted to the relevant electorate" if the communication can be received by 

50,000 or more persons--

(i) in the district the candidate seeks to represent, in the case of a candidate for Representative in, or Delegate or 

Resident Commissioner to, the Congress; or 

(ii) in the State the candidate seeks to represent, in the case of a candidate for Senator. 

(4) Disclosure date. For purposes ofthis subsection, the term Hdisclosure date" means--

(A) the first date during any calendar year by which a person has made disbursements for the direct costs of 

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2 USCS § 434 

producing or airing electioneering communications aggregating in excess ofS 10,000; and 

(B) any other date during such calendar year by which a person has made disbursements for the direct costs of 

producing or airing electioneering communications aggregating in excess of S 10,000 since the most recent disclosure 

date for such calendar year. 

(5) Contracts to disburse. For purposes of this subsection, a person shall be treated as having made a disbursement if 

the person has executed a contract to make the disbursement. 

(6) Coordination with other requirements. Any requirement to report under this subsection shall be in addition to any 

other reporting requirement under this Act. 

(7) Coordination with Internal Revenue Code. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to establish, modify, or 

otherwise affect the definition of political activities or electioneering activities (including the definition of participating 

in, intervening in, or influencing or attempting to influence a political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any 

candidate for public office) for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 USCS §§ J et seq.]. 

(g) Time for reporting certain expenditures. 

(I) Expenditures aggregating S 1,000. 

(A) Initial report. A person (including a political committee) that makes or contracts to make independent 

expenditures aggregating S 1,000 or more after the 20th day, but more than 24 hours, before the date of an election shall 

file a report describing the expenditures within 24 hours. 

(B) Additional reports. After a person files a report under subparagraph (A), the person shall file an additional report 

within 24 hours after each time the person makes or contracts to make independent expenditures aggregating an 

additional S 1,000 with respect to the same election as that to which the initial report relates. 

(2) Expenditures aggregating S 10,000. 

(A) Initial report. A person (including a political committee) that makes or contracts to make independent 

expenditures aggregating S 10,000 or more at any time up to and including the 20th day before the date of an election 

shall file a report describing the expenditures within 48 hours. 

(B) Additional reports. After a person files a report under subparagraph (A), the person shall file an additional report 

within 48 hours after each time the person makes or contracts to make independent expenditures aggregating an 

additional S 10,000 with respect to the same election as that to which the initial report relates. 

(3) Place of filing; contents. A report under this subsection--

(A) shall be filed with the Commission; and 

(B) shall contain the information required by subsection (b )(6)(B)(iii), including the name of each candidate whom 

an expenditure is intended to support or oppose. 

(4) Time of filing for expenditures aggregating S 1,000. Notwithstanding subsection (a)(5), the time at which the 

statement under paragraph (1) is received by the Commission or any other recipient to whom the notification is required 

to be sent shall be considered the time of filing of the statement with the recipient. 

(h) Reports from Inaugural Committees. The Federal Election Commission shall make any report filed by an Inaugural 

Committee under section5JO of title 36, United States Code, accessible to the public at the offices of the Commission 

and on the Internet not later than 48 hours after the report is received by the Commission. 

(i) Disclosure of bundled contributions. 

(I) Required disclosure. Each committee described in paragraph (6) shall include in the first report required to be filed 

under this section after each covered period (as defined in paragraph (2)) a separate schedule setting forth the name, 

address, and employer of each person reasonably known by the committee to be a person described in paragraph (7) 

who provided 2 or more bundled contributions to the committee in an aggregate amount greater than the applicable 

threshold (as defined in paragraph (3)) during the covered period, and the aggregate amount of the bundled 

contributions provided by each such person during the covered period. 

(2) Covered period. In this subsection, a "covered period!! means, with respect to a committee-~ 

(A) the period beginning January I and ending June 30 of each year; 

(B) the period beginning July I and ending December 31 of each year; and 

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(C) any reporting period applicable to the committee under this section during which any person described in 

paragraph (7) provided 2 or more bundled contributions to the committee in an aggregate amount greater than the 

applicable threshold. 

(3) Applicable threshold. 

(A) In general. In this subsection, the "applicable threshold" is S 15,000, except that in determining whether the 

amount of bundled contributions provided to a committee by a person described in paragraph (7) exceeds the applicable 

threshold, there shall be excluded any contribution made to the committee by the person or the person's spouse. 

(B) Indexing. In any calendar year after 2007, section 315(c)(I)(B) [2 USCS § 441a(c)(l)(B)] shall apply to the 

amount applicable under subparagraph (A) in the same manner as such section applies to the limitations established 

under subsections (a)(l)(A), (a)(I)(B), (a)(3), and (h) of such section, except that for purposes of applying such section 

to the amount applicable under subparagraph (A), the "base period" shall be 2006. 

(4) Public availability. The Commission shall ensure that, to the greatest extent practicable--

(A) information required to be disclosed under this subsection is publicly available through the Commission website 

in a manner that is searchable, sortable, and downloadable; and 

(B) the Commission's public database containing information disclosed under this subsection is linked electronically 

to the websites maintained by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives containing 

information filed pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. 

(5) Regulations. Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of the Honest Leadership and Open Govemment 

Act of2007 [enacted Sept. 14,2007], the Commission shall promulgate regulations to implement this subsection. Under 

such regulations, the Commission~~ 

(A) may, notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), provide for quarterly filing of the schedule described in paragraph 

(I) by a committee which files reports under this section more frequently than on a quarterly basis; 

(B) shall provide guidance to committees with respect to whether a person is reasonably known by a committee to 

be a person described in paragraph (7), which shall include a requirement that committees consult the websites 

maintained by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives containing information filed 

pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995; 

(C) may not exempt the activity of a person described in paragraph (7) from disclosure under this subsection on the 

grounds that the person is authorized to engage in fundraising for the committee Of any other similar grounds; and 

(D) shall provide for the broadest possible disclosure of activities described in this subsection by persons described 

in paragraph (7) that is consistent with this subsection. 

(6) Committees described. A committee described in this paragraph is an authorized committee of a candidate, a 

leadership PAC, or a political party committee. 

(7) Persons described. A person described in this paragraph is any person, who, at the time a contribution is forwarded 

to a committee as described in paragraph (8)(A)(i) or is received by a committee as described in paragraph (8)(A)(ii), 

is--

(A) a current registrant undersection 4(a) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act ofl995 [2 USCS § 1603(a)]; 

(B) an individual who is listed on a current registration filed under section 4(b)(6) of such Act [2 USCS § 

1603(b)(6)] or a current report under section 5(b)(2)(C) of such Act [2 USCS § 1604(b)(2)(C)]; or 

(C) a political committee established or controlled by such a registrant or individual. 

(8) Definitions. For purposes ofthis subsection, the following definitions apply: 

(A) Bundled contribution. The tenn "bundled contributiont1 means, with respect to a committee described in 

paragraph (6) and a person described in paragraph (7), a contribution (subject to the applicable threshold) which is--

(i) forwarded from the contributor or contributors to the committee by the person; or 

(ii) received by the committee from a contributor or contributors, but credited by the committee or candidate 

involved (or, in the case of a leadership PAC, by the individual referred to in subparagraph (B) involved) to the person 

through records, designations, or other means of recognizing that a certain amount of money has been raised by the 

person. 

(B) Leadership PAC. The term "leadership PAC" means, with respect to a candidate for election to Federal office or 

an individual holding Federal office, a political committee that is directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained 

or controlled by the candidate or the individual but which is not an authorized committee of the candidate or individual 

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Page II 

2 USCS § 434 

and which is not affiliated with an authorized committee of the candidate or individua~ except that such tenn does not 

include a political committee of a political party. 

HISTORY: 

(Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, Title III, § 304, 86 Stat. 14, 15; Oct. 15, 1974, P.L. 93-443, Title II, §§ 204(a)-(d), 

208(c)(4), 88 Stat. 1276, 1286; May II, 1976, P.L. 94-283, Title I, § 104,90 Stat. 480; Jan. 8,1980, P.L. 96-187, Title 

I, § 104,93 Stat. 1348; Dec. 28, 1995, P.L. 104-79, §§ I(a), 3(b), 109 Stat. 791, 792; Sept. 29, 1999, P.L. 106-58, Title 

VI, §§ 639(a), 641(a), 113 Stat. 476,477; Oct. 23, 2000, P.L. 106-346, § 101(a), 114 Stat. 1356; March 27, 2002, P.L. 

107-155, Title I, § 103(a), Title II, Subtitle A, § 201(a), Subtitle B, § 212, Title III, §§ 304(b), 306, 308(b), Title V, §§ 

501,503, 116 Stat. 87, 88, 93, 99, 102, 104, 114, 115; Jan. 23, 2004, P.L. 108-199, Div F, Title VI, § 641, 118 Stat. 

359; Sept. 14,2007, P.L. 110-81, Title 1I, § 204(a), 121 Stat. 744.) 

HISTORY; ANCILLARY LAWS AND DIRECTIVES 

References in text: 

"This Act", referred to in this section, is Act Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, popularly known as the Federal Election 

Campaign Act of 1971, which is generally classified to 2 uses §§ 431 et seq. For full classification of such Act, 

consult USCS Tables volumes. 

The "Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995", referred to in this section, is Act Dec. 19, 1995, P.L. 104-65, which appears 

generally as 2 uses §§ 1601 et seq. For full classification of such Act, consult USCS Tables volumes. 

Explanatory notes: 

The article "a" has been inserted in brackets in subsec. (a)(2)(A) to indicate the probable intent of Congress to include 

it. 

The word "exceeds" has been inserted in brackets in subsec. (a)(6)(B)(iv) to indicate the word probably intended by 

Congress. 

"1986" has been inserted in brackets in subsec. (b)(2)(K) pursuant to § 2 of Act Oct. 22, 1986, P.L. 99-514, which 

redesignated the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (Act Aug. 16, 1954, ch 736) as the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. In 

redesignating the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Congress provided, in Act Oct. 

22,1986, P.L. 99-514, § 2(b), 100 Stat. 2095, for construction of references to the Internal Revenue Code as follows: 

except when inappropriate, any reference in any law, Executive Order, or other document to the Internal Revenue Code 

of 1954 shall include a reference to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and any reference to the Internal Revenue Code 

of 1986 shall include a reference to the provisions of law formerly known as the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. 

The amendments made by § 101(a) of Act Oct. 23, 2000, P.L. 106-346, are based on § 502(a) and (c) ofTitle V of 

H.R. 5394 (114 Stat. 1356A-49), as introduced on Oct. 5, 2000, which was enacted into law by such § 101(a). 

Effective date of section: 

This section took effect 60 days after enactment, pursuant to § 408 of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 225, which appears as 2 

uses § 431 note. 

Amendments: 

1974. Act Oct. 15, 1974 (effective 111175 as provided by § 410(a) of such Act, which appears as 2 uses § 431 note), in 

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2 USCS § 434 

subsec. (a), substituted "(I) Except as provided by paragraph (2), each" for "Each"; substituted "The reports referred to 

in the preceding sentence shall be filed as follows:" and added cls. (A)-(D) for "Such reports shall be filed on the tenth 

day of March, June, and September, in each year, and on the fifteenth and fifth days next preceding the date on which 

an election is held, and also by the thirty-first day of January. Such reports shall be complete as of such date as the 

supervisory officer may prescribe, which shall not be less than five days before the date of filing, except that any 

contribution of S 5,000 or more received after the last report is filed prior to the election shall be reported within 

forty-eight hours after its receipt.", and added paras. (2) and (3); in subsec. (b), substituted "lenders, endorsers, and 

guarantors" for "lenders and endorsers"; in para. (8), inserted "> together with total receipts less transfers between 

political committees which support the same candidate and which do not support more than one candidate", in paras. (9) 

and (10), substituted lIidentificationt1 for nfull name and mailing address (occupation and the principal place ofbusiness, 

ifany)'\ in para. (11). inserted ", together with total expenditures less transfers between political committees which 

support the same candidate and which do not support more than one candidate", in para. (12), inserted", together with a 

statement as to the circumstances and conditions under which any such debt or obligation is extinguished and the 

consideration therefor'" in para. (13), substituted "Commission" for t1supervisory officer"; and added subsecs. (d) and 

(e). 

1976. Act May II, 1976, in subsec. (a), in para. (I)(C), added the sentence beginning "In any year ... ", substituted 

para. (2) for one which read: "(2) Each treasurer of a political committee which is not a principal campaign committee 

shall file the reports required under this section with the appropriate principal campaign committee. "; in subsec. (b), in 

para. (12), deleted "and" following "therefor;", redesignated para. (13) as para. (14), inserted new para. (13), and added 

the concluding matter; and substituted subsec. (e) for one which read: "(e) Every person (other than a political 

committee or candidate) who makes contributions or expenditures, other than by contribution to a political committee or 

candidate, in an aggregate amount in excess ofS 100 within a calendar year shall file with the Commission a statement 

containing the information required by this section. Statements required by this subsection shall be filed on the dates on 

which reports by political committees are filed but need not be cumulative.1t. 

1980. Act Jan. 8, 1980, substituted the text of this section for text which read: 

"(a) 

(I) Except as provided in paragraph (2), each treasurer of a political committee supporting a candidate or candidates 

for election to Federal office, and each candidate for election to such office, shall file with the Commission reports of 

receipts and expenditures on forms to be prescribed or approved by it. The reports referred to in the preceding sentence 

shall be filed as follows: 

"(A) 

(i) In any calendar year in which an individual is a candidate for Federal office-and an election for such Federal 

office is held in such year, such reports shall be filed not later than the tenth day before the date on which such election 

is held and shall be complete as of the fifteenth day before the date of such election; except that any such report filed by 

registered or certified mail must be postmarked not later than the close of the twelfth day before the date of such 

election. 

"(ii) Such reports shall be filed not later than the thirtieth day after the date of such election and shall be 

complete as of the twentieth day after the date of such election. 

"(B) In any other calendar year in which an individual is a candidate for Federal office, such reports shall be filed 

after December 31 of such calendar year, but not later than January 31 of the following calendar year and shall be 

complete as of the close of the calendar year with respect to which the report is filed. 

"(C) Such reports shall be filed not later than the tenth day following the close of any calendar quarter in which the 

candidate or political committee concerned received contributions in excess of S 1,000, or made expenditures in excess 

of S 1,000, and shall be complete as of the close of such calendar quarter: except that any such report required to be 

filed after December 31 of any calendar year with respect to which a report is required to be filed under subparagraph 

(B) shall be filed as provided in such subparagraph. In any year in which a candidate is not on the ballot for election to 

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2 USCS § 434 

Federal office, such candidate and his authorized committees shall only be required to file such reports not later than the 

tenth day following the close of any calendar quarter in which the candidate and his authorized committees received 

contributions or made expenditures, or both, the total amount of which, taken together, exceed S 5,000, and such reports 

shall be complete as of the close of such calendar quarter; except that any such report required to be filed after 

December 31 of any calendar year with respect to which a report is required to be filed under subparagraph (B) shall be 

filed as provided in such subparagraph. 

"(D) When the last day for filing any quarterly report required by subparagraph (C) occurs within 10 days of an 

election, the filing of such quarterly report shall be waived and superseded by the report required by subparagraph 

(A)(i). 

Any contribution of S 1,000 or more received after the fifteenth day, but more than 48 hours, before any election 

shall be reported within 48 hours after its receipt. 

n(2) Each treasurer of a political committee authorized by a candidate to raise contributions or make expenditures on 

his behalf, other than the candidate's principal campaign committee, shall file the reports required under this section 

with the candidate's principal campaign committee. 

tI(3) Upon a request made by a presidential candidate or a political committee which operates in more than one 

State, or upon its own motion, the Commission may waive the reporting dates set forth in paragraph (I) (other than the 

reporting date set forth in paragraph (I )(B)), and require instead that such candidate or political committee file reports 

not less frequently than monthly. The Commission may not require a presidential candidate or a political committee 

operating in more than one State to file more than 12 reports (not counting any report referred to in paragraph (I)(B)) 

during any calendar year. If the Commission acts on its own motion under this paragraph with respect to a candidate or 

a political committee, such candidate or committee may obtain judicial review in accordance with the provisions of 

chapter 7 oftitIe 5, United States Code. 

"(b) Each report under this section shall disclose-

"(I) the amount of cash on hand at the beginning of the reporting period; 

"(2) the full name and mailing address (occupation and the principal place of business, if any) of each person who 

has made one or more contributions to or for such committee or candidate (including the purchase of tickets for events 

such as dinners, luncheons, rallies, and similar fundraising events) within the calendar year in an aggregate amount or 

value in excess ofS 100, together with the amount and date of such contributions; 

"(3) the total sum of individual contributions made to or for such committee or candidate during the reporting period 

and not reported under paragraph (2); 

11(4) the name and address of each political committee or candidate from which the reporting committee or the 

candidate received, or to which that committee or candidate made, any transfer of funds, together with the amounts and 

dates of all transfers; 

11(5) each loan to or from any person within the calendar year in an aggregate amount or value in excess ofS 100, 

together with the full names and mailing addresses (occupations and the principal places of business, if any) of the 

lender, endorsers, guarantors, if any, and the date and amount of such loans; 

"(6) the total amount of proceeds from (A) the sale of tickets to each dinner, luncheon, rally, and other fundraising 

event; (B) mass collections made at such events; and (C) sales of items such as political campaign pins, buttons, badges, 

flags, emblems, hats, banners, literature, and similar materials; 

"(7) each contribution, rebate, refund, or other receipt in excess of S 100 not otherwise listed under paragraphs (2) 

tluough (6); 

"(8) the total sum of all receipts by or for such committee or candidate during the reporting period, together with 

total receipts less transfers between political committees which support the same candidate and which do not support 

more than one candidate; 

"(9) identification of each person to whom expenditures have been made by such committee or on behalf of such 

committee or candidate within the calendar year in an aggregate amount or value in excess of $ 100, the amount, date, 

and purpose of each such expenditure and the name and address of, and office sought by, each candidate on whose 

behalf such expenditure was made; 

"(10) identification of each person to whom an expenditure for personal services, salaries, and reimbursed expenses 

in excess of S 100 has been made, and which is not otherwise reported, including the amount, date, and purpose of such 

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2 USCS § 434 

expenditure; 

"(II) the total sum of expenditures made by such committee or candidate during the calendar year, together with 

total expenditures less transfers between political committees which support the same candidate and which do not 

support more than one candidate; 

"(12) the amount and nature of debts and obligations owed by or to the committee, in such form as the Commission 

may prescribe and a continuous reporting of their debts and obligations after the election at such periods as the 

Commission may require until such debts and obligations are extinguished, together with a statement as to the 

circumstances and conditions under which any such debt or obligation is extinguished and the consideration therefor; 

"(13) in the case of an independent expenditure in excess of S 100 by a political committee, other than an authorized 

committee of a candidate, expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, through a 

separate schedule (A) any information required by paragraph (9) stated in a manner which indicates whether the 

independent expenditure involved is in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate; and (B) under penalty of perjury, a 

certification whether such independent expenditure is made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the 

request or suggestion of, any candidate or any authorized committee or agent of such candidate; and 

"(14) such other information as shall be required by the Commission. 

When committee treasurers and candidates show that best efforts have been used to obtain and submit the information 

required by this subsection, they shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subsection. 

"(c) The reports required to be filed by subsection (a) shall be cumulative during the calendar year to which they 

relate, but where there has been no change in an item reported in a previous report during such year, only the amount 

need be carried fOlWard. If no contributions or expenditures have been accepted or expended during a calendar year, the 

treasurer of the political committee or candidate shall file a statement to that effect 

n(d) This section does not require a Member of the Congress to report, as contributions received or as expenditures 

made, the value of photographic, matting, or recording services furnished to him by the Senate Recording Studio, the 

House Recording Studio, or by an individual whose pay is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the 

House of Representatives and who furnishes such services as his primary duty as an employee of the Senate or House of 

Representatives, or if such services were paid for by the Republican or Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, 

the Democratic National Congressional Committee, or the National Republican Congressional Committee. This 

subsection does not apply to such recording services fumished during the calendar year before the year in which the 

Member's term expires. 

"(e) 

(I) Every person (other than a political committee or candidate) who makes contributions or independent 

expenditures expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, other than by contribution to a 

political committee or candidate, in an aggregate amount in excess of $ 100 during a calendar year shall file with the 

Commission, on a form prepared by the Commission, a statement containing the information required of a person who 

makes a contribution in excess of $ 100 to a candidate or political committee and the information required of a 

candidate or political committee receiving such a contribution. 

"(2) Statements required by this subsection shall be filed on the dates on which reports by political committees are 

filed. Such statements shall include (A) the information required by subsection (b)(9), stated in a manner indicating 

whether the contribution or independent expenditure is in support of, or opposition to, the candidate; and (B) under 

penalty of perjury, a certification whether such independent expenditure is made in cooperation, consultation, or concert 

with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or any authorized committee or agent of such candidate. Any 

independent expenditure, including those described in subsection (b)(13), ofS 1,000 or more made after the fifteenth 

day, but more than 24 hours, before any election shall be reported within 24 hours of such independent expenditure. 

"(3) The Commission shall be responsible for expeditiously preparing indices which set forth, on a 

candidate-by-candidate basis, all expenditures separately, including those reported under subsection (b)( 13), made with 

respect to each candidate, as reported under this subsection, and for periodically issuing such indices on a timely 

preelection basis.". 

1995. Act Dec. 28, 1995 (applicable with respect to reports for periods beginning after 12/31/96, as provided by § l(c) 

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2 USCS § 434 

of such Act, which appears as 2 uses § 432 note), in subsec. (a), added para. (II). 

Such Act further (applicable with respect to reports, designations, and statements required to be filed after 12/31/95, 

as provided by § 3(d) of such Act, which appears as 2 uses § 432 note), in subsec. (a)(6)(A), substituted "Secretary" 

for "Clerk, the Secretary," following "notifytt; and, in subsec. (c)(2), in the concluding matter, substituted nSecretary" 

for I1Clerk, the Secretary,l1 following l1filed with the", 

1999. Act Sept. 29, 1999, § 639(a) (effective for reporting periods beginning after 12/31/00 as provided by § 639(b) of 

such Act, which appears as a note for this section), in subsec. (a), substituted para. (I I) for one which read: 

"(II) 

(A) The Commission shall permit reports required by this Act to be filed and preserved by means of computer disk 

or any other appropriate electronic fonnat or method, as determined by the Commission. 

"(B) In carrying out subparagraph (A) with respect to filing of reports, the Commission shall provide for one or 

more methods (other than requiring a signature on the report being filed) for verifying reports filed by means of 

computer disk or other electronic format or method. Any verification under the preceding sentence shall be treated for 

all purposes (including penalties for petjury) in the same manner as a verification by signature. 

ncc) As used in this paragraph, the term Itreport' means, with respect to the Commission, a report, designation, or 

statement required by this Act to be filed with the Commission. 

Section 641 (a) of such Act (effective with respect to reporting periods beginning after 12/31/00 as provided by § 

641 (b) of such Act, which appears as a note to this section), in subsec. (b), in paras. (2), (3), (4), (6), and (7), substituted 

l1calendaryear (or election cycle, in the case afan authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office)" for "calendar 

year", wherever appearing. 

2000. Act Oct. 23, 2000 (applicable with respect to elections occurring after 1/01 as provided by § S02(d) ofH.R. 5394, 

as enacted into law by such Act, which appears as 2 uses § 431 note), in subsec. (a)(5), substituted "or (4)(A)(ii), or 

the second sentence of subsection (c)(2)" for "or (4)(A)(ii)"; in subsec. (c)(2), in the concluding matter, substituted 

"shall be filedt1 for Itshall be reported", and added the sentence beginning "Notwithstanding subsection (a)(5) ... "; and 

added subsec. (d). 

2002. Act March 27, 2002 (effective on 11/6/2002, as provided by § 402 of such Act, which appears as 2 uses § 431 

note), in subsec. (a), added para. (12); and added subsec. (h). 

Such Act further (effective on 11/6/2002 but not applicable with respect to runoff elections, recounts, or election 

contests resulting from elections held prior to such date, as provided by § 402(a)(4) of such Act, which appears as 2 

uses § 431 note), in subsec. (a), in para. (2)(B), substituted "the treasurer shall file quarterly reports, which shall be 

filed not later than the 15th day after the last day of each calendar quarter, and which shall be complete as of the last day 

of each calendar quarter, except that the report for the quarter ending December 31 shaIl be filed not later than January 

31 of the following calendar year." for "the following reports shall be filed: 

"(i) a report covering the period beginning January I and ending June 30, which shall be filed no later than July 31; 

and 

"(ii) a report covering the period beginning July I and ending December 31, which shall be filed no later than 

January 31 of the following calendar year.", 

in para. (4), added the concluding matter, in para (5), substituted "subsection (g)(1)" for "the second sentence of 

subsection (c)(2)", in para. (6), redesignated subpara. (B) as subpara. (E), and inserted new subparas. (B)-(D), and, in 

para. (II), substituted subpara. (B) for one which read: "(B) The Commission shall make a designation, statement, 

report, or notification that is filed electronically with the Commission accessible to the public on the Internet not later 

than 24 hours after the designation, statement, report, or notification is received by the Commission."; in subsec. (c)(2), 

deleted the concluding matter, which read: "Any independent expenditure (including those described in subsection 

(b)(6)(B)(iii)) aggregating S 1,000 or more made after the 20th day, but more than 24 hours, before any election shall be 

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2 USCS § 434 

filed within 24 hours after such independent expenditure is made. Such statement shall be filed with the Secretary or the 

Commission and the Secretary of State and shall contain the information required by subsection (b)(6)(B)(iii) indicating 

whether the independent expenditure is in support of, or in opposition to, the candidate involved. Notwithstanding 

subsection (a)(5), the time at which the statement under this subsection is received by the Secretary, the Commission, or 

any other recipient to whom the notification is required to be sent shall be considered the time of filing of the statement 

with the recipient."; in subsec. (d)(I), inserted "or (g)"; and added subsecs. (e)-(g). 

2004. Act Jan. 23, 2004, in subsec. (a), in paras. (2)(A)(i) and (4)(A)(ii), substituted "(or posted by any of the following: 

registered mail, certified mail, priority mail having a delivery confirmation, or express mail having a delivery 

confirmation, or delivered to an overnight delivery service with an on-line tracking system, if posted or delivered no 

later than the 15th day before)" for "(or posted by registered or certified mail no later than the 15th day before)", and 

substituted para. (5) for one which read: "(5) If a designation, report, or statement filed pursuant to this Act (other than 

under paragraph (2)(A)(i) or (4)(A)(ii), or subsection (g)(!» is sent by registered or certified mail, the United States 

postmark shall be considered the date of filing of the designation, report, or statement.". 

2007. Act Sept. 14,2007 (applicable as provided by § 204(b) of such Act, which appears as a note to this section), 

added subsec. (i). 

Other provisions: 

Report required to be filed by January 31,1975. Act Oct. 15, 1974, P.L. 93-443, Title II, 204(e), 88 Stat. 1278, 

provided that notwithstanding the amendment to this section as to the time to file reports, nothing in such Act Oct. 15, 

1974 [for full classification, consult USCS Tables volumes] was to be construed as waiving the report required to be 

filed by Jan. 31, 1975 under the provisions of this section as in effect on Oct. 15, 1974. 

Effective date of Jan. 8, 1980 amendments. Act Jan. 8,1980, P.L. 96-187, Title Ill, § 301(b), 93 Stat. 1368, 

provided: "For authorized committees of candidates for President and Vice President, section 304(b) of the Federal 

Election Campaign Act of 1971 [2 uses § 434(b)] shall be effective for elections occurring after January I, 198\.". 

Effective date of amendment made by § 639 of Act Sept. 29, 1999. Act Sept. 29, 1999, P.L. 106-58, Title VI, § 

639(b), 113 Stat. 476, provides: "The amendments made by this section [amending subsec. (a)(II) of this section] shall 

be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 31,2000.". 

Effective date of amendment made by § 641 of Act Sept. 29, 1999. Act Sept. 29,1999, P.L. 106-58, Title VI, § 

641(b), 113 Stat. 477, provides: "The amendment made by this section [amending subsec. (b) this section] shall become 

effective with respect to reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2000.". 

Responsibilities of Federal Communications Commission. Act March 27, 2002, P.L. 107-155, Title II, Subtitle A, 

§ 201(b), 116 Stat. 90 (effective on 1116/2002 but not applicable with respect to runoff elections, recounts, or election 

contests resulting from elections held prior to such date, as provided by § 402(a)(4) of such Act, which appears as 2 

uses § 431 note), provides: "The Federal Communications Commission shall compile and maintain any information 

the Federal Election Commission may require to carry out section 304(1) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

[subsec. (I) of this section] (as added by subsection (a», and shall make such information available to the public on the 

Federal Communication Commission1s website. n. 

Application of amendments made by § 204(a) of Act Sept. 14,2007. Act Sept. 14,2007, P.L. 110-81, Title II, § 

204(b), 121 Stat. 746, provides: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [adding subsec. (i) of this section] shall apply 

with respect to reports filed under section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act [this section] after the expiration of 

the 3-month period which begins on the date that the regulations required to be promulgated by the Federal Election 

Commission under section 304(i)(5) of such Act [subsec. (i)(5) of this section] (as added by subsection (a» become 

final. tt • 

[Final regulations pursuant to § 204 of Act Sept. 14. 2007, PL 110-81 were published on Febl1tary 17,2009. See 74 

Fed. Reg. 7285.) 

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2 USCS § 434 

Effective date of amendments made by §§ 201, 202, 205, 207-210 of Act Sept. 14,2007. Act Sept. 14,2007, P.L. 

110-81, Title 11, § 215, 121 Stat. 751, provides: "Except as otherwise provided in sections 203, 204, 206, 211, 212, and 

213 [for full classification, consult USCS Tables volumes], the amendments made by this title [for full classification, 

consult USCS Tables volumes] shall apply with respect to registrations under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 [2 

USCS §§ 1601 et seq. generally; for full classification, consult USCS Tables volumes] having an effective date of 

January I, 2008, or later and with respect to quarterly reports under that Act covering calendar quarters beginning on or 

after January 1,2008.". 

NOTES: 

Code of Federal Regulations: 

Federal Election Commission--Scope and definitions (2 U.s.c. 431), II CFR 100.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Candidate status and designations (2 US.c. 432(e)), 11 CFR 101.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Registration, organization, and recordkeeping by political committees (2 U.S.C 433), 

II CFR 102.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Reports by political committees and other persons (2 US. C. 434), II CFR 104.1 et 

seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Filing copies of reports and statements with State officers (2 US.c. 439), II CFR 

108.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Coordinated and independent expenditures (2 U.S.C. 431 (17),4410(0) and (d), and 

Pub. L. 107-155 Sec. 214(c)), II CFR 109.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Corporate and labor organization activity, II CFR 114.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Debts owed by candidates and political committees, II CFR 116.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Non-Federal funds, 11 CFR 300.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Increased limits for candidates opposing self-financed candidates, II CFR 400.1 et 

seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Reports and recordkeeping, II CFR 9006.1 et seq. 

Related Statutes & Rules: 

This section is referred to in 2 USCS §§ 431,432, 437g, 438, 4390, 4410, 44Ib, 44Id, 44Ie, 1604; 5 USCS Appx § 

109. 

Research Guide: 

Am Jur: 

26 Am JUI' 2d, Elections §§ 354,468. 

Criminal Law and Practice: 

2 Business Crime (Matthew Bender), ch 6A, Preventing Corporate Criminal Liability P 6A,01. 

Annotations: 

Validity, Construction, and Application of Campaign Finance Laws-Supreme Court Cases. 19 ALR Fed 2d I, 

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2 USCS § 434 

Actionability, under 42 USCS § 1983, of claim arising out of maladministration of election. 66 ALR Fed 750. 

Validity and construction of state statute prohibiting anonymous political advertising. 4 ALR4th 741. 

Page 18 

Validity and construction of orders and enactments requiring public officers and employees, or candidates for office, 

to disclose financial condition, interests, or relationships. 22 ALR4th 237. 

Election campaign activities as ground for disciplining attorney. 26 ALR4th 170. 

Texts: 

1 Banking Law (Matthew Bender), ch 14, Banks and Political Activities §§ 14.02, 14.05. 

1 The Law of Advertising (Matthew Bender), ch 7, Access to the Media § 7.05. 

Law Review Articles: 

Schotland. Analyzing the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002. 56 Adm Law Rev 867, Summer 2004. 

Briffault. WRTL II: The Sharpest Tum in Campaign Finance's Long and Winding Road. 1 Alb Gov't L Rev 101, 

2008. 

Ortiz. The Difference Two Justices Make: FEC v. Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc. II and the Destabilization of 

Campaign Finance Regulation. 1 Alb Gov't L Rev 141, 2008. 

Weinstein. Campaign Finance Reform And The First Amendment: An Introduction. 34 Ariz St U 1057, Winter 2002. 

Goldberg. Federal and State Campaign Finance Reform: Lessons for the New Millennium. 34 Ariz St U 1143, 

Winter 2002. 

Briffault. The Future of Reform: Campaign Finance After the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002. 34 Ariz St 

U 1179, Winter 2002. 

Hansen. Anything But Typical. 89 ABA J 22, 24, September 2003. 

Bopp; Coleson. Distinguishing "Genuinell from "Sham" in Grassroots Lobbying: Protecting the Right to Petition 

During Elections. 29 Campbell L Rev 353, Spring 2007. 

Bungard. You Can't Touch This: A Lesson to Legislators on Political Speech. 1 First Amend L Rev 13, Spring 2003. 

May. Swift Boat Vets in 2004: Press Coverage of an Independent Campaign. 4 First Amend L Rev 66, Fall 2005. 

Simmons. An Essay on Federal Income Taxation and Campaign Finance Reform. 54 Flo L Rev 1, January 2002. 

Tobin. Anonymous Speech and Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. 37 Go L Rev 611, Winter 2003. 

Galston. The Law of Politics: The Role of Law in Advancing Democracy: Emerging Constitutional Paradigms and 

Justifications for Campaign Finance Regulation: The Case of527 Groups. 95 Geo LJ 1181, April 2007. 

Adamany. Political Finance and the American Political Parties. 10 Hastings Canst L Q 497, Spring 1983. 

Hasen. Beyond Incoherence: The Roberts Court's Deregnlatory Tum in FEC v. Wisconsin Right to Life. 92 Minn L 

Rev 1064, April 2008. 

Holman. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act: Limits and Opportunities for Non-Profit Groups in Federal Elections. 

31 N Ky L Rev 243,2004. 

Grant. Election campaign funding reform and judicial review in the United States. Public Law, Autumn 2004. 

Clark; Lichtman. The Finger in the Dike: Campaign Finance Regulation After McConnell. 39 Suffolk U L Rev 629, 

2006. 

Briffault. Issue Advocacy: Redrawing the Elections/Politics Line. 77 rex L Rev 1751,1999. 

Overton. Restraint and Responsibility: Judicial Review of Campaign Reform. 61 Wash & Lee L Rev 663, Spring 

2004. 

Feingold. Campaign Finance Reform. 22 Yale Law & Pol'y Rev 339, Spring 2004. 

Interpretive Notes and Decisions: 

I. Generally; purpose 2. Constitutional issues 3.-First amendment rights 4. FEC regulations 5. Filing requirements 6. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 64
Page 19 

2 USCS § 434 

Judicial review 

1. Generally; purpose 

Purpose of requirements of provisions of 2 USCS § 434(e) [now 2 USCS § 434(c)] was to achieve full disclosure so 

as to inform voters and to achieve through publicity maximum deterrence to corruption and undue influence; to avoid 

unconstitutionality on grounds of overbreadth and vagueness, provisions in § 434(e) [now § 434(c)] must be construed 

as imposing independent reporting requirements only when specified individuals and groups make contributions 

earmarked for political purposes or authorized or requested by candidate or his agent to some person other than 

candidate or political committee. and they make expenditures for communication expressly advocating election or 

defeat of clearly identified candidate; independent contributions and expenditures by individuals or groups in support of 

candidates of parties that have been found to be exempt from general disclosure requirements of act (2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq.) because of possibility of violation of First Amendment speech and association rights were exempt from provisions 

in § 434(e) [now § 434(c)]. Buckley v Valeo (1976) 424 US 1,96 S Ct 612,46 L Ed 2d 659, 76-1 USTC P 9189 

(criticized in Homans v City of Albuquerque (2002, DC NM) 217 F Supp 2d 1197) and (criticized in McConnell v FEC 

(2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 L Ed 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13) and (criticized in Ctr.for Individual Freedom, 

Inc. v Ireland (2008, SD W Va) 2008 US Dist LEXIS 83856). 

Minority party striving to avoid disclosure provisions of Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) 

does not carry burden of demonstrating that harassment will certainly follow compelled disclosure of contributors' 

names. Federal Election Com. v Hall·Tyner Election Campaign Commillee (1982, CA2 NY) 678 F2d 416, cert den 

(1983) 459 US Jl45, 74 L Ed 2d 992, 103 S Ct 785. 

2. Constitutional issues 

Title I of Bipartisan Campaign Refonn Act of 2002 (codified at locations including 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq.)~-regulating use of "soft moneyU by political parties, officeholders, and candidates--does not exceed Congress' 

authority under Federal Constitution's elections clause to make or alter rules governing federal elections. McConnell v 

FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 L Ed 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 

476 F Supp 2d 515). 

Title I of Bipartisan Campaign Refonn Act of 2002 (BCRA) (codified at locations including 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq.)--regulating lise ofl1 soft money" by political parties, officeholders, and candidates--does not impair authority of 

states to regulate their own elections and thus does not violate federal constitutional principles offederalisrn. 

McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93,124 S Ct 619,157 L Ed 2d 491,17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake 

(2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 515). 

Title I of Bipartisan Campaign Refonn Act of2002 (BCRA) (codified at locations including 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq.) does not violate equal protection component of due process clause of Federal Constitution's Fifth Amendment as 

allegedly discriminating against political parties in favor of special interest groups. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 

93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 LEd 2d 491,17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jacksoll v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 

515). 

Where organization asserted that application of 2 USCS § 434(j)(3) to its grassroots lobbying advertisements was 

unconstitutional, previous U.S. Supreme Court holding that definition of electioneering communications under § 

434(1)(3) was facially valid did not preclude organization's challenge to definition as applied to its advertisements; in 

upholding 2 USCS § 434(j) (3) against facial challenge, U.S. Supreme Court does not purport to resolve future 

as·applied challenges. Wis. Right to Life, Illc. v FEC (2006) 546 US 410, 126 S Ct 1016, 163 L Ed 2d 990, on remand, 

injunction den (2006, DC Dist Col) 2006 US Dist LEXIS 65661. 

3.-First amendment rights 

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Page 20 

2 USCS § 434 

Provision of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 USCS § 434(b}(9}) is constitutional on its face, insofar as it 

requires identification to Federal Election Commission of independent expenditures in support of candidate, even 

though such mandatory reporting impedes activity protected under First Amendment. McIntyre v Ohio Elections 

Comm'n (1995) 514 US 334, 131 LEd 2d 426, Jl5 S Ct 1511,95 CDOS 2853,95 Daily Journal DAR 4972, 23 Media L 

R 1577, 8 FLW Fed S 721. 

On its face, § 304 of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) (2 USCS § 434), as amended by Title Il of 

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002, does not violate free speech guarantee of Federal Constitlllion's First 

Amendment by providing disclosure and expenditure requirements with respect to funding of electioneering 

communications. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct619, 157 LEd 2d 491,17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in 

Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 515}. 

On its face, § 304 of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) (2 USCS § 434), as amended by Title Il of 

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002 (BCRA), does not violate Federal Constitution's First Amendment by 

requiring disclosure of (I) names of persons who contributed S 1,000 or more to individual or group that paid for 

electioneering communication, and (2) executory contracts for communications that have not yet aired. McConnell 11 

FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 LEd 2d 491,17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 

476FSupp2d515}. 

u.s. Supreme Court's rejection of facial challenge, under Federal Constitution's First Amendment, to 

requirement-in § 304 of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 USCS § 434)-to disclose individual donors who 

paid for electioneering communication does not foreclose possible future challenges to particular applications of that 

requirement. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 LEd 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in 

Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 515}. 

Because audit provisions neither explicitly nor implicitly authorize disclosure by Federal Election Commission of 

contribution records, confidential status of those records precludes any claim of real or threatened injury to First 

Amendment interests arising from public disclosure. Buckley v Valeo (I975, App DC) 171 US App DC 172. 519 F2d 

821. 75-2 USTC P 9750, mod on other grounds (1976, App DC) 174 USApp DC 300,532 F2d 187, affd in part and 

revd in part on other grounds (1976) 424 US 1, 96 S Ct 612,46 L Ed 2d 659, 76-1 USTC P 9189 (criticized in Homans v 

City of Albuquerque (2002, DC NM) 217 F Supp 2d 1197} and (criticized in McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93. 124 S 

Ct 619, 157 L Ed 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13) and (criticized in Ctr.forlndividual Freedom, Inc. v ireland (2008, SD W 

Va) 2008 US Dist LEXIS 83856}. 

Federal Election Commission mailing of questionnaires to Lyndon LaRouche 1984 presidential campaign 

contributors as part of investigation into unauthorized credit card transactions which violated Federal Election 

Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 434{b)(2) and (3)) did not infringe LaRouche campaign volunteers' first amendment rights, 

where volunteers alleged fear of federal scrutiny of their political activities chilled their participation in electoral 

process and hurt campaign, because investigation was required, questionnaire technique was not intrusive, and "chill" 

experienced by volunteers was no more than natural response anyone would have if questioned by federal agent about 

campaign contributions. Spannaus v Federal Election Com. (1986, SD NY) 641 F Supp 1520, affd without op (1987, 

CA2 NY) 816 F2d 670. 

Citizens group's proposed advertisements for movie produced by group to advocate against political candidate fell 

within safe harbor of prohibitions of Federal Election Commission because advertisements merely proposed 

commercial transaction, to buy movie; however, there was no violation of First Amendment to require group's 

advertisements to comply with disclosure and disclaimer requirements of 2 USCS §§ 434(j) and 441dbecause 

advertisements were within entire range of electioneering communications and group presented no evidence to show 

that disclosure of information would yield reprisals. Citizens United v FEC (2008, DC Dist Col) 530 F StipP 2d 274, 

motions ruled upon (2008, DC Dist Col) 2008 US Dist LEXIS 54767. 

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Page 21 

2 USCS § 434 

4. FEe regulations 

FEC regulation requiring political conunittees to send follow-up request to donors who fail to supply personally 

identifying infonnation in response to original solicitation is consistent with statute1s language that committees 

demonstrate their "best efforts" to encourage donors to disclose such infonnation. but language of regulation stating that 

federal law requires political committees to report such infonnation for each donor contributing more than S 200 per 

year is inaccurate and misleading since statute does not require committees to report information for each donor, only 

that they use best efforts to gather and report information, nor does Act require donors to supply such information. 

Republican Nat'l Comm. v Federal Election Comm'n (1996, App DC) 316 US App DC 139, 76 F3d 400, cert den (1997) 

519 US 1055, 136 LEd 2d 607, 117 S Ct 682. 

Federal Election Commission's regulation, 11 CF.R. § 100.29(0)(2), (b)(3)(i), contradicted plain text of Bipartisan 

Campaign Finance Reform Act of2002, Pub. L. No. 107-155, 116 Stat. 81, and unambiguous congressional intent 

because it interpreted Uelectioneering communicationlt in 2 uses § 434(j)(3) as purchased transmissions that were 

"made" for fee and such rule permitted broadcasters to run ads up to election day provided that it sacrificed its bottom 

line for its beliefs. Shays v FEC (2005, App DC) 367 US App DC 185,414 F3d 76. 

To extent that 11 CF.R. § 100.29(c)(6), in implementing 2 USCS § 434(j)(3)(B), defined "electioneering 

communication" to exclude communications by tax exempt organizations, regulation was invalid; there was no reasoned 

analysis supporting exclusion in absence of consideration of whether prohibition of tax laws against such organizations' 

intervention in political campaigns was co-extensive with federal campaign laws, and thus exclusion was arbitrary and 

capricious within meaning of 5 USCS § 706(2)(A). Shays v FEC (2004, DC Dist Col) 337 F Supp 2d 28, dismd, in part 

(2004, App DC) 2004 USApp LEXIS 24896 and affd (2005, App DC) 367 US App DC 185,414 F3d 76. 

To extent that 11 C.F.R. § JOO.29(b)(3)(i), in implementing 2 USCS § 434(j)(3}(B), defines "electioneering 

communication" to exempt from regulation all communications, regardless of their content, provided that fee is not paid 

for their broadcast, regulation is invalid as contrary to statutory requirement that public communications that promote or 

oppose candidate for office be regulated. Shays v FEC (2004, DC Dist Col) 337 F Supp 2d 28, dismd, in part (2004, 

App DC) 2004 USApp LEXIS 24896 and affd (2005, App DC) 367 US App DC 185,414 F3d 76. 

5. Filing requirements 

Filing requirements of 2 USCS § 434(e) [now 2 USCS § 434(c)] need not be complied with where nothing 

contained in published pamphlet can rationally be tertned express advocacy of election or defeat of clearly identified 

candidate. Federal Election Com. v Central Long Island Tax Reform Immediately Committee (1980, CA2 NY) 616 F2d 

45 (criticized in Chamber of Commerce of the United States v Moore (2000, SD Miss) 191 F Supp 2d 747) and 

(criticized in Cal. Pro-Life Council, Inc. v Getman (2003, CA9 Cal) 328 F3d 1088, 2003 Daily Journal DAR 4990). 

Individual who paid for newspaper advertisement stating "don't let him do it" in reference to federal presidential 

candidate, was obligated to file statement and disclosure of amount paid as independent political expenditure under 2 

USCS § 434 since advertisement expressly advocated for defeat of candidate notwithstanding that there was no express 

indication of what action reader should take where (1) advertisement focused on what reader's should do to prevent 

candidate from alleged campaign abuses and poor perfonnance in office, (2) only action available for readers was to 

vote against candidate in upcoming election and (3) advertisement's timing, less than one week before election, left no 

doubt of action proposed. FEC v Furgatch (1987, CA9 Cal) 807 F2d 857, cert den (1987) 484 US 850, 98 L Ed 2d 106, 

108 S Ct 151 and (criticized in Virginia Soc'yfor Human Life, Inc. v FEC (2000, ED Va) 83 F Supp 2d 668) and 

(criticized in League of Women Voters of State v Davidson (2001, App) 23 P3d 1266,30 ColoJ CAR 159, 2001 Colo J 

CAR 1795) and (criticized in Chamber of Commerce of the United States v Moore (2002, CA5 Miss) 288 F3d 187) and 

(criticized in Governor Gray Davis Com. v American Taxpayers Alliance (2002, 1st Dist) 102 Cal App 4th 449, 125 Cal 

Rptr 2d 534, 2002 CDOS 9916, 2002 Daily Journal DAR 11177, 31 Media L R 1161) and (criticized in McConnell v 

FEC (2003, DC Dist Col) 251 F Supp 2d 176) and (criticized in N.C Right to Life, Inc. v Leake (2003, CM NC) 344 

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2 USCS § 434 

F3d 418). 

Under Federal Election Campaign Act, Finance Committee to Re-Elect the President was required to report 

contributions to General Accounting Office both at time of promise and at time of delivery rather than only at time of 

promise under Corrupt Practices Act of 1925; contribution promised prior to effective date of Federal Election 

Campaign Act of 1971 would still be reportable if delivered subsequent to effective date of Act. United States v 

Finance Committee to Re--Elect President (1974, App DC) 165 US App DC 371,507 F2d 1194. 

Federal Election Commission was reqUired, under 2 USCS §§ 437g(a)(1) and (8), to investigate each sworn 

complaint received concerning disputes over Lyndon LaRouche 1984 presidential campaign's "repayment of loans to 

contributors,l1 where several complaints involved campaign's reporting as loans on contributions money allegedly given 

for other purposes or not given voluntarily, because, although Commission has indicated it will not resolve creditor 

disputes, it still has responsibilities under 2 USCS § 434(b)(8) for ensuring that debts are correctly reported. Spannaus v 

Federal Election Com. (1986, SD NY) 641 F Supp 1520, affd without op (1987, CA2 Ny) 816 F2d 670. 

Two organizations were "political committees" under Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq., because organizations' major purpose was nomination or election of specific candidates; organizations violated Act 

by failing to file periodic reports with Federal Election Commission. FEC v Malenick (2004, DC Dist Col) 310 F Supp 

2d 230. 

Since 2 uses § 434 requires itemization of expenditures including dates, names, and purposes, expenditures must 

be set forth in detail and several items must not be lumped together under general heading. Barnes v Durante (1973) 75 

Mise 2d 881, 348 NYS2d 928. 

6. Judicial review 

Federal Election Commission's denial of complaint concerning reporting of expenses of Ronald Reagan trip 

following 1984 Republican National Convention is remanded under 2 USCS § 437g, both for explanation oflegal 

standard actually applied and statement of reasons demonstrating how Commission applied such legal standard, because 

Commission apparently merely applied 2-prong test in deciding trip was not campaign-related, which was departure 

from previously used "totality of circumstances" test, and relied on its general counsel's report as support or explanation 

for dismissing complaint even though report found "reason to believe" violation of 2 USCS § 434(b)(4) had occurred by 

campaign treasurer's failure to report trip expenses. Common Cause v Federal Election Com. (1986, DC Dist Col) 676 

F Supp 286. 

Federal Election Commission fine imposed on campaign treasurer and campaign committee for late-filed 

Congressional campaign year end report was vacated and remanded because Commission failed to issue opinion and, in 

particular, failed to address argwnent that best efforts absolved defendants of liability. Lovely v FEC (2004, DC Mass) 

307 F Supp 2d 294. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 68
TABS 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 69
."LexisNexis· 

LEXSTAT 2 U.S.c. A§ 437G 

UNITED STATES CODE SERVICE 

Copyright © 2009 Matthew Bender & Company, Inc. 

a member of the LexisNexis Group (TM) 

All rights reserved . 

••• CURRENT THROUGH PL I I 1-90, APPROVED 11/03/2009 WITH A GAP OF I I 1-84 ••• 

§ 437g. Enforcement 

TITLE 2. THE CONGRESS 

CHAPTER 14. FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 

DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS 

Go to the United States Code Service Archive Directory 

2 USCS§ 437g 

(a) Administrative and judicial practice and procedure. 

Page I 

(1) Any person who believes a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 

1954 [1986] [26 USCS §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.] has occurred, may file a complaint with the Commission. Such 

complaint shall be in writing, signed and sworn to by the person filing such complaint, shall be notarized, and shall be 

made under penalty of petjuty and subject to the provisions of seclion 1001 of tille 18, Uniled Siaies Code. Within 5 

days after receipt of a complaint, the Commission shall notify, in writing, any person alleged in the complaint to have 

committed such a violation. Before the Commission conducts any vote on the complaint, other than a vote to dismiss, 

any person so notified shall have the opportunity to demonstrate, in writing, to the Commission within 15 days after 

notification that no action should be taken against such person on the basis of the complaint. The Commission may not 

conduct any investigation or take any other action under this section solely on the basis of a complaint of a person 

whose identity is not disclosed to the Commission. 

(2) Ifthe Commission, upon receiving a complaint under paragraph (1) or on the basis of information ascertained in 

the normal course of carrying out its supervisory responsibilities, determines, by an affirmative vote of 4 of its 

members, that it has reason to believe that a person has committed, or is about to commit, a violation of this Act or 

chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 USCS §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.], the 

Commission shall, through its chairman or vice chairman, notify the person of the alleged violation. Such notification 

shall set forth the factual basis for such alleged violation. The Commission shall make an investigation of such alleged 

violation, which may include a field investigation Of audit, in accordance with the provisions of this section. 

(3) The general counsel of the Commission shall notify the respondent of any recommendation to the Commission by 

the general counsel to proceed to a vote on probable cause pursuant to paragraph (4)(A)(i). With such notification, the 

general counsel shall include a brief stating the position of the general counsel on the legal and fuctual issues of the 

case. Within 15 days of receipt of such brief, respondent may submit a brief stating the position of such respondent on 

the legal and factual issues of the case, and replying to the brief of general counsel. Such briefs shall be filed with the 

Secretary of the Commission and shall be considered by the Commission before proceeding under paragraph (4). 

(4) (A) (i) Except as provided in clauses [clause] (ii) and subparagraph (C), ifthe Commission determines, by an 

affirmative vote of 4 of its members, that there is probable cause to believe that any person has committed, or is about to 

commit, a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 USCS §§ 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 70
Page 2 

2 USCS § 437g 

9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.], the Commission shall attempt, for a period of at least 30 days, to correct or prevent such 

violation by infonnal methods of conference, conciliation, and persuasion, and to enter into a conciliation agreement 

with any person involved. Such attempt by the Commission to correct or preven~ such violation may continue for a 

period of not more than 90 days. The Commission may not enter into a conciliation agreement under this clause except 

pursuant to an affirmative vote of 4 of its members. A conciliation agreement, unless violated, is a complete bar to any 

further action by the Commission, including the bringing of a civil proceeding under paragraph (6)(A). 

(ii) Ifany determination of the Commission under clause (i) occurs during the 45-day period immediately 

preceding any election, then the Commission shall attempt, for a period of at least 15 days, to correct or prevent the 

violation involved by the methods specified in clause (i). 

(B) (i) No action by the Commission or any person, and no infonnation derived, in connection with any conciliation 

attempt by the Commission under subparagraph (A) may be made public by the Commission without the written 

consent of the respondent and the Commission. 

(ii) If a conciliation agreement is agreed upon by the Commission and the respondent, the Commission shall make 

public any conciliation agreement signed by both the Commission and the respondent. If the Commission makes a 

determination that a person has not violated this Act or chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 

[1986] [26 uses §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.], the Commission shall make public such determination. 

(C) (i) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case ofa violation of any requirement of section 304(a) of the Act 

(2 U.S. C. 434(a)), the Commission may--

(1) find that a person committed such a violation on the basis of information obtained pursuant to the procedures 

described in paragraphs (I) and (2); and 

(II) based on such finding, require the person to pay a civil money penalty in an amount determined under a 

schedule of penalties which is established and published by the Commission and which takes into account the amount of 

the violation involved, the existence of previous violations by the person, and such other factors as the Commission 

considers appropriate. 

(ii) The Commission may not make any determination adverse to a person under clause (i) until the person has 

been given written notice and an opportunity to be heard before the Commission. 

(iii) Any person against whom an adverse determination is made under this subparagraph may obtain a review of 

such determination in the district court of the United States for the district in which the person resides, or transacts 

business, by filing in such court (prior to the expiration of the 30-day period which begins on the date the person 

receives notification of the determination) a written petition requesting that the detennination be modified or set aside. 

(iv) This subparagraph shall apply with respect to violations that relate to reporting periods that begin on or after 

January 1,2000, and that end on or before December 31, 2013. 

(5) (A) If the Commission believes that a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue 

Code of 1954 [1986] [26 uses §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.] has been committed, a conciliation agreement entered 

into by the Commission under paragraphs (4)(A) may include a requirement that the person involved in such 

conciliation agreement shall pay a civil penalty which does not exceed the greater ofS 5,000 or an amount equal to any 

contribution or expenditure involved in such violation. 

(B) If the Commission believes that a knowing and willful violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 ofthe 

Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 uses §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.] has been committed, a conciliation 

agreement entered into by the Commission under paragraph (4)(A) may require that the person involved in such 

conciliation agreement shall pay a civil penalty which does not exceed the greater ofS 10,000 or an amount equal to 

200 percent of any contnbution or expenditure involved in such violation (or, in the case of a violation of section 320 [2 

uses § 441j], which is not less than 300 percent of the amount involved in the violation and is not more than the 

greater ofS 50,000 or 1,000 percent of the amount involved in the violation). 

(C) If the Commission by an affirmative vote of 4 of its members, determines that there is probable cause to believe 

that a knowing and willful violation of this Act which is subject to subsection (d), or a knowing and willful violation of 

chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 uses §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.], has 

occurred or is about to occur, it may refer such apparent violation to the Attorney General of the United States without 

regard to any limitations set forth in paragraph (4)(A). 

(D) In any case in which a person has entered into a conciliation agreement with the Commission under paragraph 

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Page 3 

2 USCS § 437g 

(4)(A), the Commission may institute a civil action for relief under paragraph (6)(A) ifit believes that the person has 

violated any provision of such conciliation agreement. For the Commission to obtain relief in any civil action, the 

Commission need only establish that the person has violated, in whole or in part, any requirement of such conciliation 

agreement. 

(6) (A) If the Commission is unable to correct or prevent any violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the 

Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 USCS §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.], by the methods specified in paragraph 

(4), the Commission may, upon an affinnative vote of 4 of its members, institute a civil action for relief, including a 

permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or any other appropriate order (including an order for a civil 

penalty which does not exceed the greater ofS 5,000 or an amount equal to any contribution or expenditure involved in 

such violation) in the district court of the United States for the district in which the person against whom such action is 

brought is found, resides, or transacts business. 

(B) In any civil action instituted by the Conunission under subparagraph (A), the court rnay grant a permanent or 

temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order, including a civil penalty which does not exceed the greater of S 

5,000 or an amount equal to any contribution or expenditure involved in such violation, upon a proper showing that the 

person involved has committed, or is about to commit (if the relief sought is a permanent or temporary injunction or a 

restraining order), a violation of this Act or chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 

USCS §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.]. 

(C) In any civil action for relief instituted by the Commission under subparagraph (A), if the court determines that 

the Commission has established that the person involved in such civil action has committed a knowing a willful 

violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 USCS §§ 9001 et 

seq. or 9031 et seq.], the court may impose a civil penalty which does not exceed the greater of$ 10,000 or an amount 

equal to 200 percent of any contribution or expenditure involved in such violation (or, in the case of a violation of 

section 320 [2 USCS § 441jj, which is not less than 300 percent of the amount involved in the violation and is not more 

than the greater ofS 50,000 or 1,000 percent of the amount involved in the violation). 

(7) In any action brought under paragraph (5) or (6), subpenas for witnesses who are required to attend a United States 

district court may run into any other district. 

(8) (A) Any party aggrieved by an order of the Commission dismissing a complaint filed by such party under 

paragraph (1), or by a failure of the Conunission to act on such complaint during the 120-day period beginning on the 

date the complaint is filed, may file a petition with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. 

(B) Any petition under subparagraph (A) shall be filed, in the case of a dismissal of a complaint by the Conunission, 

within 60 days after the date of the dismissal. 

(C) In any proceeding under this paragraph the court may declare that the dismissal of the complaint or the failure to 

act is contrary to law, and may direct the Commission to conform with such declaration within 30 days, failing which 

the complainant may bring, in the name of such complainant, a civil action to remedy the violation involved in the 

original complaint. 

(9) Any judgment ofa district court under this subsection may be appealed to the court of appeals, and the judgment 

of the court of appeals affirming or setting aside, in whole or in part, any such order of the district court shall be final, 

subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification as provided in section 1254 

of til Ie 28, United States Code. 

(10) [Repealed] 

(11) If the Commission detennines after an investigation that any person has violated an order of the court entered in a 

proceeding brought under paragraph (6), it may petition the court for an order to hold such person in civil contempt, but 

if it believes the violation to be knowing and willful it may petition the court for an order to hold such person in 

criminal contempt. 

(12) (A) Any notification or investigation made under this section shall not be made public by the Conunission or by 

any person without the written consent of the person receiving such notification or the person with respect to whom 

such investigation is made. 

(B) Any member or employee of the Commission, or any other person, who violates the provisions of subparagraph 

(A) shall be fined not more than $ 2,000. Any such member, employee, or other person who knowingly and willfully 

violates the provisions of subparagraph (A) shall be fined not more than S 5,000. 

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(b) Notice to persons not filing required reports prior to institutions of enforcement action; publication of identity of 

persons and unfiled reports. Before taking any action under subsection (a) against any person who has failed to file a 

report required under section 304(a)(2)(A)(iii) [2 uses § 434(a)(J)(A)(iii)J for the calendar quarter irronediately 

preceding the election involved, or in accordance with section 304(a)(2)(A)(i) [2 uses § 434(a)(2)(A)(i)J, the 

Commission shall notifY the person of such failure to file the required reports. If a satisfactory response is not received 

within 4 business days after the date of notification, the Commission shall, pursuant to section 311 (a)(7) [2 uses § 

438(a)(7)], publish before the elcction the name of the person and the report or reports such person has failed to file. 

(c) Reports by the Attorney General of apparent violations. Whenever the Corronission refers an apparent violation to 

the Attorney General, the Attorney General shall report to the Commission any action taken by the Attorney General 

regarding the apparent violation. Each report shall be transmitted within 60 days after the date the Commission refers an 

apparent violation, and every 30 days thereafter until the final disposition of the apparent violation. 

(d) Penalties; defenses; mitigation of offenses. 

(I) (A) Any person who knowingly and willfully commits a violation of any provision of this Act which involves the 

making, receiving, or reporting of any contribution, donation, or expenditure-~ 

(i) aggregating $ 25,000 or more during a calendar year shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or 

imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both; or 

(ii) aggregating $ 2,000 or more (but less than $ 25,000) during a calendar year shall be fined under such title, or 

imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both. 

(B) In the case of a knowing and willful violation of section 316(b)(3) [2 uses § 441b(b)(3)J, the penalties set forth 

in this subsection shall apply to a violation involving an amount aggregating $ 250 or more during a calendar year. Such 

violation of section 3 16(b)(3) [2 uses § 441b(b)(3)J may incorporate a violation of section 3 I 7(b), 320, or 321 [J 

uses § 441c(b), 441f, or 441g]. 

(C) In the case of a knowing and willful violation of section 322 [2 uses § 441 IlJ, the penalties set forth in this 

subsection shall apply without regard to whether the making, receiving, or reporting of a contribution or expenditure of 

$ 1,000 or more is involved. 

(D) Any person who knowingly and willfully corronits a violation of section 320 [2 uses § 441jJ involving an 

amount aggregating more than $ 10,000 during a calendar year shall be--

(i) imprisoned for not more than 2 years if the amount is less than $ 25,000 (and subject to imprisonment under 

subparagraph (A) ifthe amount is $ 25,000 or more); 

(ii) fined not less than 300 percent of the amount involved in the violation and not more than the greater of-

(I) S 50,000; or 

(Il) 1,000 percent of the amount involved in the violation; or 

(iii) both imprisoned under clause (i) and fined under clause (ii). 

(2) In any criminal action brought for a violation of any provision of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 ofthe 

Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986J [26 uses §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.J, any defendant may evidence their 

lack of knowledge or intent to commit the alleged violation by introducing as evidence a conciliation agreement entered 

into between the defendant and the Commission under subsection (a)(4)(A) which specifically deals with the act or 

failure to act constituting such violation and which is still in effect. 

(3) In any criminal action brought for a violation of any provision of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 ofthe 

Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986J [26 uses §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.J, the court before which such action is 

brought shall take into account, in weighing the seriousness of the violation and in considering the appropriateness of 

the penalty to be imposed if the defendant is found guilty, whether-

(A) the specific act or failure to act which constitutes the violation for which the action was brought is the subject of 

a conciliation agreement entered into between the defendant and the Commission under subparagraph (a)(4)(A); 

(B) the conciliation agreement is in effect; and 

(C) the defendant is, with respect to the violation involved, in compliance with the conciliation agreement. 

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2USCS § 437g 

HISTORY: 

(Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, Title 1JI, § 309 [313] [314], as added Oct. 15, 1974, P.L. 93-443, Title n, § 208(a), 88 Stat. 

1284; May I 1,1976, P.L. 94-283, Title I, §§ 105, 109,90 Stat. 481, 483; Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, Title I, §§ 105(4), 

108,93 Stat. 1354, 1358; Nov. 8, 1984, P.L. 98-620, Title IV, Subtitle A, § 402(1)(A), 98 Stat. 3357; Sept. 29, 1999, 

P.L. 106-58, Title VI, § 640(a), (b), 113 Stat. 476; March 27, 2002, P.L. 107-155, Title Ill, §§ 312(a), 315(a), (b), 116 

Stat. 106, 108; Oct. 16,2008, P.L. 110-433, § l(a), 122 Stat. 4971.) 

HISTORY; ANCILLARY LAWS AND DIRECTIVES 

References in text: 

"This Act", referred to in this section, is Act Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, popularly known as the Fedeml Election 

Campaign Act of 1971, which generally appears as 2 USCS §§ 431 et seq. For full classification of such Act, consult 

USCS Tables volumes. 

The word "clause" has been inserted in brackets in subsec. (a)(4)(A)(i) to indicate the word probably intended by 

Congress. 

Explanatory notes: 

"1986" has been inserted in brackets in subsecs. (a) and (d) pursuant to § 2 of Act Oct. 22, 1986, P.L. 99-514, which 

redesignated the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (Act Aug. 16, 1954, ch 736) as the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. In 

redesignating the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Congress provided, in Act Oct. 

22, 1986, P.L. 99-514, § 2(b), 100 Stat. 2095, for construction of references to the Internal Revenue Code as follows: 

except when inappropriate, any reference in any law, Executive Order, Of other document to the Internal Revenue Code 

of 1954 shall include a reference to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and any reference to the Internal Revenue Code 

of 1986 shall include a reference to the provisions of law formerly known as the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. 

Provisions similar to those comprising subsec. (a) ofthis section were contained in Act Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, 

Title III, § 308(d), 86 Stat. 18 (2 uses § 438(d}), prior to amendment of § 308 by Act Oct. 15, 1974, P.L. 93-443, § 

208(a), 88 Stat. 1280. 

Effective date of section: 

This section took effect Jan. I, 1975, pursuant to § 410(a) of Act Oct. 15, 1974, which appears as 2 uses § 431 note. 

Amendments: 

1976. Act May I I, 1976 substituted the text of this section for text which read: 

"(a) 

( I) 

(A) Any person who believes a violation of this Act or of section 608, 610, 611, 613, 614, 615, 616, or 617 of title 

18, United States Code, has occurred may file a complaint with the Commission. 

"(B) In any case in which the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate (who receive 

reports and statements as custodian for the Commission) has reason to believe a violation of this Act or section 608, 

610, 611, 613, 6 I 4, 615, 616, or 6 I 7 of title 18, United States Code, has occurred, he shall refer such apparent violation 

to the Commission. 

"(2) The Commission, upon receiving any complaint under paragmph (1)(A), or a referral under paragraph (1)(B), 

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2 USCS § 437g 

or if it has reason to believe that any person has committed a violation of any such provision, shall notify the person 

involved of such apparent violation and shall--

"(A) report such apparent violation to the Attorney General; or 

"(B) make an investigation of such apparent violation. 

"(3) Any investigation under paragraph (2)(B) shall be conducted expeditiously and shall include an investigation of 

reports and statements filed by any complainant under this title, if such complainant is a candidate. Any notification or 

investigation made under paragraph (2) shall not be made public by the Commission or by any other person without the 

written consent of the person receiving such notification or the person with respect to whom such investigation is made. 

"(4) The Commission shall, at the request of any person who receives notice cfan apparent violation under 

paragraph (2), conduct a hearing with respect to such apparent violation. 

11(5) If the Commission determines, after investigation, that there is reason to believe that any person has engaged, or 

is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a violation of this Act, it may endeavor to 

correct such violation by infonnal methods of conference, conciliation, and persuasion. If the Commission fails to 

correct the violation through infonnal methods, it may institute a civil action for relief, including a permanent or 

temporary injunction, restraining order, or any other appropriate order in the district court of the United States for the 

district in which the person against whom such action is brought is found, resides, or transacts business. Upon a proper 

showing that such person has engaged or is about to engage in such acts or practices, the court shall grant a pennanent 

or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order. 

"(6) The Commission shall refer apparent violations to the appropriate law enforcement authorities to the extent that 

violations of provisions of chapter 29 of title 18, United States Code, are involved, or if the Commission is unable to 

correct apparent violations of this Act under the authority given it by paragraph (S), or if the Commission determines 

that any such referral is appropriate. 

"(7) Whenever in the judgment of the Commission, after affording due notice and an opportunity for a hearing, any 

person has engaged or is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a violation of any 

provision ofthis Act or of section 608, 610, 611, 613, 614, 61S, 616, or 617 of title 18, United States Code, upon 

request by the Commission the Attorney General on behalf of the United States shall institute a civil action for relief, 

including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or any other appropriate order in the district court of 

the United States for the district in which the person is found, resides, or transacts business. Upon a proper showing that 

such person has engaged or is about to engage in such acts or practices, a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining 

order, or other order shall be granted without bond by such court. 

"(8) In any action brought under paragraph (S) or (7) of this subsection, subpenas for witnesses who are required to 

attend a United States district court may run into any other district. 

"(9) Any party aggrieved by an order granted under paragraph (S) or (7) of this subsection may, at any time within 

60 days after the date of entty thereof, file a petition with the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which such 

order was issued for judicial review of such order. 

"(10) The judgment of the court of appeals affirming or setting aside, in whole or in part, any such order of the 

district court shall be final, subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification 

as provided in seclion 1254 of lille 28, Uniled Siaies Code. 

"(11) Any action brought under this subsection shall be advanced on the docket of the court in which filed, and put 

ahead of all other actions (other than other actions brought under this subsection or under section 31S). 

"(b) In any case in which the Commission refers an apparent violation to the Attorney General, the Attorney General 

shall respond by report to the Commission with respect to any action taken by the Attorney General regarding such 

apparent violation. Each report shall be transmitted no later than 60 days after the date the Commission refers any 

apparent violation, and at the close of every 30-day period thereafter until there is final disposition of such apparent 

violation. The Commission may from time to time prepare and publish reports on the status of such referrals.". 

1980. Act Jan. 8, 1980 (effective 118/80, as provided by Title III, § 301(a) of such Act, which appears as 2 USCS § 431 

note), substituted the text of this section for text which read: 

"(a) 

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2 USCS § 437g 

(I) Any person who believes a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 

1954 has occurred may file a complaint with the Commission. Such complaint shall be in writing, shall be signed and 

sworn to by the person filing such complaint, and shall be notarized. Any person filing such a complaint shall be subject 

to the provisions of section 1001 of title 18, United States Code. The Commission may not conduct any investigation 

under this section, or take any other action under this section, solely on the basis of a complaint of a person whose 

identity is not disclosed to the Commission. 

"(2) The Commission, upon receiving a complaint under paragraph (I), and if it has reason to believe that any 

person has committed a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or, if 

the Commission, on the basis of infonnation ascertained in the Donnal course of carrying out its supervisory 

responsibilities, has reason to believe that such a violation has occurred, shall notifY the person involved of such alleged 

violation and shall make an investigation of such alleged violation in accordance with the provisions of this section. 

"(3) 

(A) Any investigation under paragraph (2) shall be conducted expeditiously and shall include an investigation, 

conducted in accordance with the provisions of this section, of reports and statements filed by any complainant under 

this title, if such complainant is a candidate. 

"(B) Any notification or investigation made under paragraph (2) shall not be made public by the Commission or 

by any person without the written consent of the person receiving such notification or the person with respect to whom 

such investigation is made. 

"(4) The Commission shall afford any person who receives notice of an alleged violation under paragraph (2) a 

reasonable opportunity to demonstrate that no action should be taken against such person by the Commission under this 

Act. 

"(5) 

(A) If the Commission determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that any person has committed or is 

about to commit a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, the 

Commission shall make every endeavor for a period of not less than 30 days to correct or prevent such violation by 

informal methods of conference, conciliation, and persuasion, and to enter into a conciliation agreement with the person 

involved. except that, if the Commission has reasonable cause to believe that-

"(i) any person has failed to file a report required to be filed under section 304(a)(I)(C) for the calendar quarter 

occurring immediately before the date of a general election; 

"(ii) any person has failed to file a report required to be filed no later than I 0 days before an election; or 

"(iii) on the basis ofa complaint filed less than 45 days but more than 10 days before an election, any person has 

committed a knowing and willful violation of this Act or of chapter 95 of chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 

1954; the Commission shall make every effort, for a period of not less than one-half the number of days between the 

date upon which the Commission determines there is reasonable cause to believe such a violation has occurred and the 

date of the election involved, to correct or prevent such violation by informal methods of conference, conciliation, and 

persuasion, and to enter into a conciliation agreement with the person involved. A conciliation agreement, unless 

violated, shall constitute a complete bar to any further action by the Commission, including the bringing of a civil 

proceeding under subparagraph (B). 

n(B) If the Commission is unable to correct or prevent any such violation by such informal methods, the 

Commission may, if the Commission determines there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred or is 

about to occur, institute a civil action for relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or any 

other appropriate order, including a civil penalty which does not exceed the greater ofS 5,000 or an amount equal to the 

amount of any contribution or expenditure involved in such violation, in the district court of the United States for the 

district in which the person against whom such action is brought is found, resides, or transacts business. 

"(C) In any civil action instituted by the Commission under subparagraph (b), the court may grant a permanent or 

temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order, including a civil penalty which does not exceed the greater ofS 

5,000 or an amount equal to the amount of any contribution or expenditure involved in such violation, upon a proper 

showing that the person involved has engaged or is about to engage in a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 

96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. 

"(D) If the Commission determines that there is probable cause to believe that a knowing and willful violation 

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2 USCS § 437g 

subject to and as defined in section 329, or a knowing and willful violation ofa provision of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of 

the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 has occurred or is about to occur, it may refer such apparent violation to the 

Attorney General of the United States without regard to any limitations set forth in subparagraph (A). 

"(6) 

(A) If the Commission believes that there is clear and convincing proof that a knowing and willful violation of this 

Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, has been committed, a conciliation agreement 

entered into by the Commission under paragraph (5)(A) may include a requirement that the person involved in such 

conciliation agreement shall pay a civil penalty which shall not exceed the greater of (i) $ 10,000; or (ii) an amount 

equal to 200 percent of the amount of any contribution or expenditure involved in such violation. 

"(B) If the Commission believes that a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue 

Code of 1954 has been committed, a conciliation agreement entered into by the Commission under paragraph (5)(A) 

may include a requirement that the person involved in such conciliation agreement shall pay a civil penalty which does 

not exceed the greater of (i) $ 5,000; or (ii) an amount equal to the amount of the contribution or expenditure involved 

in such violation. 

"(C) The Commission shall make available to the public (i) the results of any conciliation attempt, including any 

conciliation agreement entered into by the Commission; and (ii) any detennination by the Commission that no violation 

of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 has occurred. 

"(7) In any civil action for relief instituted by the Commission under paragraph (5), if the court determines that the 

Commission has established through clear and convincing proof that the person involved in such civil action has 

committed a knowing and willful violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 

1954, the court may impose a civil penalty of not more than the greater of (A) $ 10,000; or (B) an amount equal to 200 

percent ofthe contribution or expenditure involved in such violation. In any case in which such person has entered into 

a conciliation agreement with the Commission under paragraph (5)(A), the Commission may institute a civil action for 

relief under paragraph (5) if it believes that such person has violated any provision of such conciliation agreement. In 

order for the Commission to obtain relief in any such civil action, it shall be sufficient for the Commission to establish 

that such person has violated, in whole or in part, any requirement of such conciliation agreement. 

"(8) In any action brought under paragraph (5) or paragraph (7), subpenas for witnesses who are required to attend a 

United States district court may run into any other district. 

"(9) 

(A) Any party aggrieved by an order of the Commission dismissing a complaint filed by such party under 

paragraph (1), or by a failure on the part of the Commission to act on such complaint in accordance with the provisions 

of this section within 90 days after the filing of such complaint, may file a petition with the United States District Court 

for the District of Columbia. 

"(B) The filing of any petition under subparagraph (A) shall be made--

"(i) in the case of the dismissal of a complaint by the Commission, no later than 60 days after such dismissal; or 

nOi) in the case of a failure on the part of the Commission to act on such complaint, no later than 60 days after 

the 90-day period specified in subparagraph (A). 

"(C) In any proceeding under this paragraph the court may declare that the dismissal of the complaint or the 

action, or the failure to act, is contrary to law and may direct the Commission to proceed in confonnity with such 

declaration within 30 days, failing which the complainant may bring in his own name a civil action to remedy the 

violation involved in the original complaint. 

"(10) The judgment of the district court may be appealed to the court of appeals and the judgment of the court of 

appeals affirming or setting aside, in whole or in part, any such order of the district court shall be final, subject to 

review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification as provided in section 1254 of title 28, 

United Slales Code. 

"(11) Any action brought under this subsection shall be advanced on the docket of the court in which filed, and put 

ahead of all other actions (other than other actions brought under this subsection or under section 314). 

11(12) If the Commission determines after an investigation that any person has violated an order of the court entered 

in a proceeding brought under paragraph (5) it may petition the court for an order to adjudicate such person in civil 

contempt, except that if it believes the violation to be knowing and willful it may petition the court for an order to 

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adjudicate such person in criminal contempt. 

n(b) In any case in which the Commission refers an apparent violation to the Attorney General, the Attorney general 

shall respond by report to the Commission with respect to any action taken by the Attorney General regarding such 

apparent violation. Each report shall be transmitted no later than 60 days after the date the Commission refers any 

apparent violation, and at the close of every 30-day period thereafter until there is final disposition of such apparent 

violation. The Commission may from time to time prepare and publish reports on the status of such referrals. 

U(c) Any member of the Commission, any employee of the Commission, or any other person who violates the 

provisions of subsection (a)(3)(B) shall be fined not more than S 2,000. Any such member, employee, or other person 

who knowingly and willfully violates the provisions of subsection (a)(3)(B) shall be fined not more than $ 5,000.". 

1984. Act Nov. 8, 1984 (applicable as provided by § 403 of such Act, which appears as 28 uses § 1657 note), deleted 

subsec. (a)(IO), which read: "(10) Any action brought under this subsection shall be advanced on the docket of the court 

in which filed, and put ahead of all other actions (other than other actions brought under this subsection or under section 

310 of this Act". 

1999. Act Sept. 29,1999, in subsec. (a), in para. (4), in subpara. (A)(i), substituted "clauses (ii) and subparagraph (C)" 

for "clause (ii)", and added subpara. (C), and, in para. (6)(A), substituted "paragraph (4)" for "paragraph (4)(A)". 

2002. Act March 27, 2002 (effective on 11/612002, as provided by § 402 of such Act, which appears as 2 uses § 431 

note; and applicable to violations occurring on or after 1116/2002, as provided by § 312(b) of such Act, which appears 

as a note to this section), in subsec. (d)(I), substituted subpara. (A) for one which read: "(A) Any person who knowingly 

and willfully commits a violation of any provision of this Act which involves the making, receiving, or reporting of any 

contribution or expenditure aggregating S 2,000 or more during a calendar year shall be fined, or imprisoned for not 

more than one year, or both. The amount of this fine shall not exceed the greater of S 25,000 or 300 percent of any 

contribution or expenditure involved in such violation. ll, 

Such Act further (effective on 11/6/2002, as provided by § 402 of such Act, which appears as 2 uses § 431 note; and 

applicable with respect to violations occurring on or after 11/6/2002, as provided by § 315(c) of such Act, which 

appears as a note to this section), in subsec. (a), in para. (5)(B), inserted "(or, in the case ofa violation of section 320, 

which is not less than 300 percent of the amount involved in the violation and is not more than the greater of S 50,000 

or 1,000 percent of the amount involved in the violation)", and, in para. (6)(C), inserted "(or, in the case ofa violation of 

section 320, which is not less than 300 percent of the amount involved in the violation and is not more than the greater 

ofS 50,000 or 1,000 percent of the amount involved in the violation)"; and, in subsec. (d)(I), added subpara. (D). 

2008. Act Oct. 16,2008 (effective as if included in Act Sept. 29,1999, as provided in § I(c) of the 2008 Act, which 

appears as a note to this section), in subsec. (a)(4)(C), added cl. (iv). 

Redesignation: 

This section, enacted as § 314 of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, was redesignated § 313 of such Act by § 105 of Act 

May II, 1976; it was further redesignated § 309 of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, by § 105(4) of Act Jan. 8, 1980. 

Section 105 of Act May II, 1976, redesignated § 309 of Act Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, as § 308 of such Act. 

Section 105(3) of Act Jan. 8, 1980, redesignated § 309 of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, as § 306 of such Act. 

Other provisions: 

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2 USCS § 437g 

Repeal of termination of Sept. 29, 1999 amendments of subsecs. (a)(4), (6)(A). Act Sept. 29, 1999, P.L. 106-58, 

Title VI, § 640(c), 113 Stat. 477; Nov. 12,2001, P.L. 107-67, Title VI, § 642, 115 Stat. 555; Jan. 23, 2004, P.L. 

108-199, Div F, Title VI, § 639, 118 Stat. 359; Nov. 30, 2005, P.L. 109-115, Div A, Title VII, § 721,119 Stat. 2493, 

which formerly appeared as a note to this section, was repealed by Act Oct. 16,2008, P.L. 110-433, § 1(b), 122 Stat. 

4971 (effective as ifinc1uded in Act Sept. 29,1999, as provided by § l(c) of the 2008 Act, which appears as a note to 

this section). Such note provided that the amendments made to subsec. (a)(4), (6)(A) of this section should apply with 

respect to violations that relate to reporting periods that begin on or after January I, 2000, and that end on or before 

December 31, 2008. 

Application of amendments made by § 312 of Act March 27, 2002. Act March 27, 2002, P.L. 107-155, Title III, § 

312(b), 116 Stat. 106, provides: "The amendment made by this section [amending subsec. (d)(1 )(A) of this section) 

shall apply to violations occurring on or after the effective date of this Act.lI• 

Application of amendments made by § 315 of Act March 27, 2002. Act March 27, 2002, P.L. 107-155, Title III, § 

315(c), 116 Stat. 108, provides: "The amendments made by this section [amending subsecs. (a) and (d) ofthis section) 

shall apply with respect to violations occuning on or after the effective date of this Act. ". 

Effective date of Oct. 16, 2008 amendments. Act Oct. 16,2008, P.L. 110-433, § I(c), 122 Stat. 4971, provides: "The 

amendments made by this section [amending this section and repealing a note to this section) shall take effect as if 

included in the enactment of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2000 [Act Sept. 29, 1999, P.L. 

106-58).". 

NOTES: 

Code of Federal Regulations: 

Federal Election Commission--Access to Public Disclosure Division documents, 11 CFR 5.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission-Compliance procedure (2 U.s.c. 437g, 2 u.s.c. 437d(a), 11 CFR 111.1 et seq. 

Related Statutes & Rules: 

Sentencing Guidelines for the United States Courts, 18 USCS Appx § 2C1.8. 

This section is referred to in 2 USCS § 437d. 

Research Guide: 

Federal Procedure: 

lOB Fed Proc L Ed, Elections and Elective Franchise §§ 28:269-274, 277, 279-283, 289-299, 301, 303, 305-307. 

12 Fed Proc L Ed, Evidence § 33:297. 

Am Jur: 

26 Am Jur 2d, Elections §§ 468, 471,473,474,476,478. 

45C Am lur 2d, Job Discrimination § 2803. 

Forms: 

8A Fed Procedural Forms L Ed, Elections and Elective Franchise (2009) §§ 25:63-65. 

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2 USCS § 437g 

Criminal Law and Practice: 

2 Business Crime (Matthew Bender), ch 6A, Preventing Corporate Criminal Liability P 6A.01. 

Annotations: 

Validity, Construction, and Application of Campaign Finance Laws-Supreme Court Cases. 19 ALR Fed 2d I. 

Texts: 

I Banlcing Law (Matthew Bender), ch 14, Banks and Political Activities § 14.05. 

Law Review Articles: 

Schotland. Analyzing the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. 56 Adm Law Rev 867, Summer 2004. 

Hansen. Anything But Typical. 89 ABA J 22. 24, September 2003. 

Page 11 

Curtis. Restrictions on Voluntary Compliance Under the Federal Election Campaign Act. 29 Case W Res L Rev 830, 

Summer 1979. 

Feingold. Campaign Finance Reform. 22 Yale Law & Pol'y Rev 339, Spring 2004. 

Interpretive Notes and Decisions: 

UN GENERAL I. Generally 2. Constitutional issues 3. Relationship with other laws 

II,PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE 4. Jurisdiction of Commission 5. Conciliation proceedings 6. Investigation of 

complaints 7. Confidentiality requirements 8. Discovery 9. Injunction 10. Civil penalties II. Judicial review, 

generally 12.--Jurisdiction 13.--Standing 14.--Exhaustion of remedies; ripeness 15.--Timeliness of filing 

UN GENERAL 1. Generally 

Upon holding that Federal Election Commission, because of method of appointment of its members, could not 

properly exercise its rulemaking, adjudicatory, and enforcement powers under Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

(2 USCS §§ 431 et seq., 18 USCS §§ 59 I et seq.) and provisions of Subtitle II oflnternal Revenue Code ofl954 (26 

USCS §§ 9001 et seq.) for public financing of Presidential election campaigns, United States Supreme Court accorded 

de facto validity to Commission's past acts, and stayed for period not to exceed 30 days, Court's judgment insofar as it 

affected Commission's authority to exercise its statutory powers, thus affording Congress opportunity to take 

appropriate action and allowing Commission to function de facto in interim. Buckley v Valeo (1976) 424 US I, 96 S Ct 

612.46 L Ed 2d 659, 76-1 USTC P 9189 (criticized in Homans v City of Albuquerque (2002. DC NM) 217 F Supp 2d 

lJ97) and (criticized in McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93,124 S C1619, 157 LEd 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13) and 

(criticized in Ctr.for Individual Freedom, Inc. v Ireland (2008, SD W Va) 2008 US Disl LEXIS 83856). 

Nothing in language of 2 USCS § 437g(a)(5)(C) addresses, much less restricts, authority of Attorney General (or 

grand jury) to investigate activities that might constitute criminal violations of Act; by its plain terms, 2 USCS § 

437g(a)(5)(C) concerns only scope of authority of Federal Election Commission (FEC); although FEC's decision to 

make such referral imposes upon Attorney General corollary duties of regular monthly reports to agency until final 

disposition of matter, Act contains no explicit language suggesting that this referral process is sole avenue through 

which Attorney General may initiate criminal prosecutions. Fiege,. v United Slales AG (2008, CA6 Mic") 542 F3d I I I I, 

2008 FED App 346P. 

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Incorrect administrative interpretation does not preclude either criminal or civil violation, and although agency's 

interpretation may be factor in assessing whether party acted knowingly, it cannot be used de facto to re~write statute; 

this is especially true when, under Federal Election Campaign Act, Congress granted private right of action capable of 

filJing gaps in agency's enforcement policy (2 USCS § 437g(a)(9)(C)) [now 2 USCS § 437g(a)(8)(C)] under which 

private parties could bring civil actions when Federal Election Commission failed to promptly comply with Court order 

to prosecute. Walther v Federal Election Com. (/979, DC Dist Col) 468 F Supp 1235,101 BNA LRRM 2198. 

2. Constitutional issues 

2 USCS §§ 437c(a)(I) and 437g(a)(5), vesting in Federal Election Commission primary responsibility for 

conducting civil litigation in courts of United States for vindicating public rights, violate USCS Const, Art 2, § 2, c/ 2, 

which requires that such functions may be discharged only by persons who are "Officers of the United States". Buckley 

v Valeo (/976) 424 US 1,96 S Ct 612, 46 LEd 2d 659, 76-1 USTC P 9189 (criticized in Homans v City of Albuquerque 

(2002, DC NM) 217 F Supp 2d Jl97) and (criticized in McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93,124 S Ct619, 157 LEd 2d 

491, 17 FLW Fed S 13) and (criticized in Ctr.jor Individual Freedom, Inc. v Ireland (2008, SD W Va) 2008 US Dist 

LEXIS 83856). 

11 C.F.R. § 5.4(0)(4), though not contrary to plain language of 2 USCS § 437g, is nevertheless impermissible 

because it fails to account for substantial First Amendment interests implicated in releasing political groups' strategic 

documents and other internal materials. AFL-CIO v FEC (2003, App DC) 357 USApp DC 47,333 F3d 168, reh, en 

banc, den (2003, App DC) 2003 US App LEXIS 18536 and reh den (2003, App DC) 2003 US App LEXIS 18537. 

Although court agreed that deterring future violations and promoting Federal Election Commission accountability 

might well justifY releasing more information than minimum disclosures required by 2 USCS § 437g(a), Commission 

must attempt to avoid unnecessarily infringing on First Amendment interests where it regularly subpoenas materials of 

delicate nature representing very heart of organism which First Amendment was intended to nurture and protect; 

because 11 C.F.R. § 5.4(0)(4) fails to undertake this tailoring, it creates "serious constitutional difficulties," and 

therefore, regulation is impermissible. AFL-CIO v FEC (2003, App DC) 357 US App DC 47, 333 F3d 168, reh, en banc, 

den (2003, App DC) 2003 US App LEXIS 18536 and reh den (2003, App DC) 2003 USApp LEXIS 18537. 

Regulatory procedure enforcing spending limitations upon candidates for federal office imposed impennissible 

prior restraints in violation of First Amendment; regulations required prior certification of statements "in derogation" of 

any candidate and imposed criminal penalties for publishing advertisement not meeting certification requirements. 

American Civil Liberties Union, Inc. v Jennings (1973, DC Dis/ Col) 366 F Supp 1041, vacated on other grounds (/975) 

422 US 1030,45 L Ed 2d 686,95 S Ct 2646. 

3. Relationship with other laws 

Plaintiffs case requesting judgment declaring that Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), 2 uses §§ 431-455, 

pursuant to 2 USCS § 437g(a)(5)(C), barred U.S. Attorney General from investigating or prosecuting criminal violations 

of campaign finance law absent referral from four Federal Election Commission (FEC) commissioners was properly 

dismissed as FEC and Attorney General clearly retained concurrent jurisdiction; U.S. Congress explicitly granted FEC 

only exclusive jurisdiction with respect to civil enforcement ofFECA's provisions pursuant to 2 USCS § 437c(b)(I); 

thus, FECA did not limit Attomey General's authority under U.S. Const. art. II, § 2. Bialek v MlIkasey (2008, CA10 

Colo) 529 F3d 1267. 

2 USCS § 437g which prohibits disclosure of information conceming proceedings thereunder does not apply to 

audit and repayment determination process set forth in Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act, 26 USCS §§ 9001 et 

seq. Reagan Blish Commillee v Federal Election Com. (1981, DC Dist Col) 525 F Supp 1330. 

Indictment against Buddhist, who allegedly solicited political contributions through conduits in violation of federal 

election campaign laws, may proceed, even though she argues that Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et 

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seq.) was carefully crafted by Congress as comprehensive enforcement scheme operating in area protected by First 

Amendment which should displace more general conspiracy and false statements statutes, because there is no indication 

in language or legislative history of Act to indicate intention to displace more general criminal provisions of 18 USCS 

§§ 2, 371, and 1001. United States v Hsia (1998, DC Dist Col) 24 F Supp 2d 33. 

2 USCS § 437g applies to violations of 2 USCS § 434(0), section dealing with filing reports. Lovely v FEC (2004, 

DC Mass) 307 F Supp 2d 294. 

II.PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE 4. Jurisdiction of Commission 

Attorney/private investigator must provide answers to interrogatories propounded by Federal Election Commission 

regarding his client and possible unreported in-kind contribution to Senate campaign, where FEe investigation was 

prompted by complaint of Senate candidate allegedly being investigated by private investigator for links to drug users 

or traffickers, because FEe had subject~matter jurisdiction over complaint and properly provided private investigator 

with required notices under 2 USCS § 437g(a) pending discovery of investigator's unknown client and his or her 

possible connection with Senate campaign. Federal Election Com. v Franklin (1989, ED Va) 718 F Supp 1272. 

5. Conciliation proceedings 

Conciliation proceedings are not required under 2 USCS § 437g(a)(5)(D) [now 2 USCS § 437g(a)(5)(C)] when 

Federal Election Commission determines that there is probable cause to believe that knowing and willful violation of 

Federal Election Campaigns Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) has occurred or is about to occur; requirement of 

determination of probable cause by Federal Election Commission prior to directly referring matter without conciliation 

proceedings to Attorney General does not in any manner curtail power of Attorney General to investigate and prosecute 

criminal violations, and at no place in 2 USCS § 437g is specific provision made prohibiting Attorney General from 

going forward with criminal investigation without referral by Federal Election Commission. United States v Tonry 

(1977, ED La) 433 F Supp 620. 

Federal Election Commission (FEC) complied with 2 USCS § 437g(a)(4)(A)(i) where it engaged in 30-day 

conciliation process, which included meetings and submission of proposal by FEC, to attempt to resolve complaints 

alleging that corporation was acting as unregistered political organization; FEC was not required to continue 

conciliation process for 90 days, and fact that corporation was dissatisfied with FEe's offers of conciliation did not 

invalidate FEe's attempts; further, 2 USCS § 437g does not require that Federal Election Commission engage in 

conciliation efforts as to all of its findings. FEC v Club for Growth, Inc. (2006. DC Dist Col) 432 F Supp 2d 87. 

Although Federal Election Commission (FEC) violated 2 USCS § 437g(a)(4)(A)(i) by authorizing filing of suit 

against corporation before conciliation process ended, any statutory defect was remedied when FEe reconsidered 

evidence and voted to ratify that decision after conciliation process concluded. FEC v Club for Growth, Inc. (2006, DC 

Dist Col) 432 F Supp 2d 87. 

6. Investigation of complaints 

Federal Election Commission, in deciding whether or not to investigate complaint pursuant to 1 uses § 

437g(a)(2), must take into consideration all available information concerning alleged wrongdoing and may not rely 

solely on facts presented by sworn complaint; Commission's decision not to investigate allegations of wrongdoing in 

complaints filed pursuant to § 437g(a)(I) was neither arbitrary or capricious where complaint referred Commission to 

wrong statute in describing alleged violation, failed to allege all elements necessary to constitute violation, and stated 

charges in most conciusory fashion, and where there was no showing that Commission had before it any evidence of 

wrongdoing apart from allegations in complaint. In re Federal Election Campaign Act Litigation (1979, DC Dist Col) 

474 F Supp 1044, 102 BNA LRRM 2308. 

Since audit process of Federal Election Commission is merely preliminary procedure which may lead to initial 

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2 USCS § 437g 

determinations that repayments are due or cause Commission to initiate proceedings as to statutory violations, audit 

report does not constitute final determination for which due process would require opportunity to be heard. Reagan 

Bush Commil/ee" Federal Election Com. (1981, DC Dist Col) 525 F Supp 1330. 

Federal Election Commission properly commenced internally generated investigation into possible violation of 

Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.), where investigation was opened based upon information in 

unsworn letter and !lother information ascertained by Commission in normal course of carrying out its supervisory 

responsibilities," because, although 2 USCS§ 437g(a)(I) requires that complaint-generated matter be investigated only 

on basis of signed and sworn complaint, copy of which must be sent to accused, internally generated matter may be 

investigated on partial basis of unsworn letter, copy of which need not be forwarded to accused. Spannaus v Federal 

Election Com. (1986. SD NY) 641 F Supp 1520, affd without op (1987, CA2 NY) 816 F2d 670. 

Federal Election Commission was required, under 2 USCS § 437g(a)(l) and (8), to investigate each sworn 

complaint received concerning disputes over Lyndon LaRouche 1984 presidential campaign's "repayment of loans to 

contributors, It where several complaints involved campaign's reporting as loans on contributions money allegedly given 

for other purposes or not given voluntarily. because, although Commission has indicated it will not resolve creditor 

disputes, it still has responsibilities under 2 USCS § 434(b)(8) for ensuring that debts are correctly reported. Spannalls v 

Federal Election Com. (1986, SD NY) 641 F SliPP 1520, affd without op (1987, CA2 NY) 816 F2d 670. 

Federal Election Commission's audit of Lyndon LaRouche 1984 presidential campaign and review of matter 

concerning possible unauthorized credit card transactions were conducted properly-despite LaRouche campaign 

charges that (1) there was inordinate 3-month delay between completion of fieldwork and communication of interim 

audit report, (2) campaign never received factual specifics concerning matter noted during audit and later reviewed, (3) 

Commission began preparations to contact campaign contributors regarding matter noted during audit before matter was 

referred for review and did contact contributors before infonning campaign of matter under review, and (4) Commission 

deposed third parties in connection with matter under review without notice to campaign~-because actions charged are 

not violative of 2 USCS § 437g(a)(2), requiring Commission merely to notifY campaign of alleged violation and its 

factual basis after Commission has made "reason to believel1 finding, which Commission did. Spannalls v Federal 

Election Com. (1986, SD NY) 641 F SliPP 1520, affd without op (1987, CA2 NY) 816 F2d 670. 

Federal Election Commission (FEC) acted "contrary to law" under 2 USCS § 437g(a)(8)(C) in dismissing 

complaint against National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), where November 24 t1secondl1 election for 1992 

. ! U.S. Senate race in Georgia was clearly llrunoffl and not "generarl election, because FEC erred in not finding that 

NRSC violated Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) by expending funds beyond S 535,608 allowed 

for gene,ral election. Democratic Senatorial Campaign Comm. v Federal Election Comm'n (1994. DC Dis! Col) 918 F 

SliPP 1. 

Court dismissed plaintiffs' claims against Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chairman, U.S. Attorney General, 

and FBI agents, seeking relief under Administrative Procedures Act, 5 USCS §§ 702, 704, 706(1), 706(2), or mandamus 

statute, 28 USCS § 1361, based on allegations that FEC and Attorney General violated Federal Election Campaign Act 

(FECA) referral provision set forth in 2 USCS § 437g(a)(5)(C) and that FEC disregarded investigation requirement 

contained in § 437g(a)(2), because (1) plain language of § 437g(a)(5)(C) vested FEC with exclusive jurisdiction over 

civil enforcement ofFECA, so any arguments that Attorney General was without authority to investigate criminal 

violations lacked merit; (2) FECA specified no "discrete action" that FEe was l1required" to take within any particular 

timeframe, such that it could be subject to judicial review under AP A, and judiciary had no power to dictate timing or 

nature ofFEC investigation, (3) only FECA provision empowering private parties to seek judicial review extended to 

administrative complainants, so it had to be assumed that Congress intended to deny anyone other than administrative 

complainant, including administrative respondents, such as plaintiffs, right to petition for judicial review; and (4) even 

if such suit were proper, FECA would require that it be brought in U.S. District Court for District of Columbia under 2 

USCS § 437g(a)(8)(A), which plainly precluded private litigant from maintaining cause of action in other district courts. 

Beam v Gonzales (2008. ND Ill) 548 F SliPP 2d 596. 

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7. Confidentiality requirements 

Federal Election Commission may not place information about ongoing investigation in public record when it seeks 

to enforce subpoena, unless subject consents or material is placed under seal, since by doing so it unquestionably 

violates Congress's mandate and its own regulations; plain language of statute and its overall structure create strong 

confidentiality interest analogous to that protected by Federal Rule a/Criminal Procedure 6(3)(6). In re Sealed Case 

00-5JJ 6 (2001. App DC) 345 US App DC 19. 237 F3d 657. 49 FR Serv 3d 134. 

Federal Election Commission did not act in bad faith or as part of plan to harass Lyndon LaRouche where, although 

individual employee's breach of Federal Election Campaign Act confidentiality provisions by informing news media of 

Commission investigation of LaRouche 1984 presidential campaign credit card irregularities is reprehensible and 

punishable under 2 USCS § 437g(a)(12)(B), Commission never adopted policy of illegally publicizing LaRouche 

investigation nor violated statutory procedures ensuring decision to investigate and enforce Act against LaRouche was 

reached by due process and not on whim or bad faith motive of single employee. SpannaZis v Federal Election Com. 

(1986, SD NY) 641 F SIiPP 1520. affd without op (1987, CA2 NY) 816 F2d 670. 

Major labor organization and political party successfully challenge Federal Election Commission's decision to 

release 6,000 pages from its investigation of plaintiffs for alleged violations of election laws, where investigation 

resulted in finding of "no probable cause," because disclosure decision violates plain meaning of 2 USCS § 

437g(a)(12)(A) confidentiality provision. AFL-ClO v FEe (2001, DC Dist Col) 177 F SIiPP 2d 48. 

Although certain confidential documents disclosed under protective order in litigation challenging constitutionality 

offederal election reform statute constituted part of non-public administrative record in closed Federal Election 

Commission (FEC) enforcement proceeding, post-decision disclosure of documents in litigation was not precluded by 2 

USCS § 43 7g(a)(12)(A); documents were deemed to have been produced by parties directly for litigation, and not by 

FEC from its investigative files, and parties chose to litigate with knowledge that confidential documents could become 

part of judicial record which was subject to strong tradition of public access. McConnell v FEC (2003. DC Dist Col) 

251 F Supp 2d 919, stay gr, injunction den (2003, DC Dist Col) 2003 US Dist LEXIS 11006. 

8. Discovery 

Depositions of third parties are not relevant in suits under 2 USCS § 437g(a)(9) [now 2 USCS § 437g(a}(8)]; 

plaintiff's motion for order compelling AFL-CIO to appear and be deposed is denied. Walther v Federal Election Com. 

(1979, DC Dist Col) 82 FRD 200, 101 BNA LRRM 2360,27 FR Serv 2d 594. 

Acts of third parties are neither relevant nor likely to lead to relevant information in enforcement proceedings 

brought by private citizen pursuant to 2 USCS § 437g(a)(9) [now 2 USCS § 437g(a}(8)] for ruling that Federal Election 

Commission has failed to act upon sworn complaint, and motion by plaintiff for depositions of unions who had 

allegedly donated illegal campaign contributions to members of Congress would be denied where (I) plaintiff's attempt 

to investigate political committees of AFL-CIO was really aimed at transforming action into full-blown investigation, 

(2) Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 is clear that such investigations are exclusive domain of Federal Election 

Commission until Commission has refused to follow court order compelling investigation, (3) plaintiff would not be 

permitted to frustrate statutory scheme by engaging in premature investigative discovery, and (4) plaintiffs depositions 

of AFL-CIO would involve unwarranted intrusion into political activities of organization and such intrusion might well 

curb or otherwise interfere with organization's legitimate political activity. Walther v Federal Election Com. (1979, DC 

Dist Col) 82 FRD 200. 101 BNA LRRM 2360, 27 FR Serv 2d 594. 

Confidentiality provision of 2 USCS § 437g does not confer confidentiality status upon material by virtue of its 

having been surrendered in course of Federal Election Commission investigation. Federal Election Com. v illinois 

Medical Political Action Committee (IMP A C) (1980, ND Ill) 503 F Supp 45. 

2 USCS § 437g(a)(4)(B)(i) cannot plausibly be construed as protecting documents submitted during Federal 

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2 USCS § 437g 

Election Commission investigation where information in question was obtained before conciliation process was even 

begun, and where, information was not obtained informally, but only after recourse to courts. Federal Election Com. v 

Illinois Medical Political Action Committee (IMPAC) (1980, ND Ill) 503 F Supp 45. 

Although there are certain specific time limits established in various sections of FEe Act, there is no relevant 6 

month time limit for enforcement ofFEC subpoena, particularly where any significant delays are attributable to 

campaign committeels actions, and not to any malice on part ofFEC. Federal Election Com. v Citizens/or Freeman 

(1985. DC Md) 602 F Supp 1250, dismd without op (1985, CA4 Md) 767 F2d 911. 

9, Injunction 

Although record would support finding that defendant is likely to commit future violations of Federal Election 

Campaign Act, it does not justify imposition of penn anent injunction and District Court is instructed on remand to limit 

injunction to reasonable duration. Federal Election Com. v Furgatch (1989, CA9 Cal) 869 F2d 1256, 13 FR Serv 3d 

684. 

Motion of plaintiffs, as taxpayers and milk consumers, as well as class they would represent, for injunction against 

dairy political committees, allegedly collecting periodic contributions from dairy farmer members to make political 

contributions for purpose of influencing government decisions favorable to their economic interests, would not be 

granted where Federal Elections Campaign Act amendments of 1974 vested in Federal Election Commission primary 

jurisdiction with respect to civil enforcement of provisions of Federal Election Campaign Act ofl97l, as amended. 

Nader v Blitz (1975, DC Dist Col) 398 F Supp 390. 

Propriety of injunctive relief authorized by 2 uses § 437g is governed by 3-part test; court must consider whether 

(I) defendants acted in good faith and with diligence to cure violation, (2) task faced by defendants in complying with 

statute was complex and whether statute was difficult to interpret, and (3) order would have any effect in ensuring better 

compliance in future. Federal Election Com. v California Medical Asso. (1980, ND Cal) 502 F SlIPP 196. 

Federal district court's ad hoc method offact-finding devised for case, consisting of ordering Federal Election 

Commission to compile factual record concerning alleged harassment of political party and not to use procedures and 

determinations of 2 USCS § 437g, was not preliminary injunction, and United States Court of Appeals would have no 

jurisdiction to review it, where district court's order was in nature of instruction to master to prepare record and 

findings, and was unappealable. Socialist Workers 1974 Nat. Socialist Workers 1974 Nat 'I Campaign Committee v 

Jennings (1977, App DC) 186 US App DC 140,567 F2d 1133. 

10, Civil penalties 

No abuse of discretion by District Court's failure to assess civil penalties against campaign committee and several 

loan guarantors for violating contribution limitations of Federal Election Campaign Act, 2 USCS §§ 431 et seq., arising 

from post-election loans used to retire campaign debts which individuals guaranteed in sums exceeding S 5,000, since 

assessment of civil penalties is discretionary, and no abuse of discretion was shown where District Court did not assess 

penalties on grounds that loan was rapidly repaid by candidate, and evidence indicated loan guarantors and committees 

did not have unlawful motives. Federal Election Com. v Ted Haley Congressional Committee (1988, CA9 Wash) 852 

F2d 1111. 

Imposition of civil penalty of equal to amount spent on newspaper ad held to be violation of Federal Election 

Campaign Act was not abuse of court's discretion, where defendant refused to comply with Commission's request for 

report on expenditures until District Court on remand ordered him to do so, filing report occurred over one year after 

appellate court rejected defendant's defenses to FEC's action against him so that District Court was free to conclude that 

absence of good faith efforts by defendant to undo or cure his violations was indicative of need for large penalty to deter 

future wrongdoing, importance of Act's reporting and disclosure provisions and difficulty of proving that violations of 

them actually deprived public of information justify rule allowing District Court to presume harm to public from 

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magnitude or seriousness of violation of these provisions, readers of newspaper with wide circulation deserved to know 

whether candidate authorized full-page pre-election ad, and defendant's expenditure was largest independent 

expenditure in opposition to presidential candidate by any individual in country in 1980 election. Federal Election 

Com. v Furgatcll (1989, CA9 Cal) 869 F2d 1256, 13 FR Sen' 3d 684. 

Civil penalty under 2 USCS § 437g(a)(5)(C) [now 2 USCS § 437g(a)(6)(A)] is unwarranted where union's violation 

of 2 USCS § 441b(b)(3)(A) by using reverse check-off system of collecting political contributions from members was 

not in nature of intentional disregard of rights of its dissenting members through coercion, threats and reprisals, but was 

rather indirect infringement of those rights through excessive zeal in trying to have more efficient collection system, and 

expen~e union would incur in making refunds would be sufficient penalty without adding fine to it. Federal Election 

Com. v National Edllcation Asso. (1978, DC Dist Col) 457 F SlIPP 1102, 99 RNA LRRM 2263. 

Penalties ofS 1,000 are imposed on political committees and treasurer for conunittees may be held personally liable 

as signatory to conciliation agreements settling committees' prior violations of federal election laws, where agreements 

set forth without equivocation obligations of parties to comply and treasurer executed agreements, because refusal to 

comply with conciliation agreements is admittedly willful and substantial penalty is appropriate under 2 USCS § 

437g(a) to deter use of conciliation process as ruse and use of courts as mechanism for delay. Federal Election Comm'n 

v Committee of 100 Democrats (1993, DC Dist Col) 844 F Supp I. 

11, Judicial review, generally 

Petitioner may seek judicial review of dismissal of administrative complaint, which alleged national political 

conunittee's violation of expenditure limits in 2 uses § 441a, arising from deadlock vote by members of Federal 

Election Commission, where FEes General Counsel recommends pursuit of complaint because of precedent set in prior 

FEC proceedings; when members ofFEC do not act in conformity with General Counsel's reading of precedent set in 

prior FEC proceedings, it is incumbent upon commissioners to set forth their reasons. Democratic Congressional 

Campaign Committee v Federal Election Com. (1987, App DC) 265 US App DC 372,831 F2d 1131. 

Considering all of factors together, court found Federal Election Commission might well have been correct that 2 

USCS § 43 7g(a)(12)(A) was silent with regard to confidentiality of investigatory files in closed cases, and that Congress 

merely intended to prevent disclosure of fact that investigation was pending; but even if subjects of closed investigation 

could have convinced court that its alternate construction represented more natural reading of § 437g(a)(12)(A), fact 

that provision could support two plausible interpretations rendered it ambiguous for purposes of Chevron analysis. 

AFL-CIO v FEC (2003, App DC) 357 US App DC 47, 333 F3d 168, reh, en banc, den (2003, App DC) 2003 US App 

LEXlS 18536 and reh den (2003, App DC) 2003 US App LEXlS 18537. 

Judicial authority to adjudicate alleged violations does not come into play until after Federal Election Conunission 

has had opportunity to act; accordingly, court does not have authority to enjoin "independent project" of political 

election committee from using candidate's name without candidate's permission. Friends of Phil Gramm v Americans 

for Phil Gramm in '84 (1984, ED Va) 587 F StipP 769. 

Federal Election Commission's dismissal of complaint is overturned as I1contrary to law,11 where no rationale was 

given for Commission's action, and mailing complained of, paid for by National Republican Campaign Committee, 

accusing Rhode Island Representative of corruption, is l1 electioneering rnessagel1 as defined by Commission's own 

Advisory Opinions and as interpreted by its general counsel. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee v 

Federal Election Com. (1986. DC Dist Col) 645 F Stipp 169, mod, remanded (1987, App DC) 265 US App DC 372.831 

F2d 1131. 

Federal Election Commission's dismissal of complaint filed under 2 USCS § 437g(a) is judicially reviewable 

whether or not there are 4 affirmative votes necessary to amount to commission action; language of statute clearly states 

that dismissals are judicially reviewable and does not distinguish among dismissals on 3, 4, or any other number of 

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votes, and, additionally, language of statute clearly mandates review of all Commission actions or inactions and leaves 

no middle ground of non justiciability. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee v Federal Election Com. 

(1986, DC Dist Col) 645 F Supp 169, mod, remanded (198?, App DC) 265 US App DC 372,831 F2d 1131. 

Federal Election Commission's dismissal ofinvestigation is arbitrary and capricious and is returned to FEe to 

supplement record where FEe vote opposing, without explanation, General Counsel's recommendation to investigate 

political action committee's alleged violations of Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 5431 et seq.) does not allow 

intelligent judicial review ofFECs detennination of issue. Common Cause v Federal Election Com. (1986, DC Disl 

Col) 655 F Supp 619, revd in part on other grounds, vacated in part on other grounds (J 988, App DC) 268 US App DC 

440, 842 F2d 436 (criticized in Common Cause v FEC (1997, App DC) 323 US App DC 359, J08 F3d 413). 

Federal Election Commission's denial of complaint concerning reporting of expenses of Ronald Reagan trip 

following 1984 Republican National Convention is remanded under 2 USCS § 437g, both for explanation oflegal 

standard actually applied and statement of reasons demonstrating how Commission applied such legal standard, because 

Commission apparently merely applied 2-prong test in deciding trip was not campaign-related, which was departure 

from previously used 11 totality of circumstancesfl test, and relied on its general counsel's report as support or explanation 

for dismissing complaint even though report found "reason to believe" violation of 2 USCS § 434(b)(4) had occurred by 

campaign treasurer's failure to report trip expenses. Common Cause v Federal Election Com. (1986, DC Disl Col) 676 

F Supp 286. 

Third-party Presidential candidates' challenge to their exclusion from 2000 campaign debates must fail, where 

Federal Election Commission decided that Commission on Presidential Debates (1) was not partial to 2 major parties, 

and (2) used preestablished and objective criteria to determine debate participants, because they could not show FEC's 

interpretation of its own regulation was erroneous or that its explanation for decision was incoherent or unreasonable. 

Buchanan v FEC (2000, DC Dist Col) 112 F Supp 2d 58. 

Conciliation agreement and closing of administrative file marked end of enforcement process under 2 USCS § 

437g(a) and foreclosed any possible relief under 2 USCS § 437g(a)(8) based on Federal Election Commission's (FEC) 

failure to act, and capable of repetition yet evading review exception to mootness doctrine was not applicable because 

cases that were brought under 2 USCS § 437g(a)(8) did not chalJenge activity that, by its very nature, was short in 

duration; therefore, organization's action against FEe for failure to act or delay in acting with regard to its investigation 

of two political action committees and their treasurer had to be dismissed as moot. Alliance for Democracy v FEe 

(2004, DC Dist Col) 335 F Supp 2d 39. 

Federal Election Commission (FEC) complied with 2 USCS § 437g(o)(1) by mailing notice of complaints to 

corporation1s president, who also happened to be treasurer of political action committee that was affiliated with 

corporation; that notice was mailed to president in his capacity as treasurer was hannless because president, in such 

capacity, surely had coterminous notice, and further, FEe, upon learning of error, took immediate steps to remedy 

defect. FEC v Club for Growth, 1nc. (2006, DC Dist Col) 432 F Supp 2d 87. 

l2.-Jurisdiction 

District court lacked jurisdiction of claim by congressman and his campaign organizations that FEe unduly delayed 

its investigation of him and his campaign; congressman conceded that Campaign Act does not create cause of action for 

his claim, that there are no reported cases in which person under FEe investigation has brought unreasonable delay 

claim against FEC, and Act provides for judicial review of unreasonable delay claims only in District of Columbia. 

Stockman v FEC (1998, CAj Tex) 138 F3d 144. 

District court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate validity of complaints filed with FEC or to order FEC to do so before 

scheduled Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates; statute explicitly gives FEC exclusive jurisdiction for civil 

enforcement of Act and court may not exercise any jurisdiction until FEes initial investigation is completed or statutory 

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2 uses § 437g 

time limit for it has expired. Perot v FEC (1996, App DC) 321 US App DC 96,97 F3d 553, cert den (1997) 520 US 

1210, 137 L Ed 2d 819,117 S Ct 1692. 

Use of word "may" does not make provisions of 2 USCS § 437g(a)(9) [now 2 USCS § 437g(a)(8)(A)] permissive 

rather than mandatory, since statute states conditions under which action for enforcement of Fair Election Campaign 

Act may be brought by someone other than Federal Election Commission, and absent compliance with those conditions, 

District Court is without jurisdiction. Walther v Ballcus (1979, DC Mont) 467 F SlIPP 93. 

Federal district court is without subject matter jurisdiction to entertain complainant's attempt at direct enforcement 

of federal election laws, since primary enforcement of such laws is entrusted to Federal Election Commission under 2 

USCS § 437c(b)(I), statutory scheme of 2 USCS § 437g creates exclusive method for determining role which private 

individuals may play in civil enforcement of federal election laws, and complainant did not allege that he had complied 

with 2 USCS § 437g(a)(9) [now 2 USCS § 437g(a)(8)]. In re Federal Election Campaign Act Litigation (1979, DC Dist 

Col) 474 F SlIPP 1051, 27 FR Serv 2d 1226. 

District Court is without subject matter jurisdiction to hear allegations raised against defendants by Federal Election 

Commission where allegations were not included either in notice to defendants or in General Counsel's brief, and 

defendants were denied opportunity to informally conciliate allegations; as to other allegations included in notice, court 

has subject matter jurisdiction where Commission's offers of conciliation on 2 different occasions were declined by 

defendants, since Commission acted in good faith, and initiation of suit with respect to allegations is reasonable 

response to position taken by defendants. Federal Election Com. v National Rifle Asso. (1983, DC Dist Col) 553 F 

Supp 1331. 

Action under Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) was dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction because 

FECA required plaintiff to first file written complaint with Federal Election Commission (FEC); current inability of 

FEC to act today because it only had two member and need four to establish quorum, did not establish it would not or 

could not act within 120 days of plaintiff filing administrative complaint. Gravel v Am. Leadership Project (2008, ND 

Ohio) 249 FRD 264. 

In case in which political party had sued Federal Election Commission (FEC) seeking declaratory and injunctive 

relief with respect to FEC's continuing inability and failure to act on administrative complaint filed by party, court 

lacked jurisdiction to review complaint; l20-day waiting period in 2 USCS § 437g(a)(8)(A) had not expired, and that 

time period was jurisdictional and until that time period had elapsed, FEC had exclusive jurisdiction over political 

party's claim. Democratic Nat 'I Comm. v FEC (2008, DC Dist Col) 552 F SlIPP 2d 20. 

District court had subject matter jurisdiction because Federal Election Commission made at least three attempts to 

enter into conciliation agreement with individual prior to filing suit and Commission was entitled to deference as to 

substance of conciliation process. FEC v Adams (2008, CD Cal) 558 F SlIPP 2d 982. 

13.-Standing 

Group of voters whose views were often opposed to those of organization, and who had filed, with Federal Election 

Commission (FEC), complaint requesting FEC to compel organization, which lobbied elected officials and 

disseminated information about candidates for public office, to make disclosures regarding its membership, 

contributions, and expenditures. had standing to challenge, in federal courts, FEC decision dismissing complaint-won 

grounds that organization was not "political committee" as defined by 2 USCS § 431(4) and was therefore not required 

to make such disclosures under Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA),2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.--because (1) 

given language ofFECA and nature of voters' injury, which consisted of failure to obtain relevant information, voters 

satisfied prudential standing requirements, (2) voters satisfied standing requirements of Federal Constitution's Article 

III, and (3) FECA explicitly indicated congressional intent to alter general principle that agency enforcement decisions 

were not subject to judicial review. FEC v Akins (1998) 524 US 11, 141 LEd 2d 10, 118 S Ct 1777, 98 CDOS 4092, 98 

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2 USCS § 437g 

Dai/yJournol DAR 5637,1998 ColoJ CAR 2743, remanded (1998, App DC) 331 US App DC J08, 146 F3d 1049. 

Nonpartisan organization lacked standing to challenge Commission's decision not to prosecute two alleged 

violations of federal election campaign law since it did not suffer legally cognizable injury as result of decision; court 

would not find injury from allegation that Commission failed to process complaint in accordance with federal law since 

to do so would recognize justiciable interest in having Executive Branch act in lawful manner, which is not legally 

cognizable interest for standing purposes. Common Cause v FEC (1997, App DC) 323 US App DC 359,108 F3d 413. 

Organization's complaint that seats on foreign trade mission were sold in exchange for large campaign 

contributions did not make even nominal allegation of reporting violations and organization thus lacked standing to seek 

judicial review of dismissal of its administrative complaint. Judicial Watch v FEC (J 999, App DC) 336 US App DC 

342, 180 F3d 277. 

In case brought pursuant to] USCS § 437g(a)(8)(A), district court's entry of summary judgment in favor of Federal 

Election Commission was affirmed because appellate court agreed with district court's determination that advocacy 

group lacked standing since it suffered no injury in fact; precise dollar value of activist list in question would not be 

useful either to voters generally or to group in particular. Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Wash. v FEC (2007, 

App DC) 374 US App DC 328, 475 F3d 337, costs/fees proceeding, request gr (2007, App DC) 2007 US App LEXlS 

6349. 

Plaintiff, seeking judicial review under § 437g regarding Federal Election Commission's decision to dismiss his 

complaint alleging Arizona senator's re-election committee unlawfully accepted excessive cash contributions, lacked 

standing to pursue review since he lives, works and votes in Oklahoma and has no greater interest in election of Arizona 

senator then rest of populace and suffers no greater injury nor likely will he in future as result of Commission's failure 

to order refund for excessive cash contributions than any other U.S. citizen who does not reside or have franchise in 

Arizona. Antosh v Federal Election Com. (J 986, DC Dist CoO 631 F Supp 596. 

2 USCS § 437g(a)(8)(A) does not automatically confer standing, but confers right to sue on parties who otherwise 

already have standing. Natural Law Forty oJthe United States v FEC (2000, DC Dist CoO I I IF S'pp 2d 33. 

Legal organization and individual lacked standing to bring suit alleging that Federal Election Commission violated 

2 USCS § 437g(a)(8)(A) by failing to act on administrative complaint which claimed that U.S. senator's campaign 

committee had not reported individual's contributions; organization lacked standing because it was not party to 

administrative complaint, and individual had not suffered "informational injuri' or any other injury in fact. Judicial 

Watch, Inc. v FEC (]003, DC Dist Col) 293 F Supp 2d 41. 

While Federal Election Commission's failure to act within 120-day period of 2 USCS § 437g(a)(8)(A) confers right 

to sue, it does not also confer standing; it confers right to sue upon parties who otherwise already have standing. 

Judicial Watch, Inc. v FEC (]003, DC Dist Col) 293 F Supp 2d 41. 

Non-profit watchdog group did not have standing to assert action in district court to challenge decision of Federal 

Election Commission (FEC) after FEC determined that alleged campaign transaction was in-kind contribution but that 

further prosecution of matter was not warranted; group had not established that FEe decision specifically impacted 

group's program activities. Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Wash. v FEC (2005, DC Dist CoO 401 F Supp 2d 

I I 5, affd (2007, App DC) 374 US App DC 328, 475 F3d 337, costs/fees proceeding, request gr (2007, App DC) ]007 

US App LEXlS 6349. 

Former candidate had no standing to challenge dismissal of his administrative complaint by Federal Election 

Commission challenging campaign spending by state political party committee under] USCS § 437g because he failed 

to show present case or controversy or to explain future injury in that committee was not required to provide him 

financial support for his particular candidacy. Tiel'l1ey v FEC (2008, DC Dist Col) 538 F Supp 2d 99, affd (2008, App 

DC) 2008 US App LEXlS 23639. 

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2 USCS § 437g 

14.-Exhaustion of remedies; ripeness 

Exhaustion of administrative remedy by Attorney General before Federal Election Commission under 2 USCS § 

437g is not prerequisite to indictment for violations of Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431-456). United 

States v 1nternational Union ojOperating Engineers (1979, CA9 Or) 638 F2d 1161, cert den (1980) 444 US 1077,62 L 

Ed 2d 760,100 S Ct 1026. 

Factual sufficiency undergirding Federal Election Commission's Itreason to believe II findings that violations of 

Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) had occurred following review of matter discovered during 

audit of Lyndon LaRouche 1984 presidential campaign concerning debit adjustments to credit card transactions is not 

ripe for review by federal district court, where LaRouche campaign will not be unduly burdened by investigation of 

suspected violation in light of procedural safeguards under 2 USCS § 437, because "reason to believe" finding is far 

from "final agency action" and premature judicial review would interfere with proper functioning of Commission. 

Spannaus v Federal Election Com. (1986, SD Ny) 641 F Supp 1520, affd without op (1987, CA2 NY) 816 F2d 670. 

15,-Timeliness of filing 

Judicial review of Federal Election Committee's denial ofreliefin third administrative complaint brought before it 

by National rufle Association against certain organization, claiming that other organization illegally solicited funds in 

violation of 2 USCS § 441b is untimely, since third complaint is substantially similar to second administrative complaint 

brought against same organization by NRA and NRA failed to bring petition for review of second complaint within 

period oflimitations under 2 USCS § 437g. National Rifle Asso. v Federal Election Com. (1988, App DC) 272 US App 

DC 121, 854F2d 1330. 

Sixty-day filing deadline runs from date of dismissal, not from date appellant receives Commission's letter 

notifYing him of dismissal. Spannalls v Federal Election Comm'n (1993, App DC) 300 App DC 398, 990 F2d 643. 

Petitioner's failure to meet 60-day deadline for filing his petition in district court deprived court of jurisdiction; 

pursuant to statutory language, period started running from date of dismissal of administrative complaint, not date of 

receipt ofletter informing petitioner of Commission's vote. Jordan v FEC (1995, App DC) 314 US App DC 308, 68 F3d 

518. 

Commission has duty to conduct investigations expeditiously; standard for determining whether commission's 

failure to act on given complaint is contrary to law requires determination of credibility of allegation. nature of threat 

posed, resources available to agency, information available to agency, and novelty of issues involved; commission has 

only 120 days during which it is immune from challenge if its handling of matter is too slow, and after that period 

complainant is free to file suit in Federal District Court; remedial purposes would be wholly undermined if commission 

were to process complaints before without regard to possible reoccurrence of disputed practice and succeeding election 

without any resolution of practice's legality. Rose v Federal Election Com. (1984, DC Dist Col) 608 F SliPP 1. 

Judicial intervention requiring commission to make decision about probable cause or to explain why it cannot do so 

is not intrusion on prosecutorial discretion of commission where commission has had period of2 years to investigate 

complaint. Rose v Federal Election Com. (1984, DC Dlst Col) 608 F Supp 1. 

Date from which 60 day period for review of decision dismissing administrative complaint is date of dismissal by 

commission which, in case of settlement, is date on which conciliation agreements became effective and were approved 

by Commission. All/osh v Federal Election Com. (1985, DC Dist Col) 613 F Supp 729. 

Federal Election Commission's interpretation offederal election laws presumptively commands deference, however 

where Commission construes procedural provision regarding interpretation of date of dismissal of action for purposes of 

determining period within which aggrieved party must file petition for judicial review, Commission's construction 

should not restrain independent judicial evaluation of when complaint is dismissed. Common Cause v Federal Election 

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2 USCS § 437g 

Com. (1985, DC Dis/ Col) 630 F Supp 508. 

By statutorily allowing aggrieved parties to sue Federal Election Commission for dismissal of administrative 

complaints. Congress waived sovereign immunity but only for finite period oftime. Common Calise v Federal Election 

Com. (1985, DC Dis/ Col) 630 F Supp 508. 

Sixty-day period within which complainant must file under § 437g for judicial review of Federal Election 

Commission's dismissal of administrative complaint, commences on date of complaint's dismissal which is considered 

date complainant is actually notified ofFEC's decision. Common Cotlse v Federal Election Com. (1985, DC Dis/ Col) 

630 F StiPP 508. 

Petition for judicial review of Federal Elections Commission's decision to dismiss administrative complaint 

regarding election spending which was filed by public interest organization within 55 days of organization's notification 

ofF. E. C. decision but not within 60 days of Commission's closed hearing in which decision to dismiss was made, was 

filed within statutory time period for review since date of dismissal under § 437gwhich commences running of review 

period is date complainant actually receives notice ofF. E. C. decision. Common Calise v Federal Election Com. 

(1985, DC Dis/ Col) 630 F Supp 508. 

Action against Christian Coalition for violating federal election laws is dismissed only to extent it seeks "any civil 

fine, penalty, or forfeiture" for events occurring prior to 5 years before filing of complaint in this matter, where Federal 

Election Commission has authority to seek injunctive relief wholly separate and apart from its authority to seek legal 

remedy under 2 USCS § 437g(a)(6), because 28 USCS § 2462 5-year general statute of limitations provides no shield 

from declaratory or injunctive relief. FEC v Christian Coalition (1997, DC Dis/ Col) 965 F StiPP 66, request gr (1998, 

DC Dist Col) 179 FRD 22, 41 FR Serv 3d 833. 

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TAB 6 

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.·LexisNexis· 

LEXSTAT 2 U.S.C. A§ 437H 

UNITED STATES CODE SERVICE 

Copyright © 2009 Matthew Bender & Company, Inc. 

a member of the LexisNexis Group (TM) 

All rights reserved. 

**. CURRENT THROUGH PL 111-90, APPROVED 11/0312009 WITH A GAP OF 111-84 •• * 

§ 437h. Judicial review 

TITLE 2. THE CONGRESS 

CHAPTER 14. FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 

DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS 

Go to the United States Code Service Archive Directory 

2 uses § 437h 

Page I 

The Commission, the national committee of any political patty, or any individual eligible to vote in any election for the 

office of President may institute such actions in the appropriate district court of the United States, including actions for 

declaratory judgment, as may be appropriate to construe the constitutionality of any provision of this Act. The district 

court immediately shaU certify all questions of constitutionality of this Act to the United States court of appeals for the 

circuit involved, which shall hear the matter sitting enbanc. 

HISTORY: 

(Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, Title 1II, § 310 [314] [315], as added Oct. 15, 1974, P.L. 93-443, Title II, § 208(a), 88 Stat. 

1285; May II, 1976, P.L. 94-283, Title I, §§ 105, 115(e), 90 Stat. 481, 496; Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, Title I, §§ 

105(4), 112(c), 93 Stat. 1354, 1366; Nov. 8,1984, P.L. 98-620, Title IV, Subtitle A, § 402(1)(B), 98 Stat. 3357; June 

27,1988, P.L. 100-352, § 6(a), 102 Stat. 663.) 

HISTORY; ANCILLARY LAWS AND DIRECTIVES 

References in text: 

"This Act", referred to in this section, is Act Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, 86 Stat. 3, popularly known as the Federal 

Election Campaign Act of1971, which is generally classified to 2 uses §§ 431 ct seq. For full classification of stich 

Act, consult USCS Tables volumes. 

Effective date of section: 

This section took effect on Jan. I, 1975, pursuant to § 410(a) of Act Oct. 15, 1974 § 410(a), which appears as 2 uses 

§ 431 note. 

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2 USCS § 437h 

Amendments: 

1976. Act May ll, 1976, deleted "or of section 608, 610,611,613,614,615,616, or 617 of title 18, United States 

Code" in the first and second sentences. 

1980. Act Jan. 8, 1980, in subsec. (a), deleted "of the United States" following "President". 

1984. Act Nov. 8, 1984 (applicable as provided by § 403 of such Act, which appears as 28 USCS § 1657 note), deleted 

subsec. (c) which read: "It shall be the duty of the court of appeals and of the Supreme Court of the United States to 

advance on the docket and to expedite to the greatest possible extent the disposition of any matter certified under 

subsection (a).". 

1988. Act June 27,1988 (effective 90 days after enactment except as provided by § 7 of such Act, which appears as 28 

USCS § 1254 note) deleted the subsec. designator "(a)" preceding "The Commission"; and deleted subsec. (b) which 

read: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any decision on a matter certified under subsection (a) shall be 

reviewable by appeal directly to the Supreme Court of the United States. Such appeal shall be brought no later than 20 

days after the decision of the court of appeals. 11. 

Redesignation: 

Section 105 of Act May ll, 1976, redesignated § 315 ofTitJe III of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, as § 314 of such 

Title, and redesignated § 310 of Title III of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-255, as § 307 of such Title. 

Section 105(4) of Act Jan. 8, 1980, redesignated § 314 of Title III of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, as § 310 of such 

Title. 

Other provisions: 

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002; constitutional challenges. Act March 27, 2002, P.L. 107-155, Title Ill, 

§ 403, 116 Stat. 113 (effective on enactment, as provided by § 402 of such Act, which appears as 2 USCS § 431 note), 

provides: 

"ea) Special rules for actions brought on constitutional grounds. Ifany action is brought for declaratory or injunctive 

relief to challenge the constitutionality of any provision of this Act or any amendment made by this Act [for full 

classification, consult USCS Tables volumes], the following rules shall apply: 

"(I) The action shall be filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and shall be heard by a 

3-judge court convened pursuant to section 2284 of title 28. United States Code. 

"(2) A copy of the complaint shall be delivered promptly to the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the 

Secretary of the Senate. 

"(3) A final decision in the action shall be reviewable only by appeal directly to the Supreme Court of the United 

States. Such appeal shall be taken by the filing of a notice of appeal within 10 days, and the filing of a jurisdictional 

statement within 30 days, ofthe entry of the final decision. 

"(4) It shall be the duty of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and the Supreme Court of the 

United States to advance On the docket and to expedite to the greatest possible extent the disposition of the action and 

appeal. 

"(b) Intervention by Members of Congress. In any action in which the constitutionality of any provision of this Act or 

any amendment made by this Act [for full classification, consult USCS Tables volumes] is raised (including but not 

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2 USCS § 437h 

limited to an action described in subsection (a)), any member of the House of Representatives (including a Delegate or 

Resident Commissioner to the Congress) or Senate shall have the right to intervene either in support of Or opposition to 

the position of a party to the case regarding the constitutionality of the provision or amendment. To avoid duplication of 

efforts and reduce the burdens placed on the parties to the action, the court in any such action may make such orders as 

it considers necessary, including orders to require intervenors taking similar positions to file joint papers or to be 

represented by a single attorney at oral argument. 

"(c) Challenge by Members of Congress. Any Member of Congress may bring an action, subject to the special rules 

described in subsection (a), for declaratory or injunctive relief to challenge the constitutionality of any provision of this 

Act or any amendment made by this Act [for full classification, consult USCS Tables volumes]. 

"(d) Applicability. 

(I) Initial claims. With respect to any action initially filed on or before December 31, 2006, the provisions of 

subsection (a) shall apply with respect to each action descnbed in such section. 

"(2) Subsequent actions. With respect to any action initially filed after December 31, 2006, the provisions of 

subsection (a) shall not apply to any action described in such section unless the person filing such action elects such 

provisions to apply to the action. n. 

NOTES: 

Research Guide: 

Federal Procedure: 

lOB Fed Proc L Ed, Elections and Elective Franchise §§ 28:300-303. 

Annotations: 

Validity, Construction, and Application of Campaign Finance Laws--Supreme Court Cases. 19 ALR Fed 2d 1. 

Law Review Articles: 

Curtis. Restrictions on Voluntary Compliance Under the Federal Election Campaign Act. 29 ease W Res L Rev 830, 

Summer 1979. 

Feingold. Campaign Finance Refonn. 22 Yale Law & Pol'y Rev 339, Spring 2004. 

Interpretive Notes and Decisions: 

1. Generally 2. Purpose 3. Ripeness 4. Standing 5.--Candidates; voters 6.--Corporations 7.--0ther entities 8. 

Certification by District Court 

1. Generally 

Upon holding that Federal Election Commission, because of method of appointment of its members, could not 

properly exercise its rulemaking, adjudicatory, and enforcement powers under Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

(2 USCS §§ 431 et seq., 18 uses §§ 591 et seq.) and provisions of Subtitle H of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 

uses §§ 9001 et seq.) for public financing of Presidential election campaigns, United States Supreme Court accorded 

de facto validity to Commission's past acts, and stayed, for period not to exceed 30 days, Court's judgment insofar as it 

affected Commission's authority to exercise its statutory powers, thus affording Congress opportunity to take 

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2 USCS § 437h 

appropriate action and allowing Commission to function de facto in interim. Buckley v Valeo (1976) 424 US 1,96 S Ct 

612, 46 L Ed 2d 659, 76-1 USTC P 9189 (criticized in Homans v City of Albuquerque (2002, DC NMJ 217 F Supp 2d 

U97) and (criticized in McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 LEd 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13) and 

(criticized in Ctr.for Individual Freedom, Inc. v Ireland (2008, SD W Va) 2008 US Dist LEXIS 83856). 

Proper mode of procedure for questions of constitutionality of Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS § 441 b) 

arising in proceedings under 2 USCS § 437g is removal of constitutional issues from action under § 437g and 

certification of them to Court of Appeals pursuant to 2 USCS § 437h. International Asso. of Machinists & Aerospace 

Workers v Federal Election Com. (1982. App DC) 220 US App DC 45.678 F2d 1092. affd (1982) 459 US 983. 74 LEd 

2d 379. 103 S Ct 335. 

2, Purpose 

Two sentences of 2 USCS § 437h(a), when read together, show express Congressional intent that § 437h apply to 

all questions of constitutionality of any provision of Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.); purpose 

would be severely restricted if first sentence were to be read as exclusive grant of standing to three specified plaintiffs to 

obtain expedited review. Bread Political Action Committee v Federal Election Com. (1979. CA7 Ill) 591 F2d 29. 

Overriding concern of Congress in enacting 2 USCS § 437h was to provide swift judicial review ofall 

constitutional questions engendered by passage of 1974 amendments to Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, and to 

have all those questions, when properly framed in single complaint, decided together rather than in piecemeal fashion. 

Buckley v Valeo (1975. DC Dist Col) 387 F Supp 135. remanded (1975, App DC) 171 USApp DC 168.519 F2d 817. 

75-2 USTC P 9687. 

2 USCS § 437h(a) had purpose and effect of expediting judicial review of questions raised in Congress about 

constitutionality of particular provisions of Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) so that these 

questions could be authoritatively resolved before Presidential Election of 1976. Martin Tractor Co. v Federal Election 

Com. (1978. DC Dist Col) 460 F Supp 1017. affd (1980, App DC) 200 USApp DC 322.627 F2d 375, cert den (1980) 

449 US 954. 66 L Ed 2d 218.101 S Ct 360. 

3. Ripeness 

It was necessary for Supreme Court to consider all aspects of Federal Election Commission's authority which were 

presented to it by certified questions, irrespective of ripeness. where Congress was understandably concerned with 

obtaining final adjudication of as many issues as possible under provisions of 2 USCS § 437h; 2 USCS § 437h 

authorization of federal court actions by specific organizations or individuals for declaratory judgments regarding 

constitutionality of other provisions of act does not require federal courts to render advisory opinions in violation of 

I1case or controversy!! requirement ofUSCS Const, Art III, § 2, but rather provides judicial review to extent pennitted 

by Art llI. Buckley v Valeo (1976) 424 US 1.96 S Ct 612.46 L Ed 2d 659. 76-1 USTC P 9189 (criticized in Homans v 

City of Albuquerque (2002. DC NM) 217 F Supp 2d IJ97) and (criticized in McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S 

Ct 619. 157 L Ed 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13) and (criticized in Ctr.for Individual Freedom. Inc. v b'elond (2008. SD W 

Va) 2008 US Dist LEXlS 83856). 

No ripe injury or present "personal stake" existed in whether or how challenged rules and regulations of Federal 

Election Commission were reviewed by legislature since candidate failed to obtain nomination of political party, 

protested no specific veto action taken by Congress. and suggested no inhibition to political activities resulting from 

facial provisions of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Clark v Valeo (1977. App DC) 182 US App DC 21. 559 

FJd 642. affd (1977) 431 US 950.53 L Ed 2d 267.97 S Ct 2667. 

4. Standing 

Two sentences of 2 USCS § 437h(a) [now 2 USCS § 437h], when read together, show express congressional intent 

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2 USCS § 437h 

that § 437h apply to all questions of constitutionality of any provision of Federal Election Campaign Act; purpose 

would be severely restricted if first sentence were read as exclusive grant of standing to three specified plaintiffs to 

obtain expedited review. Bread Political Action Committee v Federal Election Com. (1979, CA71/1) 591 F2d 29. 

Access to court pursuant to 2 USCS § 437h(a) [now 2 USCS § 437h] was by its terms limited to Federal Election 

Commission, national committee of any political party, Of any individual eligible to vote in any election for office of 

President of United States; neither corporate plaintiffs nor political action committees are in category of entities and 

individuals entitled to invoke court's jurisdiction under § 437h(a) [now 2 USCS § 437h]. Martin Tractor Co. v Federal 

Election Com. (1978, DC Dist Col) 460 F Supp 1017, affd (1980, App DC) 200 USApp DC 322,627 F2d 375, cert den 

(1980) 449 US 954,66 LEd 2d 218,101 S Ct 360. 

Both 2 USCS § 437h and 26 USCS § 9011 grant standing to sue to individuals eligible to vote in any Presidential 

election; to construe either § 437h or § 9011 as granting non-profit, non-partisan membership corporation, organized to 

promote its members' interests in civic affairs, unconditional right to intervene would require court to permit every 

eligible voter in United States same right, and Congress could hardly have contemplated such result in statute designed 

for expedited judicial review. Republican Nat. Republican Nat'l Committee v Federal Election Com. (1978, SD NY) 

461 F SliPP 570,27 FR Serv 2d 1039, affd (1980) 445 US 955,64 L Ed 2d 231, 100 S Ct 1639. 

5.-Candidates; voters 

Campaign contributor had standing to bring civil suit challenging constitutionality of Federal Election Campaign 

Act despite fact that he secretly channeled his contnbutions through 56 different persons, since he had been indicted 

under Act so that his challenge was anything but hypothetical. Goland v United States (1990, CA9 Cal) 903 F2d 1247. 

Third-party candidate and voter lacked standing to challenge constitutionality of Act on grounds that, by 

llauthorizingll out-of~state contributions, Act violates their rights to free association, equal protection, and republican 

form of government, since Act neither authorizes nor prohibits such contributions and causal connection with plaintiffs! 

alleged injuries is therefore lacking, and claim is frivolous as well since plaintiffs sought unprecedented limitation on 

constitutionally protected freedom of political expression. Whitmore v Federal Election Comm'n (1995, CA9 Alaska) 68 

F3d 1212,95 CDOS 8334,95 Daily Journal DAR 14399, amd on other grounds, motion den (1995, CA9 Alaska) 68 

F3d 1212, 96 CDOS 249, 96 Daily Journal DAR 353 and cert den (1996) 517 US 1155, 134 L Ed 2d 646, 116 S Ct 

1543. 

Voters' motion for certification of their complaint to en banc Fourth Circuit pursuant to 2 USCS § 437h is denied, 

where voters plead that their rights are somehow being violated by fact that candidates running for U.S. Senate from 

Virginia are soliciting, accepting, and using contributions from individuals residing outside Virginia, but fail to show 

link between such contributions and any particularized injury to themselves, because party seeking to invoke § 437h 

must have standing to raise constitutional claim. Froelich v Federal Election Comm'n (1994, ED Va) 855 F Supp 868, 

affd without op (1995, CA4 Va) 57 F3d 1066, reported in full (1995, CA4 Va) 1995 US App LEXiS 14606. 

Candidate claimed that out-of~state campaign contributions and lIauthorizationll by Federal Election Campaign Act, 

2 USCS §§ 431 et seq., of such contributions constituted particularized and ongoing injury to his legally cognizable 

interest in having fair opportunity to compete in 2004 Alaska U.S. Senate election; however, h~ cited no authority to 

support his claim of legally protected interest in either restricting spending of candidates for election or in preventing 

individuals or committees from contributing to candidates of their choice and no injury in fact was found. Sykes v FEe 

(2004, DC Dist Col) 335 F Supp 2d 84, affd (2005, App DC) 2005 US App LEXiS 6363. 

6.-Corporations 

Individual in his capacity as voter and as corporate president has standing to invoke expedited review under 2 

USCS § 437h of constitutional challenge to § 441 b(a) and to raise individual challenges as well as those of corporation, 

although corporation has no standing under § 437h to invoke expedited review, as corporate president, he will be 

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2 USCS § 437h 

limited to making arguments as to corporations only, and may not represent challenges of banks or labor unions. Athens 

LlImber Co. v Federal Election Com. (1982, CAll Go) 689 F2d 1006. 

Expedited procedures of 2 USCS § 437h are not available to corporation since corporation is ineligible to vote and 

is not otherwise described as proper party; only available procedure for corporation, challenging rule governing political 

contributions, is nonexpedited declaratory judgment provision of 28 USCS § 2201. Athens LlImber Co. v Federal 

Election Com. (1982, MD Go) 531 F SlIPP 756, revd on other grounds (1982, CAll Ga) 689 F2d 1006. 

7.-0ther entities 

Trade associations and their political action committees have standing to invoke 2 USCS § 437h. Bread Political 

Action Commillee v Federal Elections Com. (1980. CA7 Ill) 635 F2d 621, revd on other grounds, remanded (1982) 455 

US 577. 71 L Ed 2d 432,102 S Ct 1235. 

Union lacks requisite statutory standing to bring action under 2 uses § 437h. International Asso. of Machinists & 

Aerospace Workers v Federal Election Com. (1982, App DC) 220 US App DC 45.678 F2d 1092. affd (1982) 459 US 

983, 74 L Ed 2d 379.103 S Ct 335. 

8. Certification by District Court 

Certification of challenge to constitutionality of Act's limit on campaign contributions was premature where district 

court failed to detennine whether limit as applied to petitioner had serious adverse effect on his candidacy such that his 

challenge' was not fiivolous; if district court decides challenge is not fiivolous, it must then develop record and make 

fact findings sufficient to allow en bane court to decide constitutional issues. Khachalurian v Federal Election Com. 

(1992, CA5 La) 980 F2d 330. 

Extraordinary procedure set up in 2 USCS § 437h should not be utilized when constitutional claim is fiivolous; 

without initial District Court screening of in forma pauperis constitutional attack under § 437h to determine whether 

claim is fiivolous, extraordinary § 437hprocedure would be subject to clear abuse by litigants. Gifford v Congress 

(1978, ED Co/) 452 F Supp 802. 

Because candidate was unable to establish standing and his claim may well have been frivolous, court had proper 

jurisdiction to dismiss complaint and did not need to certify his questions to court of appeals. Sykes v FEe (2004, DC 

Dist Co/) 335 F Supp 2d 84. affd (2005, App DC) 2005 US App LEXlS 6363. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 98
TAB 7 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 99
LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT 2 U.S.C. A§ 44IA 

UNITED STATES CODE SERVICE 

Copyright © 2009 Matthew Bender & Company, Inc. 

a member of the LexisNexis Group (TM) 

All rights reserved. 

*** CURRENT THROUGH PL 111-90, APPROVED 11/03/2009 WITH A GAP OF 111-84 *** 

TITLE 2. THE CONGRESS 

CHAPTER 14. FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 

DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS 

Go to the United States Code Service Archive Directory 

2 uses § 441a 

§ 441a. Limitations on contributions and expenditures 

(a) Dollar limits on contributions. 

Page I 

(1) Except as provided in subsection (i) and section 315A [2 uses § 441a-I], no person shall make contributions--

(A) to any candidate and his authorized political committees with respect to any election for Federal office which, in 

the aggregate, exceed S 2,000; 

(8) to the political committees established and maintained by a national political party, which are not the authorized 

political committees of any candidate, in any calendar year which, in the aggregate, exceed S 25,000; 

(C) to any other political committee (other than a committee described in subparagraph (D)) in any calendar year 

which, in the aggregate, exceed S 5,000; or 

(D) to a political committee established and maintained by a State committee of a political party in any calendar 

year which, in the aggregate, exceed S 10,000. 

(2) No multicandidate political committee shall make contributions--

(A) to any candidate and his authorized political committees with respect to any election for Federal office which, in 

the aggregate, exceed S 5,000; 

(8) to the political committees established and maintained by a national political party, which are not the authorized 

political committees of any candidate, in any calendar year, which, in the aggregate, exceed S 15,000; or 

(C) to any other political committee in any calendar year which, in the aggregate, exceed S 5,000. 

(3) During the period which begins on January 1 of an odd-numbered year and ends on December 31 of the next 

even-numbered year, no individual may make contributions aggregating more than--

(A) S 37,500, in the case of contributions to candidates and the authorized committees of candidates; 

(8) S 57,500, in the case of any other contributions, of which not more than S 37,500 may be attributable to 

contributions to political committees which are not political committees of national political parties. 

(4) The limitations on contributions contained in paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply to transfers between and among 

political committees which are national, State, district, or local committees (including any subordinate committee 

thereof) of the same political party. For purposes of paragraph (2), the term "multicandidate political committee" means 

a political committee which has been registered under section 303 [2 uses § 433] for a period of not less than 6 

months, which has received contributions from more than 50 persons, and, except for any State political party 

organization, has made contributions to 5 or more candidates for Federal office. 

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2 USCS § 441a 

(5) For purposes of the limitations provided by paragraph (I) and paragraph (2), all contributions made by political 

committees established or financed or maintained or controlled by any corporation, labor organization, or any other 

person, including any parent, subsidiary. branch, division, department. or local unit of such corporation. labor 

organization, or any other person, or by any group of such persons, shall be considered to have been made by a single 

political committee, except that (A) nothing in this sentence shall limit transfers between political committees of funds 

raised through joint fund raising efforts; (8) for purposes of the limitations provided by paragraph (I) and paragraph (2) 

all contributions made by a single political committee established or financed or maintained or controlled by a national 

committee of a political party and by a single political committee established Of financed or maintained or controlled by 

the State committee of a political party shall not be considered to have been made by a single political committee; and 

(C) nothing in this section shall limit the transfer of funds between the principal campaign committee of a candidate 

seeking nomination or election to a Federal office and the principal campaign committee of that candidate for 

nomination or election to another Federal office if 0) such transfer is not made when the candidate is actively seeking 

nomination or election to both such offices; (ii) the limitations contained in this Act on contributions by persons are not 

exceeded by such transfer; and (iii) the candidate has not elected to receive any funds under chapter 95 or chapter 96 of 

the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 uses §§ 9001 et seq. or 9031 et seq.]. In any case in which a corporation 

and any of its subsidiaries, branches, divisions, departments, or local units, or a labor organization and any of its 

subsidiaries, branches, divisions. departments. or local units establish or finance or maintain or control more than one 

separate segregated fund, all such separate segregated funds shall be treated as a single separate segregated fund for 

purposes of the limitations provided by paragraph (1) and paragraph (2). 

(6) The limitations on contributions to a candidate imposed by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall apply 

separately with respect to each election, except that all elections held in any calendar year for the office of President of 

the United States (except a general election for such office) shall be considered to be one election. 

(7) For purposes of this subsection-

(A) contributions to a named candidate made to any political committee authorized by such candidate to accept 

contributions on his behalf shall be considered to be contributions made to such candidate; 

(B) (i) expenditures made by any person in cooperation, consultation, or concert, with, or at the request or 

suggestion of, a candidate, his authorized political committees, or their agents, shall be considered to be a contribution 

to such candidate; 

(ii) expenditures made by any person (other than a candidate or candidate's authorized committee) in cooperation, 

consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a national, State, or local committee of a political party, 

shall be considered to be contributions made to such party committee; and 

(iii) the financing by any person of the dissemination, distribution, or republication, in whole or in part, of any 

broadcast or any written, graphic, or other form of campaign materials prepared by the candidate, his campaign 

committees, or their authorized agents shall be considered to be an expenditure for purposes of this paragraph; [and] 

(C) if--

(i) any person makes, or contracts to make, any disbursement for any electioneering communication (within the 

meaning of section 304(1)(3) [2 uses § 434(/)(3)]); and 

(ii) such disbursement is coordinated with a candidate or an authorized committee of such candidate, a Federal, 

State, or local political party or committee thereof, or an agent or official of any such candidate, party, or committee; 

such disbursement or contracting shall be treated as a contribution to the candidate supported by the electioneering 

communication or that candidate's party and as an expenditure by that candidate or that candidate's party; and 

(D) contributions made to or for the benefit of any candidate nominated by a political party for election to the office 

of Vice President of the United States shall be considered to be contributions made to or for the benefit of the candidate 

of such party for election to the office of President of the United States. 

(8) For purposes of the limitations imposed by this section, all contributions made by a person, either directly or 

indirectly, on behalf of a particular candidate, including contributions which are in any way eannarked or othenvise 

directed through an intermediary or conduit to such candidate, shall be treated as contributions from such person to such 

candidate. The intermediary or conduit shall report the original source and the intended recipient of such contribution to 

the Commission and to the intended recipient. 

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2 USCS § 441a 

(b) Dollar limits on expenditures by candidates for office of President of the United States. 

(1) No candidate for the office of President of the United States who is eligible under section 9003 of the Internal 

Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 USCS § 9003] (relating to condition for eligibility for payments) Or under section 

9033 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [1986] [26 USCS § 9033] (relating to eligibility for payments) to receive 

payments from the Secretary of the Treasury may make expenditures in excess of--

(A) $ 10,000,000, in the case of a campaign for nomination for election to such office, except the aggregate of 

expenditures under this subparagraph in anyone State shall not exceed the greater of 16 cents multiplied by the voting 

age population ofthe State (as certified under subsection (e)), or $ 200,000; or 

(B) $ 20,000,000 in the case of a campaign for election to such office. 

(2) For purposes of this subsection-

(A) expenditures made by or on behalf of any candidate nominated by a political party for election to the office of 

Vice President of the United States shall be considered to be expenditures made by or on behalf of the candidate of such 

party for election to the office of President of the United States; and 

(B) an expenditure is made on behalf of a candidate, including a vice presidential candidate, if it is made by--

(i) an authorized committee or any other agent of the candidate for purposes of making any expenditure; or 

(ii) any person authorized or requested by the candidate, an authorized committee of the candidate, or an agent of 

the candidate, to make the expenditure. 

( c) Increases on limits based on increases in price index. 

(1) (A) At the beginning of each calendar year (commencing in 1976), as there become available necessary data from 

the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, the Secretary of Labor shall certify to the Commission and 

publish in the Federal Register the percent difference between the price index for the 12 months preceding the 

beginning of such calendar year and the price index for the base period. 

(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), in any calendar year after 2002--

(i) a limitation established by subsections (a)(l)(A), (a)(l)(B), (a)(3), (b), (d), or (h) shall be increased by the 

percent difference determined under subparagraph (A); 

(ii) each amount so increased shall remain in effect for the calendar year; and 

(iii) if any amount after adjustment under clause (i) is not a multiple of $ 100, such amount shall be rounded to the 

nearest multiple of$ 100. 

(C) In the case oflimitations under subsections (a)(l)(A), (a)(l)(B), (a)(3), and (h), increases shall only be made in 

odd-numbered years and such increases shall remain in effect for the 2-year period beginning on the first day following 

the date ofthe last general election in the year preceding the year in which the amount is increased and ending on the 

date of the next general election. 

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1)--

(A) the tenn "price index" means the average over a calendar year of the Consumer Price Index (all items--United 

States city average) published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and 

(B) the term "base period" means--

(i) for purposes of subsections (b) and (d), calendar year 1974; and 

(ii) for purposes of subsections (a)(l )(A), (a)( I )(B), (a)(3), and (h), calendar year 2001. 

Cd) Expenditures by national committee, State committee, or subordinate committee of State committee in connection 

with general election campaign of candidates for Federal office. 

e 1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law with respect to limitations on expenditures or limitations on 

contributions, the national committee of a political party and a State committee of a political party, including any 

subordinate committee of a State committee, may make expenditures in connection with the general election campaign 

of candidates for Federal office, subject to the limitations contained in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection. 

(2) The national committee of a political party may not make any expenditure in connection with the general election 

campaign of any candidate for President of the United States who is affiliated with such party which exceeds an amount 

equal to 2 cents multiplied by the voting age population of the United States (as certified under subsection (e)). Any 

expenditure under this paragraph shall be in addition to any expenditure by a national committee of a political party 

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Page 4 

2 USCS § 441a 

serving as the principal campaign committee of a candidate for the office of President of the United States. 

(3) The national committee ofa political party, or a State committee ofa political party, including any subordinate 

committee of a State committee, may not make any expenditure in connection with the general election campaign of a 

candidate for Federal office in a State who is affiliated with such party which exceeds--

(A) in the case ofa candidate for election to the office of Senator, or of Representative from a State which is entitled 

to only one Representative, the greater of--

(i) 2 cents multiplied by the voting age population of the State (as certified under subsection (e)); or 

(ii) S 20,000; and 

(B) in the case of a candidate for election to the office of Representative, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner in 

any other State, S 10,000. 

(4) Independent versus coordinated expenditures by party. 

(A) In general. On or after the date on which a political party nominates a candidate, no committee of the political 

party may make--

(i) any coordinated expenditure under this subsection with respect to the candidate during the election cycle at any 

time after it makes any independent expenditure (as defined in section 30 I (17) [2 uses § 431 (17)]) with respect to the 

candidate during the election cycle; or 

(ii) any independent expenditure (as defined in section 301(17) [2 uses § 431 (J 7)]) with respect to the candidate 

during the election cycle at any time after it makes any coordinated expenditure under this subsection with respect to the 

candidate during the election cycle. 

(B) Application. For purposes of this paragraph, alI political committees established and maintained by a national 

political party (including alI congressional campaign committees) and alI political committees established and 

maintained by a State political party (including any subordinate committee ofa State committee) shalI be considered to 

be a single political committee. 

(C) Transfers. A committee of a political party that makes coordinated expenditures under this subsection with 

respect to a candidate shall not, during an election cycle, transfer any funds to, assign authority to make coordinated 

expenditures under this subsection to, or receive a transfer of funds from, a committee of the political party that has 

made or intends to make an independent expenditure with respect to the candidate. 

(e) Certification and publication of estimated voting age population. During the first week of January 1975, and every 

subsequent year, the Secretary of Commerce shall certifY to the Commission and publish in the Federal Register an 

estimate of the voting age population of the United States, of each State, and of each congressional district as of the first 

day of July next preceding the date of certification. The term "voting age population" means resident population, 18 

years of age or older. 

(I) Prohibited contributions and expenditures. No candidate or political committee shall knowingly accept any 

contribution or make any expenditure in violation of the provisions ofthis section. No officer or employee of a political 

committee shall knowingly accept a contribution made for the benefit or use of a candidate, or knowingly make any 

expenditure on behalf of a candidate, in violation of any limitation imposed on contributions and expenditures under 

this section. 

(g) Attribution of multi-State expenditures to candidate's expenditures limitation in each State. The commission shall 

prescribe rules under which any expenditure by a candidate for presidential nominations for use in 2 or more States 

shall be attributed to such candidate's expenditure limitation in each such State, based on the voting age population in 

such State which can reasonably be expected to be influenced by such expenditure. 

(h) Senatorial candidates. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, amounts totaling not more than S 35,000 

may be contributed to a candidate for nomination for election, or for election, to the United States Senate during the 

year in which an election is held in which he is such a candidate, by the Republican or Democratic Senatorial Campaign 

Committee, or the national committee of a political party, or any combination of such committees. 

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2 USCS § 441a 

(i) Increased limit to allow response to expenditures from personal funds. 

(I) Increase. 

Page 5 

(A) In general. Subject to paragraph (2), if the opposition personal funds amount with respect to a candidate for 

election to the office of Senator exceeds the threshold amount, the limit under subsection (a)(l)(A) (in this subsection 

referred to as the 'applicable limit') with respect to that candidate shall be the increased limit. 

(3) Threshold amount. 

(i) State-by-State competitive and fair campaign formula. In this subsection, the threshold amount with respect to 

an election cycle ofa candidate described in subparagraph (A) is an amount equal to the sum of-

(I) S 150,000; and 

(II) S 0.04 multiplied by the voting age population. 

(ii) Voting age population. In this subparagraph, the term I1 voting age population'! means in the case ofa candidate 

for the office of Senator, the voting age population of the State of the candidate (as certified under section 3I5(e) 

[subsec. (e) of this section]). 

(C) Increased limit. Except as provided in clause (ii), for purposes of subparagraph (A), if the opposition personal 

funds amollnt is over--

(i) 2 times the threshold amount, but not over 4 times that amount--

(I) the increased limit shall be 3 times the applicable limit; and 

(II) the limit under subsection (a)(3) shall not apply with respect to any contribution made with respect to a 

candidate if such contribution is made under the increased limit of subparagraph (A) during a period in which the 

candidate may accept such a contribution; 

(ii) 4 times the threshold amount, but not over 10 times that amount--

(I) the increased limit shall be 6 times the applicable limit; and 

(II) the limit under subsection (a)(3) shall not apply with respect to any contribution made with respect to a 

candidate if such contribution is made under the increased limit of subparagraph (A) during a period in which the 

candidate may accept such a contribution; and 

(iii) 10 times the threshold amount-

(I) the increased limit shall be 6 times the applicable limit; 

(II) the limit under subsection (a)(3) shall not apply with respect to any contribution made with respect to a 

candidate if such contribution is made under the increased limit of subparagraph (A) during a period in which the 

candidate may accept such a contribution; and 

(III) the limits under subsection (d) with respect to any expenditure by a State or national committee ofa 

political party shall not apply. 

(D) Opposition personal funds amount. The opposition personal funds amount is an amount equal to the excess (if 

any) of--

0) the greatest aggregate amount of expenditures from personal funds (as defined in section 304(a)(6)(3) [2 uses 

§ 434(a)(6)(B)]) that an opposing candidate in the same election makes; over 

Oi) the aggregate amount of expenditures from personal funds made by the candidate with respect to the election. 

(E) Special rule for candidate's campaign funds. 

(i) In general. For purposes of determining the aggregate amount of expenditures from personal funds under 

subparagraph (D)Oi), such amount shall include the gross receipts advantage of the candidate's authorized committee. 

(ii) Gross receipts advantage. For purposes of clause (i), the term "gross receipts advantage" means the excess, if 

anY,of--

(I) the aggregate amount of 50 percent of gross receipts of a candidate's authorized committee during any 

election cycle (not including contributions from personal funds of the candidate) that may be expended in connection 

with the election, as determined on June 30 and December 3 I of the year preceding the year in which a general election 

is held, over 

(II) the aggregate amount of 50 percent of gross receipts of the opposing candidate's authorized committee 

during any election cycle (not including contributions from personal funds of the candidate) that may be expended in 

connection with the election, as determined on June 30 and December 3 I of the year preceding the year in which a 

general election is held. 

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2 USCS § 44la 

(2) Time to accept contributions under increased limit. 

(A) In general. Subject to subparagraph (B), a candidate and the candidate's authorized committee shall not accept 

any contribution, and a party committee shall not make any expenditure, under the increased limit under paragraph (I )--

(i) until the candidate has received notification of the opposition personal funds amount under section 

304(a)(6)(B) [2 uses § 434(a)(6)(B)]; and 

(ii) to the extent that such contribution, when added to the aggregate amount of contributions previously accepted 

and party expenditures previously made under the increased limits under this subsection for the election cycle, exceeds 

110 percent ofthe opposition personal funds amount. 

(B) Effect of withdrawal of an opposing candidate. A candidate and a candidate's authorized committee shall not 

accept any contribution and a party shall not make any expenditure under the increased limit after the date on which an 

opposing candidate ceases to be a candidate to the extent that the amount of such increased limit is attributable to such 

an opposing candidate. 

(3) Disposal of excess contributions. 

(A) In general. The aggregate amount of contributions accepted by a candidate or a candidate's authorized 

committee under the increased limit under paragraph (1) and not otherwise expended in connection with the election 

with respect to which such contributions relate shall, not later than 50 days after the date of such election, be used in the 

manner described in subparagraph (B). 

(B) Return to contributors. A candidate or a candidate's authorized committee shall return the excess contribution to 

the person who made the contribution. 

U) Limitation on repayment of personal loans. Any candidate who incurs personal loans made after the effective date of 

the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 [effective Nov. 6, 2002] in connection with the candidate's campaign for 

election shall not repay (directly or indirectly), to the extent such loans exceed S 250,000, such loans from any 

contributions made to such candidate or any authorized committee of such candidate after the date of such election. 

HISTORY: 

(Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, Title III, § 315 [320], as added May II, 1976, P.L. 94-283, Title I, § 112(2),90 Stat. 487; 

Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, Title I, § 105(5), 93 Stat. 1354; March 27, 2002, P.L. 107-155, Title I, § 102, Title II, Subtitle 

A, § 202, Subtitle B, §§ 213, 214(a), Title III, §§ 304(a), 307(a)-(d), 316, 3 I 9(b), I I 6 Stat. 86, 90, 94, 97, 102, 108, 

112.) 

HISTORY; ANCILLARY LAWS AND DIRECTIVES 

References in text: 

"This Act", referred to in this section, is Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, 86 Stat. 3, popularly known as the Federal 

Election Campaign Act of 1971, which appears generally as 2 uses §§ 431 et seq. For full classification of such Act, 

consult USCS Tables volumes. 

For effective date of "Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002", referred to in subsec. (j), see § 402 of Act March 

27,2002, P.L. 107-155, which appears as 2 uses § 431 note. 

Explanatory notes: 

"1986" has been inserted in brackets in subsecs. (a)(5) and (b)( 1) pursuant to § 2 of Act Oct. 22, 1986, P.L. 99-514, 

which redesignated the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (Act Aug. 16, 1954, ch 736) as the Internal Revenue Code of 

1986. In redesignating the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, Congress provided, in 

Act Oct. 22, 1986, P.L. 99-514, § 2(b), 100 Stat. 2095, for construction of references to the Internal Revenue Code as 

follows: except when inappropriate, any reference in any law, Executive Order, or other document to the Internal 

Revenue Code of 1954 shall include a reference to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and any reference to the Internal 

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Page 7 

2 USCS § 441a 

Revenue Code of 1986 shall include a reference to the provisions of law formerly known as the Internal Revenue Code 

of 1954. 

The word "and" has been enclosed in brackets in subsec. (a)(7)(B)(iii) to indicate the probable intent of Congress to 

delete such word. 

Another § 320 of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225 was classified to 2 uses § 441 and was repealed by Act May II, 

1946, P.L. 94-283, Title I, § 112(1),90 Stat. 486. 

Another § 315 of Act Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-255 was redsignated as § 314 by Act May II, 1976, P.L. 94-283, Title I, § 

105, 90 Stat. 481, and later as § 310 by Act Ja. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, Title I, § 105(4), 93 Stat. 1354. 

Another § 315 of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-255 was redesignated as § 311 by ActJan. 8,1980, P.L. 96-187, Title I, § 

105(4),93 Stat. 1354. 

Amendments: 

2002. Act March 27, 2002 (effective on 11/6/2002, but not applicable with respect to runoff elections, recounts, or 

election contests resulting from elections held prior to such date, as provided by § 402(a)(4) of such Act, which appears 

as 2 uses § 431 note), in subsec. (a), in para. (I), in the introductory matter, substituted "Except as provided in 

subsection (i) and section 3 I5A, no person" for "No person", and, in para. (7), in subpara. (B), redesignated c1. (ii) as cl. 

(iii), and inserted new c1. (ii), redesignated subpara. (C) as subpara. (D), and inserted new subpara. (C); in subsec. (d), in 

para. (I), substituted ", (3), and (4)" for "and (3)", and added para. (4); and added subsecs. (i) and G). 

Such Act further (applicable with respect to contributions made on or after 11112003, as provided by § 307(e) of such 

Act, which appears as a note to this section), in subsec. (a), in para. (I), in subpara. (A), substituted "$ 2,000" for "$ 

1,000\ in subpara. (8), substituted "s 25,000 11 for liS 20,000'\ and deleted "or" following the concluding semicolon, in 

subpara. (C), inserted "(other than a committee described in subparagraph (D))", and substituted "; or" for a concluding 

period, and added subpara. (D), and substituted para. (3) for one which read: "(3) No individual shall make 

contributions aggregating more than S 25,000 in any calendar year. For purposes of this paragraph, any contribution 

made to a candidate in a year other than the calendar year in which the election is held with respect to which such 

contribution is made, is considered to be made during the calendar year in which such election is held, II; in subsec. (c), 

in para. (I), inserted the subparagraph designator "(A)" and deleted "Each limitation established by subsection (b) and 

subsection (d) shall be increased by such percent difference. Each amount so increased shall be the amount in effect for 

such calendar year." following "base period.", and added subparas. (B) and (C), and, in para. (2)(B), substituted 

"means--" for "means the calendar year I 974." and added cls. (i) and (ii); and, in subsec. (h), substituted "5 35,000" for 

"$ 17,500". 

Redesignation: 

Section 105(5) of Act Jan. 8, 1980, redesignated § 320 of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, Title III, as § 315 of such 

Act. 

Other provisions: 

Regulations on coordinated communications paid for by persons other than candidates, ctc. Act March 27, 

2002, P.L. 107-155, Title 11, Subtitle B, § 214(c), 116 Stat. 95 (effective on Nov. 6, 2002 but not applicable with respect 

to runoff elections, recounts, or election contests reSUlting from elections held prior to such date, as provided by § 402 

of such Act, which appears as 2 uses § 431 note), provides: 

liThe Federal Election Commission shall promulgate new regulations on coordinated communications paid for by 

persons other than candidates, authorized committees of candidates, and party committees. The regulations shall not 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 106
2 USCS § 441a 

require agreement or formal collaboration to establish coordination. In addition to any subject determined by the 

Commission, the regulations shall address--

"(1) payments for the republication of campaign materials; 

U(2) payments for the use of a common vendor; 

ft(3) payments for communications directed or made by persons who previously served as an employee of a 

candidate or a political party; and 

Page 8 

U(4) payments for communications made by a person after substantial discussion about the communication with a 

candidate or a political party.". 

Application of amendments made by § 307 of Act March 27, 2002. Act March 27, 2002, P.L. 107-155, Title III, § 

307(e), 116 Stat. 103, provides: "The amendments made by this section [amending subsecs. (a)(I), (3), (c)(I), (2)(B), 

and (h) of this section] shall apply with respect to contributions made on or after January 1, 2003.". 

NOTES: 

Code of Federal Regulations: 

Federal Election Commission--Reports by political committees and other persons (2 US.c. 434), I I CFR 104.1 et 

seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Allocations of candidate and committee activities, I I CFR 106.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Coordinated and independent expenditures (2 US. C. 431(17),4410(0) and (d), and 

Pub. L. 107-155 Sec. 214(c)), 11 CFR 109.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission-Contribution and expenditure limitations and prohibitions, 11 CFR 110.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Use of campaign accounts for non-campaigu purposes, 11 CFR 1 13.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Debts owed by candidates and political committees, 11 CFR 116.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Non-Federal funds, 11 CFR 300.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Increased limits for candidates opposing self-financed candidates, 11 CFR 400.1 et 

seq. 

Related Statutes & Rules: 

Sentencing Guidelines for the United States Courts, 18 USCS Appx § 2Cl.8. 

This section is referred to in 2 USCS § 434; 5 USCS § 7323; 26 USCS §§ 9004, 9008, 9034, 9035. 

Research Guide: 

Federal Procedure: 

15 Moore's Federal Practice (Matthew Bender 3d ed.), ch 10 I, Issues of Justiciability § 101.41. 

lOB Fed Proc L Ed, Elections and Elective Franchise § 29:256. 

Am Jur: 

16 Am Jur 2d, Constitutional Law § 160. 

26 Am Jur 2d, Elections §§ 462, 466, 467. 

Criminal Law and Practice: 

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2 USCS § 44la 

2 Business Crime (Matthew Bender), ch 6A, Preventing Corporate Criminal Liability P 6A.01. 

Annotations: 

Validity, Construction, and Application of Campaign Finance Laws-Supreme Court Cases. 19 ALR Fed 2d I. 

State regulation of the giving or making of political contributions or expenditures by private individuals. 94 ALR3d 

944. 

Texts: 

I Banking Law (Matthew Bender), ch 14, Banks and Political Activities § 14.04. 

I The Law of Advertising (Matthew Bender), ch 7, Access to the Media § 7.05. 

Law Review Articles: 

Schotland. Analyzing the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. 56 Admin L Rev 867, Summer 2004. 

Richards. Federal Election Commission v. Colorado Republican Federal Campaign Committee: Implications for 

Parties, Corporate Political Dialogue, and Campaign Finance Reform. 40 Am Bus U 83, Fall 2002. 

Corrado. Party Finance in the 2000 Elections: The Federal Role of Soft Money Financing. 34 Ariz St U 1025, Winter 

2002. 

Weinstein. Campaign Finance Reform And The First Amendment: An Introduction. 34 Ariz St U 1057, Winter 2002. 

Goldberg. Federal and State Campaign Finance Reform: Lessons for the New Millennium. 34 Ariz St U 1143, 

Winter 2002. 

Wold. The Federal Experience: Paradigm or Paradox? 34 Ariz St U 1161, Winter 2002. 

Hansen. Anything But Typical. 89 ABA} 22, 24, September 2003. 

Bopp. All Contribution Limits are not Created Equal: New Hope in the Political Speech Wars. 49 Cath UL Rev II, 

Fall 1999. 

Thomas; Bowman. Coordinated Expenditure Limits: Can they be Saved? 49 Cath UL Rev 133, Fall 1999. 

Simmons. An Essay on Federal Income Taxation and Campaign Finance Reform. 54 Flo L Rev I, January 2002. 

Cmar. Special Series on Election Law: Toward a Small Donor Democracy: The Past and Future ofIncentive 

Programs for Small Political Contributions. 32 Fordham Urb U 443, May 2005. 

Galson. The Law of Politics: The Role of Law in Advancing Democracy: Emerging Constitutional Paradigms and 

Justifications for Campaign Finance Regulation: The Case of 527 Groups. 95 Geo LJ 1181, April 2007. 

Briffault. The 527 Problem ... and the Buckley Problem. 73 Geo Wash L Rev 949, August 2005. 

Saxl; Maloney. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act: Unintended Consequences and the Maine Solution. 41 Harv J 

on Legis 465, Summer 2004. 

Ryan. 527S in 2008: The Past, Present, and Future of 527 Organization Political Activity Regulation. 45 Harv J on 

Legis 471, Summer 2008. 

Nemeroff. The Limited Role of Campaign Finance Laws in Reducing Corruption by Elected Public Officials. 49 How 

U 687, Spring 2006. 

Craine; Tollison. Campaign Expenditures and Political Competition. 19}L & Econ 177, April 1976. 

Saxl; Maloney. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act: Unintended Consequences and the Maine Solution. 19 Maine 

Bar} 216, Fall 2004. 

Freeman. Political Party Contributions and Expenditures Under the Federal Election Campaign Act: Anomalies and 

Unfinished Business. 4 Pace L Rev 267, Winter 1984. 

Clark; Lichtman. The Finger in the Dike: Campaign Finance Regulation After McConnell. 39 Suffolk U L Rev 629, 

2006. 

Redish. Free Speech and the Flawed Postulates of Campaign Finance Reform. 3 U Po} Const L 783, May 2001. 

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Pierre. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, Political Parties, and the First Amendment: Lessons from Missouri. 80 

Wash U LQ 1101, Winter 2002. 

Feingold. Campaign Finance Reform. 22 Yale Law & Pol'y Rev 339, Spring 2004. 

Interpretive Notes and Decisions: 

l. Generally 2. Constitutionality 3.--First Amendment rights; free speech 4.--Fifth Amendment rights 5.-Ninth 

Amendment rights 6. Standing 7. Enforcement authority 8. Purpose of contributions 9. Contributions to political 

committees 10. Committee expenditures 11. Aggregation of contributions 

1. Generally 

On its face, § 315(a)(7)(B)(ii) of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) (2 USCS § 441 a(a)(7)(b)(ii)-a 

provision of Title II of Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002 under which expenditures that are coordinated with 

political party are treated as contributions to party. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 LEd 2d 

491, 17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F SliPP 2d 515). 

Federal Election Campaign Act, 2 USCS § 431 et seq., neither prohibits nor authorizes out-of-state contributions. 

Sykes v FEC (2004, DC Dist Col) 335 F SliPP 2d 84, affd (2005, App DC) 2005 US App LEXIS 6363. 

2. Constitutionality 

Title I of Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002 (codified at locations including 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq.)--regulating use of "soft money" by political parties, officeholders, and candidates--does not exceed Congress' 

authority under Federal Constitution's elections clause to make or alter rules governing federal elections. McConnell v 

FEC (2003) 540 US 93,124 S Ct 619,157 LEd 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 

476 F Supp 2d 515). 

Title I of Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002 (BCRA) (codified at locations including 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq.)~-regulating use ofllsoft money" by political parties, officeholders, and candidates--does not impair authority of 

states to regulate their own elections and thus does not violate federal constitutional principles of federalism. 

McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93,124 S Ct 619,157 L Ed 2d 491,17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake 

(2006, ED NC) 476 F SliPP 2d 515). 

On its face, § 315(a)(7)(C) of Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) (2 USCS § 441a(a)(7)(C)-as amended by 

Title II of Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 to provide that disbursements for electioneering communications 

that are coordinated with candidate or party will be treated as contributions to, and expenditures by, that candidate or 

party--does not violate Federal Constitution. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 LEd 2d 491. 17 

FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F SlIPP 2d 515). 

Facial challenge to federal constitutional validity of ~~ 214(b) and 214(c) of Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 

2002 (2 USCS § 441a note)--under which Federal Election Commission promulgated new regulations dealing with 

"coordinated communications" paid for by persons other than candidates or their parties~~was not ripe, to extent that 

alleged constitutional infirmities were found in implementing regulations rather than statute itself, for issues concerning 

regulations (I) were not appropriately raised in facial challenge, and (2) had to be pursued in separate proceeding. 

McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 LEd 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake 

(2006, ED NC) 476 F SlIPP 2d 515). 

Provision of 2 USCS § 441 a which restricts amount of contribution allowable by unincorporated association and its 

political action committee is constitutional because to overturn such restriction would be to grant such associations 

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special privilege of unlimited and direct contribution ability, which is privilege not extended to individual persons. 

California Medical Asso. v Federal Election Com. (1980, CA9 Cal) 641 F2d 619, affd (1981) 453 US 182,69 LEd 2d 

567,101 SCt 2712. 

On remand from Supreme Court, court would remand to district court for further proceedings since resolution of 

constitutionality of party expenditure provision as applied to coordinated expenditures was too important to be resolved 

in haste and courts would benefit by parties fleshing out record with further evidence. FEC v Colorado Republican Fed. 

Campaign Comm. (1996, CA10 Colo) 96 F3d 471. 

There is no constitutional prerequisite for agreement, in order to find that expenditure is coordinated, and thus, 2 

USCS § 441a(a)(7)(B)(ii) is not unconstitutional. McConnell v FEC (2003, DC Dist Col) 251 F Supp 2d 176, affd in 

part and revd in part on other grounds (2003, US) 540 US 93, 157 L Ed 2d 491, 124 S Ct 619, 17 FLW Fed S 13. 

Essentially forcing national political parties to choose between making coordinated expenditures, under Party 

Expenditures Provision, or unlimited independent expenditures on behalf of their federal candidates, as required by 2 

USCS § 441a(d)(4), is unconstitutional. McConnell v FEC (2003, DC Dist Col) 251 F Supp 2d 176, affd in part and 

revd in part on other grounds (2003, US) 540 US 93, 157 LEd 2d 491, 124 S Ct 619, 17 FLW Fed S 13. 

3.-First Amendment rights; free speech 

Provisions of former 18 USCS § 608 which impose ceilings on political contributions do not violate First 

Amendment speech and association rights Of invidiously discriminate against nonincumbent candidates and minority 

party candidates, but are supported by substantial governmental interest in limiting corruption and its appearance; 

provisions which limit independent political expenditures by individuals and groups, and personal expenditures by 

candidates, and which fix ceilings on overall campaign expenditures by candidates are unconstitutional as 

impennissibly burdening right of free expression under First Amendment, and cannot be sustained on basis of certain 

enumerated governmental interests. Buckley v Valeo (1976) 424 US 1,96 S Ct 612,46 LEd 2d 659, 76-1 USTC P 9189 

(criticized in Homans v City of Albuquerque (2002, DC NM) 217 F Supp 2d 1197) and (criticized in McConnell v FEC 

(2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 LEd 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13) and (criticized in Ctr.for Individual Freedom, 

Inc. v Ireland (2008, SD W Va) 2008 US Dist LEXIS 83856). 

Provision of Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS § 441 0(0)( 1)(C)), which prohibits individuals and 

unincorporated associations from contributing more than $ 5,000 per calendar year to any multi candidate political 

cornmittee, does not violate First Amendment. Cal. Med. Ass'n v Fed. Election Comm'n (1981) 453 US 182, 69 L Ed 2d 

567,101 SCt 2712. 

Political party's expenditures that are coordinated with candidate of party--unlike truly independent expenditures by 

party in connection with election--may, consistent with Federal Constitution's First Amendment, be restricted in order 

to minimize circumvention of political contribution limits set by provision of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

(FECA) (2 USCS § 441a(a)); thus, another FECA provision (2 USCS § 441a(d)(3)), which limits amounts that national 

or state party committees are permitted to spend on congressional elections, is not facially invalid under First 

Amendment with respect to party's coordinated expenditures. FEC v Colo. Republican Fed. Campaign COlllln. (2001) 

533 US 431,150 L Ed 2d 461,121 S Ct 2351,2001 CDOS 5225,2001 Daily JOllrnal DAR 6447, 2001 ColoJ CAR 

3296,14 FLW Fed S 389. 

In determining whether Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 provision (2 USCS § 441a(d)(3)), which limits 

amounts that national or state party committees are pennitted to spend on congressional elections, is facially valid under 

Federal Constitution's First Amendment with respect to partis expenditures that are coordinated with candidate of 

party, United States Supreme Court will apply to coordinated spending limitation same scrutiny that is appropriate for 

contribution limit, that is, whether restriction is closely drawn to match sufficiently important government interest in 

combating political corruption. FEC v Colo. Republican Fed. Campaign Co/Illn. (2001) 533 US 431, 150 L Ed 2d 461, 

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121 S Ct 2351, 2001 CDOS 5225,2001 Daily Journal DAR 6447, 2001 Colo J CAR 3296, 14 FLW Fed S 389. 

Section 315(d)(4) of Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS § 441a(d)(4))--as amended by Title II of Bipartisan 

Campaign Refonn Act of2002 to require political parties to choose between coordinated and independent expenditures 

during postnomination pre-election period--violated Federal Constitution's First Amendment by placing 

unconstitutional burden on parties' right to make unlimited independent expenditures. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 

93,124 S Ct 619,157 L Ed 2d 491,17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 

515). 

Regulatory procedure enforcing spending limitations upon candidates for federal office imposed impennissible 

prior restraints in violation of First Amendment. American Civil Liberties Union. Inc. v Jennings (1973, DC Disl Col) 

366 F Supp 1041, vacated on other grounds (1975) 422 US 1030, 45 L Ed 2d 686, 95 S Ct 2646. 

Regulatory procedure enforcing spending limitations upon candidates for federal office imposed impennissible 

prior restraints in violation of First Amendment; regulations required prior certification of statements "in derogation" of 

any candidate and imposed criminal penalties for publishing advertisement not meeting certification requirements. 

American Civil Liberties Union, Inc. v Jennings (1973, DC Dist Col) 366 F Supp 1041, vacated on other grounds (1975) 

422 US 1030,45 L Ed 2d 686,95 S Ct 2646. 

If 2 USCS § 441 b were intended by Congress to prohibit antiabortion group's expenditures of printing and 

distributing of newsletters containing compilation of voting records of candidates for office, it would be 

unconstitutional under First Amendment since expenditures at issue were independent of any candidate or party, and 

were made by nonprofit corporation fonned to advance ideological cause and for purpose of publishing direct political 

speech. Federal Election Com. v Massachusetts Citizens/or Life, Inc. (1984, DC Mass) 589 F Supp 646, affd (1985, 

CAl Mass) 769 F2d 13,12 Media L R 1041, affd (1986) 479 US 238,93 L Ed 2d 539, 107 S C1616. 

Interpretation of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, (2 USCS § § 431 et seq.) under which contributions 

independently made by voluntarily associated labor organizations are aggregated should be avoided where possible as 

such interpretation raises serious constitutional questions concerning restriction of exercise of First Amendment rights. 

Federal Election Com. v Sailors' Union a/Pacific Political Fund (1986, ND Cal) 624 F Supp 492, affd (1987, CA9 Cal) 

828 F2d 502. 

Contribution limitation of 2 USCS § 441 a, under which defendant was prosecuted, did not violate his First 

Amendment rights of freedom of expression and association, despite his claim that limit was too low to allow 

meaningful participation in protected political speech and association, where no evidence was presented to show severe 

impact on political dialogue or effective advocacy. Fireman v United States (1998, DC Mass) 20 F Supp 2d 229. 

4,-Fifth Amendment rights 

Title I of Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002 (BCRA) (codified at locations including 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq.) does not violate equal protection component of due process clause of Federal Constitution's Fifth Amendment as 

aIJegedly discriminating against political parties in favor of special interest groups. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 

93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 L Ed 2d 491, 17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 

515). 

Provision of Federal Election Campaign Act setting expenditure limits, for Presidential candidates eligible to 

receive payments from Secretary of Treasury (2 USCS § 441a(b)(1)(B)) does not violate First, Fifth or Ninth 

Amendment of Constitution. Republican Nal'l Committee v Federal Election Com. (1979, CA2 NY) 616 F2d 1, affd 

(1980) 445 US 955,64 L Ed 2d 231, 100 S Ct 1639. 

Payment to multi candidate political committee eQuId, from constitutional standpoint, be subject to same regulatory 

power as campaign donations made directly to candidate without violation of First or Fifth Amendments in view of 

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Federal Election Campaign Act definition of political committee and by reason of substantial latitude permitted 

associations for political expression. including right to make unlimited expenditures except for direct candidate 

contributions or payments to multicandidate political committees. California lvfedical Asso. v Federal Election Com. 

(1980, CA9 Cal) 641 F2d 619, affd (1981) 453 US 182,69 L Ed 2d 567, 101 S Ct 2712. 

5.-Ninth Amendment rights 

Provision of Federal Election Campaign Act setting expenditure limits, for Presidential candidates eligible to 

receive payments from Secretary of Treasury (2 USCS § 441a(b)(1)(B)) does not violate First, Fifth or Ninth 

Amendment of Constitution. Republican Nat'l Commillee v Federal Election Com. (1979, CA2 NY) 616 F2d 1, affd 

(1980) 445 US 955,64 L Ed 2d 231,100 S Ct 1639. 

6. Standing 

Group of plaintiffs consisting of voters, voter organizations. and candidates lacked standing to challenge federal 

constitutional validity of § 315(a)(I) of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 USCS § 441a(a)(1))--as amended by 

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002 (BCRA) to increase and index for inflation certain campaign contribution 

limits. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93,124 S Ct 619,157 LEd 2d 491,17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v 

Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 515). 

Group of plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge, in U.S. Supreme Court, validity of § 315(a)(I) of Federal Election 

Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) (2 USCS § 441a(a)(1))--as amended by Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act 0[2002 

(BCRA) to increase and index for inflation certain campaign contribution limits--on basis of contention that § 315(a)(I), 

together with FECA § 315's individual and political action committee contribution limitations, imposed editorial control 

on plaintiffs' congressional campaigns and public interest advocacy. in asserted violation of free press guarantee of 

Federal Constitution's First Amendment. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93,124 S Ct 619,157 LEd 2d 491,17 FLW 

Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, EDNC) 476F Supp2d 515). 

Group of plaintiffs consisting of voters, voter organizations, and candidates lacked standing to challenge federal 

constitutional validity of "millionaire provisions" of Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002 (BCRA)--amending § 

315 of Federal Election Campaign Act ofl971 (FECA) (2 USCS § 4410) and adding FECA § 315A (2 USCS § 

441a-1)--which provided for series of staggered increases in otherwise applicable contribution-to-candidate limits if 

candidate's opponent spent triggering amount of personal funds. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 

157 LEd 2d 491,17 FLW Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 515). 

7. Enforcement authority 

Under 2 USCS § 437c Federal Election Commission has exclusive primary jurisdiction with respect to civil 

enforcement of Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.); plaintiff Common Cause does not have right of 

action against American Medical Association on alleged ground that on numerous occasions Association had violated 

Federal Election Campaign Act by making political contributions through its political committees in excess ofS 5,000 

limit to candidate for federal electoral office (2 USCS § 441a(a)(2)(A)), unless United States District Court directed 

Commission to proceed and it failed to do so. Common Calise v Federal Election Com. (1979. DC Disl Col) 82 FRD 

59. 

8. Purpose of contributions 

Loan guarantors violated dollar limits on campaign contributions where solicitations and guarantees were made 3 

months after election by personal friends and relatives of candidate to repay campaign debt and candidate declared 

intention never to run for office again, because under these circumstances guarantees were for purpose of influencing 

election; to hold otherwise would allow candidate to run campaign at deficit and collect excessive contributions after 

election. Federal Election Com. v red Haley Congressional Committee (1988, CA9 Wash) 852 F2d 1111. 

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California Medical Association and political action committee violated statutory limitation of 2 USCS § 441a on 

contributions made to and knowingly accepted by committee when contributions were not eannarked for particular use, 

and when committee used such contributions for purpose of influencing federal elections as well as for other purposes 

beyond FECA's (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) regulatory embrace; Federal Election Commission is not required to prove that 

each contribution was made for purpose of influencing federal elections. Federal Election Com. v California A1edical 

Asso. (1980, ND Cal) 502 F Supp 196. 

Treasurer of United States House of Representatives candidate's campaign committee "knowingly acceptedtt S 

5,000 contribution from Republican committee, which at time contribution was made was not multicandidate political 

committee in violation of 2 USCS § 441a(j), despite treasurer's assertion that he had no knowledge that committee was 

not qualified to make contribution, where (I) contribution in excess ofS 1,000 is facially defective and requires further 

inquiry to determine ifit is made in violation of 2 USCS § 441a(j) and (2) Federal Election Commission index of 

political committees was readily available to treasurer. Federal Election Com. v John A. Dramesi for Congress 

Commillee (1986, DC NJ) 640 F Supp 985. 

9. Contributions to political committees 

Designation by political party's state committees of national senatorial campaign committee as agent for purpose of 

making campaign expenditures does not violate 2 USCS § 4410. Federal Election Comm'n v Democratic Senatorial 

Campaign Commillee (1981) 454 US 27, 70 LEd 2d 23, 102 S Ct 38 (criticized in Colo. Republican Fed. Campaign 

Comm. v FEC (1996) 518 US 604, 135 LEd 2d 795, 116 S Ct 2309,96 CDOS 4676,96 Dai/yJournal DAR 7541, 10 

FLW Fed S 72). 

Value of administrative services donated by association to political committee is included in computation of 

contributions for purposes ofS 5000 limit imposed by 2 USCS § 441a. California Medical Asso. v Federal Election 

Com. (1980, CA9 Cal) 641 F2d 619, affd (1981) 453 US 182,69 L Ed 2d 567,101 S Ct 2712. 

Commission's construction of tenns direction and control in its regulation regarding eannarked contributions to 

national committee was reasonable, hence it was appropriate to dismiss complaint that National Republican Senatorial 

Committee had violated campaign contribution limits by not counting eannarked contributions against its limit but only 

passing on contributions to individual candidates for counting against contributor's per candidate limit. Federal 

Election Comm'n v National Republican Senatorial Comm. (1992, App DC) 296 US App DC 190, 966 F2d 1471. 

Federal Election Commission's dismissal of complaint was improper under 2 USCS § 441a(h) as arbitrary and 

capricious, where political committee treated contributions received as result of mass mailing as "eannarked" for certain 

senatorial campaigns when committee exerted direction or control over choice of recipients and thus violated spending 

limits. Common Cause v Federal Election Com. (1990, DC Dist Col) 729 F Supp 148. 

Federal Election Commission's (FEC) decision not to investigate allegations that political action committee (PAC) 

violated campaign contribution limits by conducting advertising campaign urging voters to support U.S. Senate 

candidate was not contrary to law, where only record fact supporting possibility that PAC's expenditures were made in 

cooperation or in concert with candidate so as to make them "contributions" subject to limitation under 2 USCS § 

441a(a)(7)(B)(i) was PAC's use of same key political consultants as candidate's campaign, because mere fact of use of 

common consultants is not enough to lead to inference of coordination and to require investigation, giving proper 

deference to FEes decision. Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee v Federal Election Com. (1990, DC Dist 

Col) 745 F SliPP 742. 

Two organizations were "political committees" under Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, 2 USCS §§ 431 et 

seq., because organizations' major purpose was nomination or election of specific candidates; organizations violated Act 

by receiving over S 5,000 in contributions from individuaL FEC v Malenick (2004, DC Dist Col) 310 F SliPP 2d 230. 

Where 11 C.F.R. § 109.21 (c) excludes coordinated communications made more than 120 days before political 

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2 USCS § 441a 

convention, or general or primary election, as well as any that do not refer to candidate for federal office or political 

party and any not aimed at particular candidate's electorate or electorate where named political party has candidate in 

race, regulation is not reasonable accommodation under 2 USCS § 441a(a)(7)(B); Congress did not intend to change 

established campaign finance law which treats coordinated communications expenditures as contributions regardless of 

their content or when they are broadcast, and regulation thus undercut statutory purpose of regulating campaign finance 

and preventing circumvention of campaign finance rules. Shays v FEC (2004, DC Dist Col) 337 F Supp 2d 28, dismd, 

in part (2004, App DC) 2004 USApp LEXIS 24896 and affd (2005, App DC) 367 US App DC 185,414 F3d 76. 

Where I I C.F.R. § 109.3 defines "agent" for purposes of 2 USCS § 441 a(a)(7)(B)(i) as one having express or 

implied authority, but does not include one acting with apparent authority, regulatory construction is permissible under 

statute, but regulation is nonetheless invalid; there is no indication that Federal Election Commission considered how 

their decision to exclude apparent authority might facilitate circumvention of campaign finance laws or perpetuate 

appearance of corruption, and thus Commission failed to consider important aspect of problem which rendered rule 

arbitrary and capricious. Shays v FEC (2004, DC Dist Col) 337 F Supp 2d 28, dismd, in part (2004, App DC) 2004 US 

App LEXIS 24896 and affd (2005, App DC) 367 US App DC 185,414 F3d 76. 

Preliminary injunction did not issue to bar Federal Elections Commission (FEC) from enforcing contribution limits 

applicable to political committees under Federal Election Campaign Act, 2 USCS § 4410(a)(I)(C), (a)(3), against 

political association whose by-laws precluded it from contributing to FEC-regulated candidates or political committees 

but pennitted it to make so-called '1independent expenditures" because association was unlikely to succeed in its 

as-applied First Amendment challenge to federal campaign contribution limits. SpeechNolV.org v FEC (2008, DC Dist 

Col) 567 F Supp 2d 70. 

Federal Election Commission's revised allocation and contribution regulations, I I CFR §§ 100.57 and J06.6(f), 

promulgated pursuant to Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA), Pub. L. No. 92-255, 86 Stat. 3, as amended 

by Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002 (BCRA), Pub. L. No. 107-155, 116 Stat 81, were contribution limits, 

subject to lesser scrutiny, served important governmental purposes of preventing corruption and appearance of 

cOmJption by foreclosing Federal Election Campaign Act circumvention, and were closely drawn to do so; thus, they 

did not violate plaintiff political committee's First Amendment rights. EMILY'S List v FEC (2008, DC Dist Col) 569 F 

Supp2d 18. 

10. Committee expenditures 

While 2 USCS § 441a, which limits amount that national committee and state committees of political party may 

spend in connection with general election of candidate for United States congressional office, does not authorize 

national committee to make expenditures in its own right, it does not foreclose state committee of political party from 

designating national committee as its agent for purpose of making expenditures allowed by Federal Election Campaign 

Act (2 USCS §§ 4431 et seq.). Federal Election Comm'n v Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (1981) 454 US 

27, 70 L Ed 2d 23, 102 S Ct 38 (criticized in Colo. Republican Fed. Campaign Comm. v FEC (1996) 518 US 604, 135 L 

Ed 2d 795, Jl6 S Ct 2309,96 CDOS 4676,96 Daily Journal DAR 7541, 10 FLW Fed S 72). 

Govemment recoupment of portion of federal matching campaign funds paid to presidential candidate which 

exceed individual state expenditure limits as set forth in 2 uses § 441 a was not unconstitutional, since recoupment did 

not deny benefits to candidate because candidate was exercising constitutional rights where recoupment remedy does 

not recall private monies expended in state campaign but polices restrictions Congress placed on expenditures of public 

monies. John Glenn Presidential Committee, Inc. v Federal Election Com. (1987, App DC) 262 US App DC 35, 822 

F2d 1097. 

11, Aggregation of contributions 

Two affiliate unions of Seafarers International Union of North America are not local units for purposes of 

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2 USCS § 441a 

aggregating campaign funds contributed by three independent political action committees to determine whether union 

complied with 2 USCS § 4410, since affiliates were independent labor organizations and, defendant union lacked 

requisite degree of control over affiliates activities, notwithstanding international union had authority to regulate dues 

collected by affiliate unions, audit affiliates' records, and to appoint financial custodian when affiliate fails to submit 

financial reports or pay per capita tax, where affiliates predated existence of international union and international 

union1s constitution specifically provides that affiliates may disassociate with international union at will. Federal 

Election Com. v Sailors' Union of Pacific Political Fund (1987, CA9 Cal) 828 F2d 502. 

"Independent expenditures" exception did not apply to defendant's contributions to candidate's campaign allegedly 

because he gave money to media organization rather than directly to candidate, since agents of candidate and defendant 

were acting in concert and candidate cooperated with defendant by accepting money and performing commercial, and it 

was immaterial that defendant also secretly supported another candidate's campaign. United States v Goland (1992, 

CA9 Cal) 959 F2d 1449.92 CDOS 2548,92 Daily Journal DAR 4067, reb, en banc, den (1992, CA9) 977 FJd 1359,92 

CDOS 8779. 92 Daily Journal DAR 14542 and cert den (1993) 507 US 960, 122 L Ed 2d 759, 113 S Ct 1384. 

In holding that Republican National Independent Expenditure Committee and National Republican Senatorial 

Committee were not affiliated and therefore that there was not probable cause to believe that they had exceeded 

expenditure limits, FEC did not adequately analyze issue of affiliation in terms prescribed by goveming statute and 

regulation; there was no discussion of affiliation issue independent of analysis of separate coordination issue. Common 

Cause v FEC (1990, App DC) 285 USApp DC 1 1,906 F2d 705 (criticized in Common Cause v FEC (1997, App DC) 

323 USAppDC359, 108F3d413). 

Federal Elections Committee cannot treat 3 political action committees (PACs) as related organizations whose 

campaign contributions must be aggregated for purposes of detennining compliance with statutory limitations on 

political contributions even though labor organizations to which PACs are associated are members of international 

union, since international union does not control its member unions and since rules governing relationship between 

international union and members preserves independence of member unions; alternatively individual member unions 

are not divisions, departments or local units of international union where there is no indicia of such relationship and 

international union's constitution preserves autonomy of its members. Federal Election Com. v Sailors' Union of 

Pacific Political Fund (1986, ND Cal) 624 F Supp 492, affd (1987, CA9 Cal) 828 F2d 502. 

Interpretation of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, (2 USCS §§ 431 et seq.) under which contributions 

independently made by voluntarily associated labor organizations are aggregated should be avoided where possible as 

such interpretation raises serious constitutional questions concerning restriction of exercise of First Amendment rights. 

Federal Election Com. v Sailors' Union of Pacific Political Fund (1986, ND Cal) 624 F Supp 492, affd (1987, CA9 Cal) 

828 F2d 502. 

No conspiracy to defraud United States by violating Federal Election Campaign Act is shown by actions of group 

of securities brokers borrowing from firm's branch manager to donate $ 1,000 each to Senate campaign. since no single 

contributor donated more than S 1,000 to campaign. United States v Valentine (1986, SD NY) 637 F Supp 196, 22 Fed 

Rules Evid Serv 201. 

Summary judgment is denied against Federal Election Commission where FEC's interpretation--that candidate's 

express or direct coordination is necessary prerequisite to detennine if political contributions were impennissible under 

campaign contribution limits to candidate or political party's committee which is unauthorized by any candidate--is not 

unreasonable or contrary to law, and thus court cannot substitute its judgment for FEC's in light of limited judicial 

review of agency action. Common Cause v Federal Election Com. (1986, DC Dist Col) 655 F Supp 619, revd, in part 

on other grounds, vacated, in part (1988, App DC) 268 US App DC 440,842 F2d 436 (criticized in Common Cause v 

FEC (1997. App DC) 323 USApp DC 359, J08 F3d 413). 

Owner of two political committees controlled another entity that made contributions to candidates, but Federal 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 115
Page 17 

2 USCS § 44la 

Election Commission did not establish that political committees violated 2 USCS § 4410(0); record evidence was not 

sufficient to support valuation of committees' "in-kind contributions" to federal candidates. FEC v Molenick (2004, DC 

Dist Co/) 310 F Supp 2d 230. 

Absent justification for defendant Federal Election Commission (FEC) writing off evidence that candidates ran 

advertisements to influence federal elections outside pre-election windows of 11 C.F.R. § 109.21 (c)'s content standards, 

it was not reasoned decisionmaking and § 109.21(c), upon plaintiff U.S. House of Representatives member's challenge, 

was remanded; 2 USCS § 4410(0)(7)(B)(i) provided that expenditures that were coordinated with candidate constituted 

campaign contributions, and,S USCS § 431 (9)(A)(i), in turn, defined "expenditure" as any purchase, payment, 

distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value, made by any person for purpose of 

influencing any election for Federal office, but FEC's Explanation and Justification failed to provide any assurance that 

its revised content standards actually llcaptured universe" of communications made for purpose of influencing federal 

election. Shays v United States FEC (2007, DC Dist Co/) 508 F Supp 2d 10, affd in part and revd in part on other 

grounds, remanded (2008, App DC) 381 US App DC 296,528 F3d 914. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 116
TAB 8 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 1
• LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT 2 U.S.C. A§ 441D 

UNITED STATES CODE SERVICE 

Copyright © 2009 Matthew Bender & Company, Inc. 

a member of the LexisNexis Group (TM) 

All rights reserved. 

**. CURRENT THROUGH PL 111-90, APPROVED 11103/2009 WITH A GAP OF 111-84 *** 

TITLE 2. THE CONGRESS 

CHAPTER 14. FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 

DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FUNDS 

Go to the United States Code Service Archive Directory 

2 uses § 44Jd 

§ 441 d. Publication and distribution of statements and solicitations; charge for newspaper or magazine space 

Page I 

(a) Identification of funding and authorizing sources. Whenever a political committee makes a disbursement for the 

purpose of financing any communication through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising 

facility, mailing, or any other type of general public political advertising, or whenever any person makes a disbursement 

for the purpose of financing communications expressly advocating the election or defeat ofa clearly identified 

candidate, or solicits any contribution through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising 

facility, mailing, or any other type of general public political advertising or makes a disbursement for an electioneering 

communication (as defined in section 304(1)(3) [2 uses § 434(f)(3)]), such communication--

(I) if paid for and authorized by a candidate, an authorized political committee ofa candidate, or its agents, shall 

clearly state that the communication has been paid for by such authorized political committee, [or] 

(2) ifpaid for by other persons but authorized by a candidate, an authorized political committee of a candidate, or its 

agents, shall clearly state that the communication is paid for by such other persons and authorized by such authorized 

political committee; [or] 

(3) if not authorized by a candidate, an authorized political committee of a candidate, or its agents, shall clearly state 

the name and permanent street address, telephone number, or World Wide Web address of the person who paid for the 

communication and state that the communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate'S committee. 

(b) Charge for newspaper or magazine space. No person who sells space in a newspaper or magazine to a candidate or 

to the agent of a candidate for use in connection with such candidate's campaign. may charge any amount for such space 

which exceeds the amount charged for comparable use of such space for olber purposes. 

(c) Specification. Any printed communication described in subsection (a) shall-

(I) be of sufficient type size to be clearly readable by the recipient of the communication; 

(2) be contained in a printed box set apart from the other contents of the communication; and 

(3) be printed with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement. 

(d) Additional requirements. 

(1) Communications by candidates or authorized persons. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 2
Page 2 

2 USCS § 44ld 

(A) By radio. Aoy communication described in paragraph (I) or (2) of subsection (a) which is transmitted through 

radio shall include, in addition to the requirements of that paragraph, an audio statement by the candidate that identifies 

the candidate and states that the candidate has approved the communication. 

(B) By television. Aoy communication described in paragraph (I) or (2) of subsection (a) which is transmitted 

through television shall include, in addition to the requirements of that paragraph, a statement that identifies the 

candidate and states that the candidate has approved the communication. Such statement--

(i) shall be conveyed by--

(I) an unobscured, full-screen view of the candidate making the statement, or 

(II) the candidate in voice-over, accompanied by a clearly identifiable photographic or similar image of the 

candidate; and 

(ii) shall also appear in writing at the end of the communication in a clearly readable manner with a reasonable 

degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement, for a period of at least 4 seconds. 

(2) Communications by others. Aoy communication described in paragraph (3) of subsection (a) which is transmitted 

through radio or television shall include, in addition to the requirements of that paragraph, in a clearly spoken manner, 

the following audio statement: ,,----- is responsible for the content of this advertising." (with the blank to be filled in 

with the name of the political committee or other person paying for the communication and the name of any connected 

organization of the payor). If transmitted through television, the statement shall be conveyed by an unobscured, 

full-screen view of a representative of the political committee or other person making the statement, or by a 

representative of such political committee or other person in voice-over, and shall also appear in a clearly readable 

manner with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement, for a period of at 

least 4 seconds. 

HISTORY: 

(Feb. 7,1972, P.L. 92-225, Title III, § 318 [323] as added May II, 1976, P.L. 94-283, Title I, § 112(2),90 Stat. 493; 

Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187, Title J, §§ 105(5), 111,93 Stat. 1354, 1365; March 27, 2002, P.L. 107-155, Title 1II, § 311, 

116 Stat. 105.) 

HISTORY; ANCILLARY LAWS AND DIRECTIVES 

Explanatory notes: 

The word "or" has been enclosed in brackets at the end of sub sec. (a)(l) to indicate the probable intent of Congress to 

delete it. 

The word "or" has inserted in brackets at the end of sub sec. (a)(2) to indicate the probable intent of Congress to 

include it. 

Another § 318 of Act Feb. 2, 1972, P.L. 92-255, was redesignated as § 317 of such Act by Title I, § 105 of Act May 

II, 1976, P.L. 94-283, and furtber redesignated as § 313 by Title J, § 105 (4) of Act Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187. 

Another § 318 of Act Feb. 2, 1972, P.L. 92-255, was repealed by by Title I, § 105(1) of Act Jan. 8, 1980, P.L. 96-187. 

Amendments: 

1980. Act Jan. 8, 1980 (effective 1/8/80, pursuant to Title I, § 30 I (a) of such Act, which appears as 2 uses § 431 note), 

substituted this section for one which read: 

"Publication or distribution of political statements. 

"Whenever any person makes an expenditure for the purpose of financing communications expressly advocating the 

election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine. outdoor 

advertising facility. direct mailing. or any other type of general public political advertising. such communication--

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 3
Page 3 

2 USCS § 44ld 

"(1) if authorized by a candidate, his authorized political committees, or their agents, shall clearly and 

conspicuously, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Commission, state that the communication has been 

authorized; or 

"(2) if not authorized by a candidate, his authorized political committees, or their agents, shall clearly and 

conspicuously. in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Commission, state that the communication is not 

authorized by any candidate, and state the name of the person who made or financed the expenditure for the 

communication, including, in the case of a political committee, the name of any affiliated or connected organization 

required to be disclosed under section 303(b )(2).". 

2002. Act March 27, 2002 (effective on 1116/2002 but not applicable with respect to runoff elections, recounts, or 

election contests resulting from elections held prior to such date, as provided by § 402(a)(4) of such Act, which appears 

as 2 USCS § 431 note), in subsec. (a), in the introductory matter, substituted "Whenever a political committee makes a 

disbursement for the purpose of financing any communication through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, 

outdoor advertising facility, mailing, or any other type of general public political advertising, or whenever" for 

tlWhenever", substituted l1a disbursementtt for "an expenditure'\ deleted "direct" preceding tlrnailing U

, and inserted "or 

makes a disbursement for an electioneering communication (as defined in section 304(f)(3))", and, in para. (3), inserted 

"and permanent street address, telephone number, or World Wide Web address"; and added subsecs. (c) and (d). 

Redesignation: 

Section 105(5) of Act Jan. 8, 1980, redesignated § 323 of Title III of Act Feb. 7, 1972, P.L. 92-225, as § 318 of such 

Title. 

NOTES: 

Code of Federal Regulations: 

Federal Election Commission--Registration, organization, and recordkeeping by political committees (2 U.S. C 433), 

11 CFR 102.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Coordinated and independent expenditures (2 u.s.c. 431 (17),4410(0) and (d), and 

Pub. L. 107-155 Sec. 214(c)), 11 CFR 109.1 et seq. 

Federal Election Commission--Contribution and expenditure limitations and prohibitions, 11 CFR 110.1 et seq. 

Related Statutes & Rules: 

Sentencing Guidelines for the United States Courts, 18 uses Appx § 2C1 .8. 

Research Guide: 

Am Jur Trials: 

15 Am Jur Trials, Unfair Election Campaign Practices, p. 1. 

Annotations: 

Validity, Construction, and Application of Campaign Finance Laws-Supreme Court Cases. 19 ALR Fed 2d 1. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 4
2 USCS § 44ld 

Validity and construction of state statute prohibiting anonymous political advertising. 4 ALR4th 741. 

Texts: 

I The Law of Advertising (Matthew Bender), ch 7, Access to the Media § 7.05. 

Law Review Articles: 

Schotland. Analyzing the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. 56 Admin L Rev 867, Summer 2004. 

Hansen. Anything But Typical. 89 ABA J 22, 24, September 2003. 

Page 4 

Wick. Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 and Political Broadcast Reform. 22 DePaul L Rev 582, Spring 1973. 

Feingold. Campaign Finance Reform. 22 Yale Law & Pol'y Rev 339, Spring 2004. 

Interpretive Notes and Decisions: 

I. Generally; relationship with other laws 2. Constitutionality 3.--First Amendment rights 4. Conduct in violation of 

Act 5. Penalties 

1. Generally; relationship with other laws 

Postal Service may not, (while enforcing proscriptions against fraudulent representations in mail solicitations under 

39 USCS § 3005) impose constraints upon use of names or disclaimers of organizations that mail solicitations for 

political contributions beyond those restraints imposed by Federal Election Campaign Act, in particular 2 USCS §§ 432 

and 441; solicitations for political contributions are not entirely immune from postal service scrutiny under 39 USCS § 

3005, since certain statements may constitute false representation under § 3005 and no standards exist under FECA for 

such representations. Galliano v United States Postal Service (1988, App DC) 267 US App DC 14,836 F2d 1362. 

Provision for allocation of costs of public communications in 11 CFR § 1 06.6(j), which referred to both federal and 

nonfederal candidates based on proportion of space or time devoted to each clearly identified Federal candidate as 

compared to total space Or time devoted to all clearly identified candidates was undoubtedly closely tailored because to 

extent federal references were small part of communication, federal share of expenditure would be proportionately 

small under time/space allocation rules; conversely, if federal candidate making endorsement or referenced was 

prominently featured in ad, it was reasonable to require larger federal allocation because ad could have promoted 

federal candidate1s own campaign as well as that ofnon~federal candidate; further, with respect to public 

communications that referenced either only federal or only nonfederal candidates, allocation rule at 11 CFR § 106.6(j) 

required that communication be financed accordingly and, thus, provision was not overbroad and did not facially 

infringe on plaintiff political action committee's First Amendment rights. EMILY'S List v FEC (2008, DC Dist Col) 569 

F Supp 2d 18. 

2. Constitutionality 

Section 318 of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) (2 USCS § 441dJ--as amended by Bipartisan 

Campaign Refonn Act of2002 to require that electioneering communications authorized by candidate or candidatels 

political committee clearly identif'y candidate or committee or, if not so authorized, identif'y payor and announce lack of 

authorization-is not unconstitutional.. McConnell v FEC (2003) 540 US 93, 124 S Ct 619, 157 L Ed 2d 491, 17 FLW 

Fed S 13 (criticized in Jackson v Leake (2006, ED NC) 476 F Supp 2d 515}. 

Predecessor to 2 USCS § 441 d was constitutional. United States v Sco/l (1961, DC ND) 195 F Supp 440. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 5
Page 5 

2 USCS § 44ld 

Provisions of Federal Election Campaign Act (2 USCS §§ 431-454) and its implementing regulations requiring that 

communications businesses and media, before making regular charges for publications, be assured that presumably 

valid requirements imposed by Congress upon federal office seekers and those actively supporting or opposing such 

candidacy have been satisfied, and imposing criminal sanctions for noncompliance, establishes impermissible prior 

restraint. discourages free and open discussion of matters ofpuhlic concern and is unconstitutional means of 

effectuating legislative goals. American Civil Liberties Union, inc. v Jennings (1973, DC Dist Co/) 366 F Supp 1041, 

vacated on other grounds (1975) 422 US 1030,45 L Ed 2d 686,95 S Ct 2646. 

Requiring disclosure of sponsors of electioneering communications, as required by 2 USCS § 441 d(d), is 

constitutional. McConnell v FEC (2003, DC Dist Col) 251 F Supp 2d 176, affd in part and revd in part on other grounds 

(2003, US) 540 US 93, 157 L Ed 2d 491, 124 S Ct 619, 17 FLW Fed S 13. 

3.-First Amendment rights 

Statute's requirement that communication expressly advocating election or defeat of clearly identified candidate 

disclose whether communication was authorized by candidate or candidate's committee is narrowly tailored to serve 

overriding governmental interest in assisting voters in evaluating candidates and thus does not violate First Amendment. 

FEC v Public Citizen (2001, CAll Ga) 268 F3d 1283, 14 FLW Fed C 1363, reh, en banc, den (2002, CAll Ga) 31 Fed 

Appx 933. 

Predecessor to 2 USCS § 441 d was not rendered void on its face by USCS Canst, Amendment 1, since it was limited 

in its coverage to requiring fairness in federal elections and did not preclude anonymous criticism of oppressive 

practices and laws. United States v Insco (1973, MD Flo) 365 F Supp 1308. 

Citizens group's proposed advertisements for movie produced by group to advocate against political candidate fell 

within safe harbor of prohibitions of Federal Election Commission because advertisements merely proposed 

commercial transaction, to buy movie; however, there was no violation of First Amendment to require group's 

advertisements to comply with disclosure and disclaimer requirements of 2 USCS §§ 434(f) and 441dbecause 

advertisements were within entire range of electioneering communications and group presented no evidence to show 

that disclosure of information would yield reprisals. Citizens United v FEC (2008, DC Dist Col) 530 F Supp 2d 274, 

motions ruled upon (2008, DC Dist Col) 2008 US Dist LEXIS 54767. 

4. Conduct in violation of Act 

Defendant's conviction under predecessor to 2 USCS § 441 d for printing and distributing certain bumper stickers 

which did not contain statutorily-prescribed attribution clause would be reversed on ground that defendant was 

inadequately apprised of culpable nature of his conduct at time charged offense occurred because there was complete 

silence in both statute and legislative history in regard to bumper stickers, a universal practice prevailed among federal 

candidates in not affixing attribution clauses to bumper stickers employed in their campaigns, and no prosecutions had 

ever been brought by Department of Justice with respect to unattributed bumper stickers despite universal practice of 

omitting identification statements. United States v lnsco (1974, CA5 Flo) 496 F2d 204. 

Nonprofit political advocacy organization's mailing constituted solicitation of contributions within meaning of 2 

USCS § 441d(a), since statements in cover letter from physician left no doubt that funds contributed would be used to 

advocate President Reagan's defeat at polls, not simply to criticize his policies during election year, and, by omitting 

requisite disclosure of who paid for it, violated act. Federal Election Comm'n v Survival Educ. Fund (1995, CA2 NY) 65 

F3d 285. 

Regulatory procedure enforcing spending limitations upon candidates for federal office imposed impermissible 

prior restraints in violation of First Amendment; regulations required prior certification of statements "in derogation" of 

any candidate and imposed criminal penalties for publishing advertisement not meeting certification requirements. 

American Civil Liberties Union, Inc. v Jennings (1973, DC Dist Col) 366 F Supp 1041, vacated on other grounds (1975) 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 6
Page 6 

2 uses § 44ld 

422 US 1030, 45 L Ed 2d 686, 95 S Ct 2646. 

5. Penalties 

Repeated acts of deceit designed to subvert free electoral process which violated predecessor to 2 uses § 441 d 

involved sufficient moral turpitude and gross misconduct to warrant suspension of license to practice as attorney; 

conviction of conspiracy to violate predecessor to 2 uses § 441 d and commission of overt acts in furtherance of 

conspiracy justified suspension of attorney and requirement that attorney pass Professional Responsibility Examination 

offered by Slale Bar of California. Segrelli v Slale Bar of California (1976) 15 Cal 3d 878, 126 Cal Rplr 793, 544 P2d 

929. 

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TAB 9 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 8
• LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT II C.F.R. 100.16 

LEXISNEXIS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. AI! rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDERAL REGISTER *** 

TITLE II -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

PART 100 - SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS (2 U.S.C. 431) 

SUBPART A -- GENERAL DEFINITIONS 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

11 CFR 100.16 

§ 100.16 Independent expenditure (2 U.S.c. 431(17)). 

Page I 

(a) The tenn independent expenditure means an expenditure by a person for a communication expressly advocating 

the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate that is not made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at 

the request or suggestion of, a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or their agents, or a political party 

committee or its agents. A communication is "made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or 

suggestion of, a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or their agents, or a political party committee or its 

agentsl1 if it is a coordinated communication under 11 CFR 109.21 or a party coordinated communication under 11 CFR 

109.37. 

(b) No expenditure by an authorized committee of a candidate on behalf of that candidate shall qualify as an 

independent expenditure. 

(c) No expenditure shall be considered independent if the person making the expenditure allows a candidate, a 

candidate's authorized committee, or their agents, or a political party committee or its agents to become materially 

involved in decisions regarding the communication as described in 11 CFR 109.21 (d)(2J, or shares financial 

responsibility for the cOSts of production or dissemination with any such person. 

HISTORY: [45 FR 15094, Mar. 7,1980; ratified at 58 FR 59640, Nov. 10, 1993; 65 FR 76138, 76145, Dec. 6, 2000; 

66 FR 23537, May 9, 2001; 68 FR 421, 451, Jan. 3, 2003] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 U.S.c. 431, 434, 438(a)(8). 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: 68 FR 421, 451, Jan. 3, 2003, revised this section, effective Feb. 3, 2003.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 9
Page 2 

11 CFR 100.16 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: For Federal Register citations concerning Part 100 Supplemental Explanation and Justification, 

see: 72 FR 5595. Feb. 7, 2007.] 

240 words 

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TAB 10 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 11
• LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT 11 c'F.R. 100.75 

LEXISNEXIS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved .• 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF *.* 

*.* THE FEDERAL REGISTER *** 

TITLE II -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

PART 100 - SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS (2 U.S.c. 431) 

SUBPART C -- EXCEPTIONS TO CONTRIBUTIONS 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

11 CFR 100.75 

§ 100.75 Use ofa volunteer's real or personal property. 

Page I 

No contribution results where an individual, in the course of volunteering personal services on his or her residential 

premises to any candidate or to any political committee of a political party, provides the use of his or her real or 

personal property to such candidate for candidate-related activity or to such political committee of a political party for 

party-related activity. For the purposes of this section, an individual's residential premises, shall include a recreation 

room in a residential complex where the individual volunteering services resides, provided that the room is available for 

use without regard to political affiliation. A nominal fee paid by such individual for the use of such room is not a 

contribution. 

HISTORY: [67 FR 50582, 50587, Aug. 5, 2002] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 U.s.c. 431, 434, 438(a)(8). 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: 67 FR 50582,50587, Aug. 5,2002, added Subpart C, effective Nov. 6, 2002.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

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Page 2 

11 CFR 100.75 

[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: For Federal Register citations concerning Part 100 Supplemental Explanation and Justification, 

see: 72 FR 5595, Feb. 7, 2007.] 

124 words 

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TAB 11 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 14
LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT 11 C.F.R. 100.77 

LEXISNEXlS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved . 

••• THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF ••• 

••• THE FEDERAL REGISTER .*. 

TITLE 11 -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A - GENERAL 

PART 100 - SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS (2 U.S.c. 431) 

SUBPART C - EXCEPTIONS TO CONTRIBUTIONS 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

Jl CFR 100.77 

§ 100.77 Invitations, food, and beverages. 

Page 1 

The cost of invitations, food and beverages is not a contribution where such items are voluntarily provided by an 

individual volunteering personal services on the individual's residential premises or in a church or community room as 

specified at II CFR 100.75 and 100.76 to a candidate for candidate-related activity or to any political committee ofa 

political party for party-related activity, to the extent that: The aggregate value of such invitations, food and beverages 

provided by the individual on behalf of the candidate does not exceed S 1,000 with respect to any single election; and on 

behalf of all political committees of each political party does not exceed S 2,000 in any calendar year. 

HISTORY: [67 FR 50582. 50587. Aug. 5, 2002; 69 FR 68237. 68238. Nov. 24, 2004] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 U.S.c. 431. 434,438(a)(8). 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: 69 FR 68237.68238. Nov. 24, 2004, amended this section, effective Nov. 24, 

2004.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

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Page 2 

11 CFR 100.77 

[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: For Federal Register citations concerning Part 100 Supplemental Explanation and Justification, 

see: 72 FR 5595, Feb. 7,2007.] 

136 words 

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TAB 12 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 17
• LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT 11 C.F.R. 102.1 

LEXISNEXIS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (e) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDERAL REGISTER *** 

TITLE 11 -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

Page 1 

PART 102 - REGISTRATION, ORGANIZATION, AND RECORDKEEPING BY POLITICAL COMMITTEES (2 

U.S.C.433) 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

lJ CFR 102.1 

§ 102.1 Registration of political committees (2 U.S.C. 433(a)). 

(a) Principal Campaign Committees. Each principal campaign committee shall file a Statement of Organization in 

accordance with 11 CFR 102.2 no later than 10 days after designation pursuant to 11 CFR 101.1. In addition, each 

principal campaign committee shall file all designations, statements and reports which are filed with such committee at 

the place of filing specified at 11 CFR part 105. 

(b) Authorized Committees. Each authorized committee(s) shall file only one Statement of Organization in 

accordance with 11 CFR 102.2 no later than 10 days after designation pursuant to 11 CFR 101.1. Such Statement(s) 

shall be filed with the principal campaign committee of the authorizing candidate. 

(c) Separate Segregated Funds. Each separate segregated fund established under 2 USc. 441 b(b)(2)(C) shall file a 

Statement of Organization with the Federal Election Commission no later than 10 days after establishment. This 

requirement shall not apply to a fund established solely for the purpose of financing political activity in connection with 

State or local elections. Examples of establishment events after which a fund would be required to register include, but 

are not limited to: a vote by the board of directors or comparable governing body of an organization to create a separate 

segregated fund to be used wholly or in part for federal elections; selection of initial officers to administer such a fund; 

or payment of the initial operating expenses of such a fund. 

(d) Other Political Committees. All other committees shall file a Statement of Organization no later than 10 days 

after becoming a political committee within the meaning of 11 CFR 100.5. Such statement(s) shall be filed at the place 

of filing specified at 11 CFRpart 105. 

HISTORY: [45 FR 15104, Mar. 7, 1980; ratified at 58 FR 59640, Nov. 10, 1993] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 18
Page 2 

IICFRI02.1 

2 U.S.c. 432, 433, 434(a)(II), 438(a)(8), 441d. 

NOTES: NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

345 words 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 19
TAB 13 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 20
.·LexisNexis· 

LEXSTAT 11 C.F.R. 102.2 

LEXISNEXlS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved . 

•• * THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF .** ••• THE FEDERAL REGISTER * •• 

TITLE 11 -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I - FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A - GENERAL 

Page 1 

PART 102 - REGISTRATION, ORGANIZATION, AND RECORDKEEPING BY POLITICAL COMMITTEES (2 

U.S.C.433) 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

11 CFR 102.2 

§ 102.2 Statement of organization: Fonns and committee identification number (2 U.S.C. 433(b), (c)). 

(a) Fonns. (1) The Statement of Organization shall be filed in accordance with 11 CFR part 105 on Federal Election 

Commission Fonn I, which may be obtained from the Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street, NW., Washington, 

DC 20463. The Statement shall be signed by the treasurer and shall include the following infonnation: 

(i) The name, address, and type of committee; 

(ii) The name, address, relationship, and type of any connected organization or affiliated committee in accordance 

with 11 CFR I02.2(b); 

(iii) The name, address, and committee position of the custodian of books and accounts of the committee; 

(iv) The name and address of the treasurer of the committee; 

(v) If the committee is authorized by a candidate, the name, office sought (including State and Congressional 

district, when applicable) and party affiliation of the candidate; and the address to which communications should be 

sent; 

(vi) A listing of all banks, safe deposit boxes, or other depositories used by the committee; 

(vii) The Internet address of the committee's official web site, if such a web site exists. If the committee is required 

to file electronically under II CFR 104.18, its electronic mail address, if such an address exists; and 

(viii) If the committee is a principal campaign committee ofa candidate for the Senate or the House of 

Representatives, the principal campaign committee's electronic mail address. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 21
Page 2 

II CFR 102.2 

(2) Any change or correction in the information previously filed in the Statement of Organization shall be reported 

no later than 10 days following the date of the change or correction by filing an amended Statement of Organization or, 

if the political committee is not required to file electronically under 11 CFR 104.18, by filing a letter noting the 

changers). The amendment need list only the name of the political committee and the change or correction. 

(3) A committee shall certify to the Commission that it has satisfied the criteria for becoming a multicandidate 

committee set forth at 11 CFR 100.5(e)(3) by filing FEC Form 1M no later than ten (10) calendar days after qualifying 

for multicandidate committee status. 

(b) For purposes of 11 CFR 102.2(a)(1)(ii), political committees shall disclose the names of any connected 

organization(s) or affiliated committee(s) in accordance with 11 CFR 102.2(b) (1) and (2). 

(I) Affiliated committee includes any committee defined in 11 CFR 100.5(g), 11O.3(a) or (b), or 110.14Ul or (k). 

(i) A principal campaign committee is required to disclose the names and addresses of all other authorized 

committees that have been authorized by its candidate. Authorized committees need only disclose the name of their 

principal campaign committee. 

(ii)(A) Political committees established by a single parent corporation, a single national or international union, a 

single organization or federation of national or international unions, a single national membership organization or trade 

association, or any other similar group of persons (other than political party organizations) are required to disclose the 

names and addresses of all political committees established by any subsidiary, or by any State, local, or other 

subordinate unit of a national or international union or federation thereof, or by any subordinate units of a national 

membership organization, trade association, or other group of persons (other than political party organizations). 

(B) Political committees established by subsidiaries, or by State, local, or other subordinate units are only required 

to disclose the name and address of each political committee established by their parent or superior body, e.g., parent 

corporation. national or international union or organization or federation of such unions, or national organization or 

trade association. 

(2) Connected organization includes any organization defined at 11 CFR 100.6. 

(c) Committee identification number. Upon receipt of a Statement of Organization under II CFR part 102 by the 

Commission, an identification number shall be assigned to the committee, receipt shall be acknowledged, and the 

political committee shall be notified ofthe number assigned. This identification number shall be entered by the political 

committee on all subsequent reports or statements filed under the Act, as well as on all communications concerning 

reports and statements. 

HISTORY: [45 FR 15104, Mar. 7,1980, as amended at50 FR 50778, Dec. 12, 1985; 54 FR 34109, Aug. 17, 1989; 54 

FR 48580, Nov. 24,1989; 58 FR 42172, Aug. 6,1993, as confirmed at 58 FR 59641, Nov. 10, 1993; ratified at 58 FR 

59640, Nov. 10, 1993; 65 FR 38415, 38422, June 21, 2000; 65 FR 63535, Oct. 24, 2000; 68 FR 3970,3995, Jan. 27, 

2003; 68 FR 64512, 64516, Nov. 14,2003; 68 FR 67013,67018, Dec. 1,2003; 73 FR 79597, 79601, Dec. 30, 2008] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 U.S.c. 432,433, 434(a)(11), 438(a)(8), 441d. 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: 73 FR 79597, 79601, Dec. 30, 2008, revised paragraph (a)(I)(viii), effective 

Feb. 1,2009.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFRpart 374a 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 22
11 CFRI02.2 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

811 words 

Page 3 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 23
TAB 14 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 24
.·LexisNexis· 

LEXSTAT II C.F.R. 102.3 

LEXISNEXIS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009. by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved . 

••• THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5,2009 ISSUE OF * •• 

**. THE FEDERAL REGISTER * •• 

TITLE II -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

Page I 

PART 102 -- REGISTRATION, ORGANIZATION, AND RECORDKEEPING BY POLITICAL COMMITTEES (2 

U.S.C.433) 

Go to the CFRArchive Directory 

11 CFR 102.3 

§ 102.3 Termination of registration (2 U.S.C. 433(d)(I)). 

(a)(I) A political committee (other than a principal campaign committee) may terminate only upon filing a 

termination report on the appropriate FEe Form or upon filing a written statement containing the same information at 

the place of filing specified at II CFR part lOS. Except as provided in 11 CFR 102.4(c), only a committee which will 

no longer receive any contributions or make any disbursements that would otherwise qualify it as a political committee 

may terminate, provided that such committee has no outstanding debts and obligations. In addition to the Notice, the 

committee shall also provide a final report of receipts and disbursements, which report shall include a statement as to 

the purpose for which such residual funds will be used, including a statement as to whether such residual funds will be 

used to defray expenses incurred in connection with an individual's duties as a holder offederal office. 

(2) An authorized committee ofa qualified Member, as defined at 11 CFR 113.1 (j), shall comply with the 

requirements of 11 CFR 113.2 before any excess funds are converted to such Member's personal use. All other 

authorized committees shall include in their termination reports a statement signed by the treasurer, stating that no 

noncash committee assets will be converted to personal use. 

(b) Except as provided at 11 CFR 102.4, a principal campaign committee may not tenninate until it has met the 

requirements of 1 1 CFR 102.3(a) and until all debts of any other authorized committee(s) of the candidate have been 

extinguished. 

HISTORY: [45 FR 15104, Mar. 7,1980, as amended at 45 FR 21209, Apr. I, 1980; 56 FR 34126, July 25,1991; 

ratified at 58 FR 59640, Nov. 10, 1993] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 U.S.c. 432, 433, 434(a)(1I), 438(a)(8), 44ld. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 25
Page 2 

11 CFR 102.3 

NOTES: NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary. Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H). 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

304 words 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 26
TAB 15 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 27
.·LexisNexis· 

LEXSTAT 11 C.F.R. 102.9 

LEXISNEXlS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5,2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDERAL REGISTER *** 

TITLE 1 I -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

Page 1 

PART 102 - REGISTRATION, ORGANIZATION, AND RECORDKEEPING BY POLITICAL COMMITTEES (2 

U.S.c. 433) 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

11 CFR 102.9 

§ 102.9 Accounting for contributions and expenditures (2 U.S.c. 432(c)). 

The treasurer of a political committee or an agent authorized by the treasurer to receive contributions and make 

expenditures shall fulfill all recordkeeping duties as set forth at 11 CFR 102.9(a) through (t): 

(a) An account shall be kept by any reasonable accounting procedure of all contributions received by or on behalf 

of the political committee. 

(I) For contributions in excess ofS 50, such account shall include the name and address of the contributor and the 

date of receipt and amount of such contribution. 

(2) For contributions from any person whose contributions aggregate more than S 200 during a calendar year, such 

account shall include the identification of the person, and the date of receipt and amount of such contribution. 

(3) For contributions from a political committee, such account shall include the identification of the political 

committee and the date of receipt and amount of such contribution. 

(4) In addition to the account to be kept under paragraph (a)(l) of this section, for contributions in excess ofS 50, 

the treasurer of a political committee or an agent authorized by the treasurer shall maintain: 

(i) A full-size photocopy of each check or written instrument; or 

(ii) A digital image of each check or written instrument. The political committee or other person shall provide the 

computer equipment and software needed to retrieve and read the digital images, if necessary, at no cost to the 

Commission. 

(b)( 1) An account shall be kept of all disbursements made by or on behalf of the political committee. Such account 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 28
Page 2 

11 CFR 102.9 

shall consist of a record of: 

(i) the name and address of every person to whom any disbursement is made; 

(ii) the date, amount, and purpose of the disbursement; and 

(iii) if the disbursement is made for a candidate, the name and office (including State and congressional district, if 

any) sought by that candidate. 

(iv) For purposes of 1 1 CFR 102.9(b)(1), purpose has the same meaning given the term at 11 CFR 

104.3(b)(3)(i)(A). 

(2) In addition to the account to be kept under 11 CFR 102.9(b)(1), a receipt or invoice from the payee or a 

cancelled check to the payee shall be obtained and kept for each disbursement in excess of$ 200 by or on behalf of, the 

committee, except that credit card transactions, shall be documented in accordance with 11 CFR J02.9(b)(2)(ii) and 

disbursements by share draft or check drawn on a credit union account shall be documented in accordance with 11 CFR 

102.9(b)(2)(iii). 

(i)(A) For purposes of 1 1 CFR 102.9(b)(2), payee means the person who provides the goods or services to the 

committee or agent thereof in return for payment, except for an advance of $ 500 or less for travel and subsistence to an 

individual who will be the recipient of the goods or services. 

(B) For any advance ofS 500 or less to an individual for travel and subsistence, the expense voucher or other 

expense account documentation and a cancelled check to the recipient of the advance shall be obtained and kept. 

(ii) For any credit card transaction, documentation shall include a monthly billing statement or customer receipt for 

each transaction and the cancelled check used to pay the credit card account. 

(iii) For purposes of 1 1 CFR 102.9(b)(2), a carbon copy of a share draft or check drawn on a credit union account 

may be used as a duplicate record of such draft or check provided that the monthly account statement showing that the 

share draft or check was paid by the credit union is also retained. 

(c) The treasurer shall preserve all records and accounts required to be kept under 11 CFR 102.9 for 3 years after 

the report to which such records and accounts relate is filed. 

(d) In performing recordkeeping duties, the treasurer or his or her authorized agent shall use his or her best efforts 

to obtain, maintain and submit the required information and shall keep a complete record of such efforts. If there is a 

showing that best efforts have been made, any records of a committee shall be deemed to be in compliance with this 

Act. With regard to the requirements of 11 CFR 102.9(b)(2) concerning receipts, invoices and cancelled checks, the 

treasurer will not be deemed to have exercised best efforts to obtain, maintain and submit the records unless he or she 

has made at least one written effort per transaction to obtain a duplicate copy of the invoice, receipt, or cancelled check. 

(e)(!) If the candidate, or his or her authorized committee(s), receives contributions that are designated for use in 

connection with the general election pursuant to 11 CFR 110.1 (b) prior to the date of the primary election, such 

candidate or such comrnittee(s) shall use an acceptable accounting method to distinguish between contributions received 

for the primary election and contributions received for the general election. Acceptable accounting methods include, but 

are not limited to: 

(i) The designation of separate accounts for each election, caucus or convention; or 

(ii) The establishment of separate books and records for each election. 

(2) Regardless of the method used under paragraph (e)(l) of this section, an authorized committee's records must 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 29
Page 3 

II CFR 102.9 

demonstrate that, prior to the primary election, recorded cash on hand was at all times equal to or in excess of the sum 

of general election contributions received less the sum of general election disbursements made. 

(3) If a candidate is not a candidate in the general election, any contributions made for the general election shall be 

refunded to the contributors, redesignated in accordance with 11 CFR 110.1 (b)(5) or 11 0.2(b)(5), or reattributed in 

accordance with 11 CFR 110.1 (k)(3), as appropriate. 

(I) The treasurer shall maintain the documentation required by 11 CFR 110.1 (1), concerning designations, 

redesignations. reattributions and the dates of contributions. If the treasurer does not maintain this documentation, 11 

CFR 110.1 (1)(5) shall apply. 

HISTORY: [45 FR 15104, Mar. 7, 1980, as amended at 52 FR 773, Jan. 9, 1987; ratified at 58 FR 59640, Nov. 10, 

1993; 67 FR 69928,69946, Nov. 19,2002] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 U.s.c. 432. 433, 434(a)(lI), 438(a)(8), 44ld. 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: 67 FR 69928. 69946, Nov. 19,2002, added paragraph (a)(4) and revised 

paragraph (e), effective Jan. 1,2003.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

1132 words 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 30
TAB 16 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 31
. LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT II C.F.R. 103.2 

LEXISNEXlS' CODE OF FEDER.AL R.EGULA TIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CUR.R.ENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDER.AL R.EGISTER *** 

TITLE II -- FEDER.AL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDER.AL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENER.AL 

PART 103 -- CAMPAIGN DEPOSITORIES (2 U.S.c. 432(H)) 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

11 CFR 103.2 

§ 103.2 Depositories (2 U.S.C. 432(h)(I)). 

Page I 

Each political committee shall designate one or more State banks, federally chartered depository institutions 

(including a national bank), or depository institutions the depositor accounts of which are insured by the Federal 

Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, or the National Credit Union 

Administration, as its campaign depository or depositories. One or more depositories may be established in one or more 

States. Each political committee shall maintain at least one checking account or transaction account at one of its 

depositories. Additional accounts may be established at each depository. 

HISTORY: [45 FR 15108. Mar. 7,1980; ratified at 58 FR 59640. Nov. 10, 1993) 

AUTHORITY: 2 U.S.c. 432(h). 438(a)(8). 

NOTES: NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIR.E TITLE: 

CROSS R.EFER.ENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office ofthe Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

108 words 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 32
TAB 17 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 33
• LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT 11 C.F.R. 103.3 

LEXISNEXIS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved . 

•• * THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF * •• 

.. * THE FEDERAL REGISTER .*. 

TITLE 11 •. FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I·· FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A .. GENERAL 

PART 103 - CAMPAIGN DEPOSITORlES (2 U.S.c. 432(H)) 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

J I CFR 103.3 

§ 103.3 Deposit of receipts and disbursements (2 U.S.C. 432(h)(I)). 

Page 1 

(a) All receipts by a political committee shall be deposited in account(s) established pursuant to II CFR 103.2, except 

that any contribution may be, within 10 days of the treasurer's receipt, returned to the contributor without being 

deposited. The treasurer of the committee shall be responsible for making such deposits. All deposits shall be made 

within 10 days of the treasurer's receipt. A committee shall make all disbursements by check or similar drafts drawn on 

an account at its designated campaign depository, except for expenditures of S 100 or less made from a petty cash fund 

maintained pursuant to II CFR 102.11. Funds may be transferred from the depository for investment purposes, but shall 

be returned to the depository before such funds are used to make expenditures. 

(b) The treasurer shall be responsible for examining all contributions received for evidence of illegality and for 

ascertaining whether contributions received, when aggregated with other contributions from the same contributor, 

exceed the contnbution limitations of II CFR 110.1 or I J 0.2. 

(1) Contributions that present genuine questions as to whether they were made by corporations, labor 

organizations, foreign nationals, or Federal contractors may be, within ten days of the treasurer's receipt, either 

deposited into a campaign depository under I J CFR I03.3(a) or returned to the contributor. If any such contribution is 

deposited, the treasurer shall make his or her best efforts to determine the legality of the contribution. The treasurer 

shall make at least one written or oral request for evidence of the legality of the contribution. Such evidence includes, 

but is not limited to, a written statement from the contributor explaining why the contribution is legal. or a written 

statement by the treasurer memorializing an oral communication explaining why the contribution is legal. If the 

contribution cannot be determined to be legal, the treasurer shall, within thirty days of the treasurer's receipt of the 

contribution, refund the contribution to the contributor. 

(2) If the treasurer in exercising his or her responsibilities under II CFR I03.3(b) determined that at the time a 

contribution was received and deposited, it did not appear to be made by a corporation, labor organization, foreign 

national or Federal contractor, or made in the name of another, but later discovers that it is illegal based on new 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 34
Page 2 

II CFR 103.3 

evidence not available to the political committee at the time of receipt and deposit, the treasurer shall refund the 

contribution to the contributor within thirty days of the date on which the illegality is discovered. If the political 

committee does not have sufficient funds to refund the contribution at the time the illegality is discovered, the political 

committee shall make the refund from the next funds it receives. 

(3) Contributions which on their face exceed the contribution limitations set forth in 11 CFR 110.1 or 110.2, and 

contributions which do not appear to be excessive on their face, but which exceed the contribution limits set forth in 11 

CFR 110.1 or 110.2 when aggregated with other contributions from the same contributor, and contributions which 

cannot be accepted under the net debts outstanding provisions of 1 1 CFR 110.1 (b)(3) and J JO.2(b)(3) may be either 

deposited into a campaign depository under 11 CFR 103.3(a) or returned to the contributor. If any such contribution is 

deposited, the treasurer may request redesignation or reattribution of the contribution by the contributor in accordance 

with 11 CFR 110.1 (b), 110.1 (k) or 11 0.2(b), as appropriate. If a redesignation or reattribution is not obtained, the 

treasurer shall, within sixty days of the treasurer's receipt of the contribution, refund the contribution to the contributor. 

(4) Any contribution which appears to be illegal under 11 CFR 103.3(b)(J) or (3), and which is deposited into a 

campaign depository shall not be used for any disbursements by the political committee until the contribution has been 

determined to be legal. The political committee must either establish a separate account in a campaign depository for 

such contributions or maintain sufficient funds to make all such refunds. 

(5) If a contribution which appears to be illegal under 11 CFR 103.3(b)(I) or (3) is deposited in a campaign 

depository, the treasurer shall make and retain a written record noting the basis for the appearance of illegality. A 

statement noting that the legality of the contribution is in question shall be included in the report noting the receipt of 

the contribution. If a contribution is refunded to the contributor because it cannot be determined to be legal, the 

treasurer shall note the refund on the report covering the reporting period in which the refund is made. 

HISTORY: [52 FR 774, Jan. 9,1987; ratified at 58 FR 59640, Nov. 10, 1993] 

AUTHORJTY: 2 U.S.c. 432(h),438(a)(8). 

NOTES: NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

954 words 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 35
TAB 18 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 36
.'LexisNexis· 

LEXSTAT 11 C.F.R. § 104.5 

LEXISNEXlS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5,2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDERAL REGISTER *** 

TITLE II -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

PART 104 - REPORTS BY POLITICAL COMMITTEES AND OTHER PERSONS (2 U.S.C. 434) 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

11 CFR 104.5 

§ 104.5 Filing dates (2 U.S.c. 434(a)(2)). 

Page 1 

(a) Principal campaign committee of House of Representatives or Senate candidate. Each treasurer of a principal 

campaign committee of a candidate for the House of Representatives or for the Senate must file quarterly reports on the 

dates specified in paragraph (a)(I) of this section in both election years and non-election years, and must file additional 

reports on the dates specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section in election years. 

(1) Quarterly reports. 

(i) Quarterly reports must be filed no later than the 15th day following the close of the immediately preceding 

calendar quarter (on April 15, July 15, and October 15), except that the report for the final calendar quarter of the year 

must be filed no later than January 31 of the following calendar year. 

(ii) The report must be complete as of the last day of each calendar quarter. 

(iii) The requirement for a quarterly report shall be waived if, under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, a pre-election 

report is required to be filed during the period beginning on the 5th day after the close of the calendar quarter and 

ending on the 15th day after the close of the calendar quarter. 

(2) Additional reports in the election year. (i) Pre-election reports. (A) Pre-election reports for the primary and 

general election must be filed no later than 12 days before any primary or general election in which the candidate seeks 

election. If sent by registered or certified mail, Priority Mail or Express Mail with a delivery confirmation, or with an 

overnight delivery service and scheduled to be delivered the next business day after the date of deposit and recorded in 

the overnight delivery service's on-line tracking system, the postmark on the report must be dated no later than the 15th 

day before any election. 

(B) The pre-election report must disclose all receipts and disbursements as of the 20th day before a primary or 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 37
Page 2 

11 CFR 104.5 

general election. 

(ii) Post-general election report. 

(A) The post-general election report must be filed no later than 30 days after any general election in which the 

candidate seeks election. 

(B) The post-general election report must be complete as of the 20th day after the general election. 

(b) Principal campaign committee of Presidential candidate. Each treasurer of a principal campaign committee of a 

candidate for President shall file reports on the dates specified at J J CFR J04.5(b)(J) and (2). 

(1) Election year reports. (i) If on January 1 of the election year, the committee has received or anticipates 

receiving contributions aggregating $ 100,000 or more, or has made or anticipates making expenditures aggregating $ 

100,000 or more, it shall file monthly reports. 

(A) Each report shall be filed no later than the 20th day after the last day of each month. 

(B) The report shall be complete as of the last day of each month. 

(C) In lieu of the monthly reports due in November and December, a pre-election report shall be filed as prescribed 

at paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, a post-general election report shall be filed as prescribed at paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of 

this section, and a year-end report shall be filed no later than January 31 of the following calendar year. 

(ii) If on January I of the election year, the committee does not anticipate receiving and has not received 

contributions aggregating S 100,000 and does not anticipate making and has not made expenditures aggregating $ 

100,000, the committee shall file a preelection report or reports, a post general election report, and quarterly reports, as 

prescribed in paragraphs (a)(I) and (2) of this section. 

(iii) If during the election year, a committee filing under J J CFR J04.5(b)(l)(ii) receives contributions aggregating 

S 100,000 or makes expenditures aggregating S 100,000, the treasurer shall begin filing monthly reports at the next 

reporting period. 

(2) Non-election year reports. During a non-election year, the treasurer shall file either monthly reports as 

prescribed by paragraph (b)( l)(i) of this section or quarterly reports as prescribed by paragraph (a)(I) of this section. A 

principal campaign committee of a Presidential candidate may elect to change the frequency of its reporting from 

monthly to quarterly or vice versa during a non-election year only after notifying the Commission in writing of its 

intention at the time it files a required report under its pre-existing filing frequency. The committee will then be required 

to file the next required report under its new filing frequency. The committee may change its filing frequency no more 

than once per calendar year. 

(c) Political committees that are not authorized committees of candidates. Except as provided in paragraph (c)( 4) 

of this section, each political committee that is not the authorized committee of a candidate must file either: Election 

year and non-election year reports in accordance with paragraphs (c)(l) and (2) of this section; or monthly reports in 

accordance with paragraph (c)(3) of this section. A political committee reporting under paragraph (c) of this section 

may elect to change the frequency of its reporting from monthly to quarterly and semi-annually or vice versa. A 

political committee reporting under this paragraph (c) may change the frequency of its reporting only after notifying the 

Commission in writing of its intention at the time it files a required report under its current filing frequency. Such 

political committee will then be required to file the next required report under its new filing frequency. A political 

committee may change its filing frequency no more than once per calendar year. 

(I) Election year reports -- (i) Quarterly reports. (A) Quarterly reports shall be filed no later than the 15th day 

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Page 3 

11 CFR 104.5 

following the close of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, (on April 15, July IS, and October IS), except that 

the report for the final calendar quarter of the year shall be filed on January 31 of the following calendar year. 

(8) The reports shall be complete as of the last day of the calendar quarter for which the report is filed. 

(C) The requirement for a quarterly report shall be waived ifunder 11 CFR 104.5(c)(I}(ii) a pre-election report is 

required to be filed during the period beginning on the fifth day after the close of the calendar quarter and ending on the 

fifteenth day after the close of the calendar quarter. 

(ii) Pre-election reports. (A) Pre-election reports for the primary and general election shall be filed by a political 

committee which makes contributions or expenditures in connection with any such election if such disbursements have 

not been previously disclosed. Pre-election reports shall be filed no later than 12 days before any primary or general 

election. If sent by registered or certified mail, Priority Mail or Express Mail with a delivery confirmation, or with an 

overnight delivery service and scheduled to be delivered the next business day after the date of deposit and recorded in 

the overnight delivery service's on-line tracking system, the postmark on the report shall be dated no later than the 15th 

day before any election. 

(8) The report shall disclose all receipts and disbursements as of the 20th day before a primary or general election. 

(iii) Post-general election reports. (A) A post-general election report shall be filed no later than 30 days after any 

general election. 

(8) The report shall be complete as of the 20th day after the general election. 

(2) Non-election year reports -- (i) Semi-annual reports. (A) The first report shall cover January I through June 30, 

and shall be filed no later than July 31. 

(8) The second report shall cover July I through December 31, and shall be filed no later than January 31 of the 

following year. 

(3) Monthly reports. (i) Except as provided at 11 CFR I04.5(c}(3}(ii), monthly reports shall be filed no later than 

20 days after the last day of the month. 

(ii) In lieu ofthe monthly reports due in November and December, in any year in which a regularly scheduled 

general election is held, a pre-election report shall be filed as prescribed at 11 CFR 104.5(a)(I}(ii), a post general 

election report shall be filed as prescribed at 11 CFR I04.5(a)(I}(iii), and a year-end report shall be filed no later than 

January 31 of the following calendar year. 

(4) National party committee reporting. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph, a national 

committee of a political party, including a national Congressional campaign committee, must report monthly in 

accordance with paragraph (c)(3) of this section in both election and non-election years. 

(d) Committees supporting Vice Presidential candidates. The treasurer ofa committee supporting a candidate for 

the office ofYice President (other than a nominee ofa political party) shall file reports on the same basis that the 

principal campaign committee ofa Presidential candidate must file reports under 11 CFR 104.5(b). 

(e) Date of filing. A designation, report or statement, other than those addressed in paragraphs (f), (g), and (j) of 

this section, sent by registered or certified mail, Priority Mail or Express Mail with a delivery continnation, or with an 

overnight delivery service and scheduled to be delivered the next business day after the date of deposit and recorded in 

the overnight delivery service's on-line tracking system, shall be considered filed on the date of the postmark except that 

a twelve day pre-election report sent by such mail or overnight delivery service must have a postmark dated no later 

than the 15th day before any election. Designations, reports or statements, other than those addressed in paragraphs (f), 

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Page 4 

II CFR 104.5 

(g), and (j) of this section, sent by first class mail, or by any means other than those listed in this paragraph (e), must be 

received by the close of business on the prescribed filing date to be timely filed. Designations, reports or statements 

electronically filed must be received and validated at or before II :59 p.m., eastern standard/daylight time on the 

prescribed filing date to be timely filed. 

(I) 48-hour notification of contributions. If any contribution of S 1,000 or more is received by any authorized 

committee of a candidate after the 20th day, but more than 48 hours, before 12:0 I a.m. of the day of the election, the 

principal campaign committee of that candidate shall notilY the Commission, the Secretary of the Senate and the 

Secretary of State, as appropriate, within 48 hours of receipt of the contribution. The notification shall be in writing and 

shall include the name of the candidate and office sought by the candidate, the identification of the contributor, and the 

date of receipt and amount of the contribution. The notification shall be filed in accordance with 11 CFR 100.19. The 

notification shall be in addition to the reporting of these contributions on the post-election report. 

(g) Reports of independent expenditures. (I) 48-hour reports of independent expenditures. Every person that must 

file a 48-hour report under 11 CFR 104.4(b) must ensure the Commission receives the report by II :59 p.m. Eastern 

StandardlDaylight Time on the second day following the date on which a communication that constitutes an 

independent expenditure is publicly distributed or otherwise publicly disseminated. Each time subsequent independent 

expenditures by that person relating to the same election as that to which the previous report relates aggregate S 10,000 

or more, that person must ensure that the Commission receives a new 48-hour report of the subsequent independent 

expenditures by II :59 p.m. Eastern StandardlDaylight Time on the second day following the date on which the S 

10,000 threshold is reached or exceeded. (See 11 CFR I04.4(f) for aggregation.) 

(2) 24-hour reports of independent expenditures. Every person that must file a 24-hour report under 11 CFR 

I04.4(c) must ensure that the Commission receives the report by II :59 p.m. Eastern StandardlDaylight Time on the day 

following the date on which a communication that constitutes an independent expenditure is publicly distributed or 

otherwise publicly disseminated. Each time subsequent independent expenditures by that person relating to the same 

election as that to which the previous report relates aggregate S 1,000 or more, that person must ensure that the 

Commission receives a 24-hour report of the subsequent independent expenditures by II :59 p.m. Eastern 

Standard/Daylight Time on the day following the date on which the S 1,000 threshold is reached or exceeded. (See 11 

CFR I04.4(f) for aggregation.) 

(3) Each 24-hour or 48-hour report of independent expenditures filed under this section shall contain the 

information required by 11 CFR I04.3(b)(3)(vii) indicating whether the independent expenditure is made in support of, 

or in opposition to, the candidate involved. 

(4) For purposes of this part and II CFR part 109, a communication that is mailed to its intended audience is 

publicly disseminated when it is relinquished to the U.S. Postal Service. 

(h) Special election reports. (I) Within 5 days of the setting ofa special election, the Commission shall set filing 

dates for reports to be filed by principal campaign committees of candidates seeking election, or nomination for 

election, in special elections and for political committees, other than authorized committees, which make contributions 

to or expenditures on behalf of a candidate or candidates in special elections. The Commission shall publish such 

reporting dates in the FEDERAL REGISTER and shall notilY the principal campaign committees of all candidates in 

such election of the reporting dates. The Commission shall not require such committees to file more than one 

pre-election report for each election and one post-election report for the election which fills the vacancy. 

(2) Reports required to be filed under 11 CFR I04.5(a) or (c) may be waived by the Commission for committees 

filing special election reports if a report under 11 CFR I04.5(a) or (c) is due within 10 days of the date a special election 

report is due. The Commission shall nolilY all appropriate committees of reports so waived. 

(i) Committees should retain proof of mailing or other means of transmittal of the reports to the Commission. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 40
Page 5 

II CFR 104.5 

U) 24-hour statements of electioneering communications. Every person who has made a disbursement or who has 

executed a contract to make a disbursement for the direct costs of producing or airing electioneering communications as 

defined in II CFR 100.29 aggregating in excess of S 10,000 during any calendar year shall file a statement with the 

Commission by II :59 p.m. Eastern StandardJDaylight Time on the day following the disclosure date. The statement 

shall be filed under penalty of peIjury and in accordance with II CFR 104.20. 

HISTORY: [45 FR 15108, Mar. 7,1980; ratified at 58 FR 59640, Nov. 10, 1993; 61 FR 3549. Feb. I, 1996; 65 FR 

31787.31794, May 19,2000; 65 FR 38415, 38423, June 21, 2000; 65 FR 63535, Oct. 24, 2000; 67 FR 12834. 12839, 

Mar. 20, 2002; 67 FR 40586, June 13,2002; 68 FR 404.418, Jan. 3, 2003; 68 FR 47386, 47414, Aug. 8,2003; 68 FR 

66699, Nov. 28, 2003; 69 FR 68237, 68238, Nov. 24, 2004; 70 FR 13089, 13091, Mar. 18,2005] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORJTY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 U.s.c. 431(1),431(8),431(9), 432(i), 434, 438(a)(8) and (b), 439a, 441a, and 36 u.s.c. 510. 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: 69 FR 68237,68238, Nov. 24, 2004, amended paragraph (c)(3)(ii), effective 

Nov. 24, 2004; 70 FR 13089, 13091, Mar. 18,2005, revised paragraphs (a)(2)(i)(A), (c)(J)(ii)(A), and (e), effective 

Apr. 18,2005.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: For Federal Register citations concerning Part 104 Policy Statements, see: 67 FR 71075, Nov. 

29,2002; 71 FR 38513, July 7, 2006; 72 FR 887, Jan. 9, 2007; 72 FR 16695, Apr. 5, 2007; 72 FR 31438, June 7, 2007.] 

2627 words 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 41
TAB 19 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 42
.·LexisNexis· 

LEXSTAT 11 C.F.R. 109.1 

LEXISNEXlS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDERAL REGISTER *** 

TITLE II -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

Page I 

PART J09 - COORDINATED AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES (2 U.S.C. 431(17), 44IA(A) AND (D), 

AND PUB. L. 107-155 SEC. 214(C)) 

SUBPART A -- SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

lJ CFR 109.1 

§ 109.1 When will this part apply? 

This part applies to expenditures that are made independently from a candidate, an authorized committee, a political 

party committee, or their agents, and to those payments that are made in coordination with a candidate. an authorized 

committee, a political party committee, or their agents. The rules in this part explain how these types of payments must 

be reported and how they must be treated by candidates, authorized committees, and political party committees. In 

addition, subpart D of part 109 describes procedures and limits that apply only to payments, transfers, and assignments 

made by political party committees. 

HISTORY: [45 FR 15lJ8, Mar. 7, 1980; ratified at58 FR 59640, Nov. 10, 1993; 60 FR 35305, July 6,1995; 60 FR 

52069, Ocl.5, 1995; 60 FR 64260,64273, Dec. 14, 1995; 61 FR 10269, March 13, 1996; 65 FR 76138, 76146, Dec. 6, 

2000; 66 FR 23537, May 9, 2001; 67 FR 12834,12840, Mar. 20, 2002; 67 FR 40586, June 13, 2002; 68 FR 421,452, 

Jan. 3,2003] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 U.s.c. 431(17), 434(c), 438(a)(8), 441a, 44ld; Sec. 214(c) ofPub. L. 107-155,116 SIal. 81. 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: 68 FR 421,452, Jan. 3, 2003, revised Part 109, effective Feb. 3, 2003.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 40 I of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 43
Page 2 

II CFR 109.1 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: For Federal Register citations concerning Part 109 Explanation and Justifications, see: 7 J FR 

4975, Jan. 31, 2006.J 

106 words 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 44
TAB 20 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 45
LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT II C.F.R. 109.10 

LEXISNEXIS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDERAL REGISTER *** 

TITLE II - FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

Page I 

PART 109 - COORDINATED AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES (2 U.S.C. 431(17), 44IA(A) AND (D), 

AND PUB. L. 107-155 SEC. 214(C)) 

SUBPART B - INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

Jl CFR 109.10 

§ 109.10 How do political committees and other persons report independent expenditures? 

(a) Political committees, including political party committees, must report independent expenditures under 11 CFR 

104.4. 

(b) Every person that is not a political committee and that makes independent expenditures aggregating in excess 

of S 250 with respect to a given election in a calendar year shall file a verified statement or report on FEC Form 5 in 

accordance with 11 CFR J04.4(e) containing the information required by paragraph (e) of this section. Every person 

filing a report or statement under this section shall do so in accordance with the quarterly reporting schedule specified in 

11 CFR 104.5(a)(1)(i) and (ii) and shall file a report or statement for any quarterly period during which any such 

independent expenditures that aggregate in excess of S 250 are made and in any quarterly reporting period thereafter in 

which additional independent expenditures are made. 

(c) Every person that is not a political committee and that makes independent expenditures aggregating S 10,000 or 

more with respect to a given election any time during the calendar year up to and including the 20th day before an 

election, must report the independent expenditures on fEe Fonn 5, or by signed statement if the person is not otherwise 

required to file electronically under 11 CFR 104.18. (See 11 CFR 104.4(j) for aggregation.) The person making the 

independent expenditures aggregating S 10,000 or more must ensure that the Commission receives the report or 

statement by II :59 p.m. Eastern StandardlDaylight Time on the second day following the date on which a 

communication is publicly distributed or otherwise publicly disseminated. Each time subsequent independent 

expenditures relating to the same election aggregate an additional S 10,000 or more, the person making the independent 

expenditures must ensure that the Commission receives a new 48-hour report of the subsequent independent 

expenditures. Each 48-hour report must contain the information required by paragraph (e)(l) of this section. 

(d) Every person making, after the 20th day, but more than 24 hours before 12:01 a.m. of the day of an election, 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 46
Page 2 

II CFR 109.10 

independent expenditures aggregating S 1,000 or more with respect to a given election must report those independent 

expenditures and ensure that the Commission receives the report or signed statement by I 1 :59 p.m. Eastern 

StandardlDaylight Time on the day following the date on which a communication is publicly distributed or otherwise 

publicly disseminated. Each time subsequent independent expenditures relating to the same election aggregate S 1,000 

or more, the person making the independent expenditures must ensure that the Commission receives a new 24~hour 

report of the subsequent independent expenditures. (See II CFR 104.4(j) for aggregation.) Such report or statement 

shall contain the information required by paragraph (e) of this section. 

(e) Content of verified reports and statements and verification of reports and statements. 

(1) Contents of verified reports and statement. If a signed report or statement is submitted, the report or statement 

shall include: 

(i) The reporting person's name, mailing address, occupation. and the name of his or her employer, if any; 

(ii) The identification (name and mailing address) of the person to whom the expenditure was made; 

(iii) The amount, date, and purpose of each expenditure; 

(iv) A statement that indicates whether such expenditure was in support of, or in opposition to a candidate, together 

with the candidate's name and office sought; 

(v) A verified certification under penalty of perjury as to whether such expenditure was made in cooperation, 

consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or their 

agents, or a political party committee or its agents; and 

(vi) The identification of each person who made a contribution in excess of S 200 to the person filing such report, 

which contribution was made for the purpose of furthering the reported independent expenditure. 

(2) Verification of independent expenditure statements and reports. Every person shall verify reports and 

statements of independent expenditures filed pursuant to the requirements of this section by one of the methods stated in 

paragraph (e)(2)(i) or (ii) ofthis section. Any report or statement verified under either of these methods shall be treated 

for all purposes (including penalties for perjury) in the same manner as a document verified by signature. 

(i) For reports or statements filed on paper (e.g., by hand-delivery, U.S. Mail, or facsimile machine), the person 

who made the independent expenditure shall certify, under penalty of perjury, the independence of the expenditure by 

handwritten signature immediately following the certification required by paragraph (e)(I)(v) ofthis section. 

(ii) For reports or statements filed by electronic mail, the person who made the independent expenditure shall 

certify, under penalty of perjury, the independence of the expenditure by typing the treasurer's name immediately 

following the certification required by paragraph (e)(I)(v) of this section. 

HISTORY: [68 FR 404, 420, 421. 452, Jan. 3, 2003] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 u.s.c. 431(17), 434(c), 438(a)(8), 44la, 441d; Sec. 214(c) of Pub. L. 107-155,116 SIal. 81. 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: 68 FR 404,420,421,452, Jan. 3, 2003, revised part 109, effective Feb. 3, 

2003.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 47
11 CFR 109.10 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

Page 3 

[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: For Federal Register citations concerning Part 109 Explanation and Justifications, see: 71 FR 

4975. Jan. 31. 2006.] 

914 words 

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TAB 21 

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."LexisNexis· 

LEXSTAT II C.F.R. 109.20 

LEXISNEXIS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5,2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDERAL REGISTER *** 

TITLE II -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

Page I 

PART 109 - COORDINATED AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES (2 U.S.C. 431(17), 44IA(A) AND (D), 

AND PUB. L. 107-155 SEC. 214(C)) 

SUBPART C - COORDINATION 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

Jl CFR 109.20 

§ 109.20 What does "coordinatedll mean? 

(a) Coordinated means made in cooperation, consultation or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a 

candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or a political party committee. For purposes of this subpart C, any 

reference to a candidate, or a candidate's authorized committee, or a political party committee includes an agent thereof. 

(b) Any expenditure that is coordinated within the meaning of paragraph (a) of this section, but that is not made for 

a coordinated communication under II CFR 109.21 or a party coordinated communication under II CFR 109.37, is 

either an in-kind contribution to, or a coordinated party expenditure with respect to, the candidate or political party 

committee with whom or with which it was coordinated and must be reported as an expenditure made by that candidate 

or political party committee, unless otherwise exempted under II CFR part 100, subparts C or E. 

HISTORY: [68 FR 421.453, Jan. 3, 2003; 71 FR 33190,33208, June 8, 2006] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 U.S.c. 431(17), 434(c), 438(a)(8), 441a, 441d; Sec. 214(c) of Pub. L. 107-155,116 Sial. 81. 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: 71 FR 33190,33208, June 8, 2006, revised paragraph (a), effective July 10, 

2006.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 50
Page 2 

II CFR 109.20 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: For Federal Register citations concerning Part 109 Explanation and Justifications, see: 7 J FR 

4975, Jan. 31, 2006.) 

171 words 

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TAB 22 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 52
LexisNexis' 

LEXSTAT II C.F.R. 109.21 

LEXISNEXlS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

ofthe LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDERAL REGISTER *** 

TITLE II -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

Page I 

PART 109 -- COORDINATED AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES (2 U.S.c. 431(17), 44IA(A) AND (D), 

AND PUB. L. 107-155 SEC. 214(C)) 

SUBPART C - COORDINATION 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

Jl CFR 109.21 

§ 109.21 What is a "coordinated communicationl1 ? 

(a) Definition. A communication is coordinated with a candidate, an authorized committee, a political party 

committee, or an agent of any of the foregoing when the communication: 

(1) Is paid for, in whole or in part, by a person other than that candidate, authorized committee, or political party 

committee; 

(2) Satisfies at least one of the content standards in paragraph (c) of this section; and 

(3) Satisfies at least one of the conduct standards in paragraph (d) of this section. 

(b) Treatment as an in-kind contribution and expenditure; Reporting - (I) General rule. A payment for a 

coordinated communication is made for the purpose of influencing a Federal election, and is an in~kind contribution 

under 11 CFR JOO.52(d) to the candidate, authorized committee, or political party committee with whom or which it is 

coordinated, unless excepted under II CFR part 100, subpart C, and must be reported as an expenditure made by that 

candidate, authorized committee, or political party committee under 11 CFR 104.13, unless excepted under II CFR part 

100, subpart E. 

(2) In-kind contributions resulting from conduct described in paragraphs (d)(4) or (d)(5) of this section. 

Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the candidate, authorized committee, or political party committee with 

whom or which a communication is coordinated does not receive or accept an in-kind contribution, and i"s not required 

to report an expenditure, that results from conduct described in paragraphs (d)(4) or (d)(5) of this section, unless the 

candidate, authorized committee, or political party committee engages in conduct described in paragraphs (d)(l) 

through (d)(3) of this section. 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 53
Page 2 

11 CFR 109.21 

(3) Reporting of coordinated communications. A political committee, other than a political party committee, that 

makes a coordinated communication must report the payment for the communication as a contribution made to the 

candidate or political party committee with whom or which it was coordinated and as an expenditure in accordance with 

11 CFR I04.3(b)(I)(v). A candidate, authorized committee, or political party committee with whom or which a 

communication paid for by another person is coordinated must report the usual and Donnal value of the communication 

as an in-kind contribution in accordance with 11 CFR J 04.13, meaning that it must report the amount of the payment as 

a receipt under 11 CFR I04.3(a) and as an expenditure under 11 CFR I04.3(b). 

(c) Content standards. Each of the types of content described in paragraphs (c)( J) through (c)(4) satisfies the 

content standard of this section. 

(1) A communication that is an electioneering communication under 11 CFR 100.29. 

(2) A public communication, as defined in 11 CFR J 00.26, that disseminates, distributes, or republishes, in whole 

or in part, campaign materials prepared by a candidate or the candidate's authorized committee, unless the 

dissemination, distribution, or republication is excepted under 11 CFR I09.23(b). For a communication that satisfies 

this content standard, see paragraph (d)(6) of this section. 

(3) A public communication, as defined in 11 CFR 100.26, that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a 

clearly identified candidate for Federal office. 

(4) A public communication, as defined in 11 CFR 100.26, that satisfies paragraph (c)(4)(i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this 

section: 

(i) References to House and Senate candidates. The public communication refers to a clearly identified House or 

Senate candidate and is publicly distributed or otherwise publicly disseminated in the clearly identified candidate's 

jurisdiction 90 days or fewer before the clearly identified candidate's general, special, or runoff election, or primary or 

preference election, or nominating convention or caucus. 

(ii) References to Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates. The public communication refers to a clearly 

identified Presidential or Vice Presidential candidate and is publicly distributed or otherwise publicly disseminated in a 

jurisdiction during the period of time beginning 120 days before the clearly identified candidate's primary or preference 

election in that jurisdiction, or nominating convention or caucus in that jurisdiction, up to and including the day of the 

general election. 

(iii) References to political parties. The public communication refers to a political party, does not refer to a clearly 

identified Federal candidate, and is publicly distributed or otherwise publicly disseminated in ajurisdiction in which 

one or more candidates of that political party will appear on the ballot. 

(A) When the public communication is coordinated with a candidate and it is publicly distributed or otherwise 

publicly disseminated in that candidate's jurisdiction, the time period in paragraph (c)(4)(i) or (ii) of this section that 

would apply to a communication containing a reference to that candidate applies; 

(8) When the public communication is coordinated with a political party committee and it is publicly distributed or 

otherwise publicly disseminated during the two-year election cycle ending on the date of a regularly scheduled 

non-Presidential general election, the time period in paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section applies; 

(C) When the public communication is coordinated with a political party committee and it is publicly distributed or 

otherwise publicly disseminated during the two-year election cycle ending on the date of a Presidential general election, 

the time period in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section applies. 

(iv) References to both political parties and clearly identified Federal candidates. The public communication refers 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 54
II CFR 109.21 

to a political party and a clearly identified Federal candidate, and is publicly distributed or otherwise publicly 

disseminated in a jurisdiction in which one or more candidates ofthat political party will appear on the ballot. 

Page 3 

(A) When the public communication is coordinated with a candidate and it is publicly distributed or otherwise 

publicly disseminated in that candidate's jurisdiction, the time period in paragraph (c)(4)(i) or (ii) of this section that 

would apply to a communication containing a reference to that candidate applies; 

(B) When the public communication is coordinated with a political party committee and it is publicly distributed or 

otherwise publicly disseminated in the clearly identified candidate's jurisdiction, the time period in paragraph (c)(4)(i) 

or (ii) of this section that would apply to a communication containing only a reference to that candidate applies; 

(C) When the public communication is coordinated with a political party committee and it is publicly distributed or 

otherwise publicly disseminated outside the clearly identified candidate's jurisdiction, the time period in paragraph 

(c)(4)(iii)(B) or (C) of this section that would apply to a communication containing only a reference to a political party 

applies. 

(d) Conduct standards. Anyone of the following types of conduct satisfies the conduct standard of this section 

whether or not there is agreement or formal collaboration, as defined in paragraph (e) of this section: 

(I) Request or suggestion. (i) The communication is created, produced, or distributed at the request or suggestion 

of a candidate, authorized committee, or political party committee; or 

(ii) The communication is created, produced, or distributed at the suggestion of a person paying for the 

communication and the candidate, authorized committee, or political party committee assents to the suggestion. 

(2) Material involvement. This paragraph, (d)(2), is not satisfied if the information material to the creation, 

production, or distribution of the communication was obtained from a publicly available source. A candidate, authorized 

committee, or political party committee is materially involved in decisions regarding: 

(i) The content of the communication; 

(ii) The intended audience for the communication; 

(iii) The means or mode of the communication; 

(iv) The specific media outlet used for the communication; 

(v) The timing or frequency of the communication; or 

(vi) The size or prominence of a printed communication, or duration ofa communication by means of broadcast, 

cable, or satellite. 

(3) Substantial discussion. This paragraph, (d)(3), is not satisfied if the information material to the creation, 

production, or distribution of the communication was obtained from a publicly available source. The communication is 

created, produced, or distributed after one or more substantial discussions about the communication between the person 

paying for the communication, or the employees or agents of the person paying for the communication, and the 

candidate who is clearly identified in the communication. or the candidate's authorized committee, the candidate's 

opponent, the opponent's authorized committee, or a political party committee. A discussion is substantial within the 

meaning of this paragraph if information about the candidate's or political party committee's campaign plans, projects, 

activities, or needs is conveyed to a person paying for the communication, and that information is material to the 

creation, production, or distribution of the communication. 

(4) Common vendor. All of the following statements in paragraphs (d)(4)(i) through (d)(4)(iii) of this section are 

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Page 4 

11 CFR 109.21 

true: 

(i) The person paying for the communication, or an agent of such person, contracts with or employs a commercial 

vendor, as defined in 11 CFR 116.1 (c), to create, produce, or distribute the communication; 

(ii) That commercial vendor, including any owner, officer, or employee of the commercial vendor, has provided 

any of the following services to the candidate who is clearly identified in the communication, or the candidate's 

authorized committee, the candidate's opponent, the opponent's authorized committee, or a political party committee, 

during the previous 120 days: 

(A) Development of media strategy, including the selection or purchasing of advertising slots; 

(B) Selection of audiences; 

(C) Polling; 

(D) Fundraising; 

(E) Developing the content of a public communication; 

(F) Producing a public communication; 

(G) IdentifYing voters or developing voter lists, mailing lists, or donor lists; 

(H) Selecting personnel, contractors, or subcontractors; or 

(I) Consulting or otherwise providing political or media advice; and 

(iii) This paragraph, (d)(4)(iii), is not satisfied if the information material to the creation, production, or 

distribution of the communication used or conveyed by the commercial vendor was obtained from a publicly available 

source. That commercial vendor uses or conveys to the person paying for the communication: 

(A) Information about the campaign plans, projects, activities, or needs of the clearly identified candidate, the 

candidate's opponent, or a political party committee, and that information is material to the creation, production, or 

distribution of the communication; or 

(B) Information used previously by the commercial vendor in providing services to the candidate who is clearly 

identified in the communication, or the candidate's authorized committee, the candidate's opponent, the opponent's 

authorized committee, or a political party committee, and that information is material to the creation, production, or 

distribution of the communication. 

(5) Former employee or independent contractor. Both of the following statements in paragraphs (d)(5)(i) and 

(d)(5)(ii) of this section are true: 

(i) The communication is paid for by a person, or by the employer of a person, who was an employee or 

independent contractor of the candidate who is clearly identified in the communication, or the candidate's authorized 

committee, the candidate's opponent, the opponent's authorized committee, or a political party committee, during the 

previous 120 days; and 

(ii) This paragraph, (d)(5)(ii), is not satisfied if the information material to the creation, production, or distribution 

of the communication used or conveyed by the former employee or independent contractor was obtained from a 

publicly available source. That former employee or independent contractor uses or conveys to the person paying for the 

communication: 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 56
Page 5 

11 CFR 109.21 

(A) Information about the campaign plans, projects, activities, or needs of the clearly identified candidate, the 

candidate's opponent, or a political party committee, and that information is material to the creation, production, or 

distribution of the communication; or 

(B) Information used by the former employee or independent contractor in providing services to the candidate who 

is clearly identified in the communication, or the candidate's authorized committee, the candidate's opponent, the 

opponent's authorized committee, or a political party committee, and that infonnation is material to the creation, 

production, or distribution of the communication. 

(6) Dissemination, distribution, or republication of campaign material. A communication that satisfies the content 

standard of paragraph (c)(2) of this section or 11 CFR 109. 37(a)(2)(1) shall only satisfy the conduct standards of 

paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(3) of this section on the basis of conduct by the candidate, the candidate'S authorized 

committee, or the agents of any of the foregoing, that occurs after the origina1 preparation of the campaign materials that 

are disseminated, distributed, or republished. The conduct standards of paragraphs (d)(4) and (d)(5) of this section may 

also apply to such communications as provided in those paragraphs. 

(e) Agreement or formal collaboration. Agreement or formal collaboration between the person paying for the 

communication and the candidate clearly identified in the communication, or the candidate's authorized committee, the 

candidate's opponent, the opponent's authorized committee, or a political party committee, is not required for a 

communication to be a coordinated communication. Agreement means a mutual understanding or meeting of the minds 

on all or any part of the material aspects of the communication or its dissemination. Fonna! collaboration means 

planned, or systematically organized, work on the communication. 

(I) Safe harbor for responses to inquiries about legislative or policy issues. A candidate's or a political party 

committee's response to an inquiry about that candidate's or political party committee's positions on legislative or policy 

issues, but not including a discussion of campaign plans, projects, activi~ies, or needs, does not satisfy any of the 

conduct standards in paragraph (d) of this section. 

(g) Safe harbor for endorsements and solicitations by Federal candidates. (1) A public communication in which a 

candidate for Federal office endorses another candidate for Federal or non-Federal office is not a coordinated 

communication with respect to the endorsing Federal candidate unless the public communication promotes, supports, 

attacks, or opposes the endorsing candidate or another candidate who seeks election to the same office as the endorsing 

candidate. 

(2) A public communication in which a candidate for Federal office solicits funds for another candidate for Federal 

or non-Federal office, a political committee, or organizations as permitted by 11 CFR 300.65, is not a coordinated 

communication with respect to the soliciting Federal candidate unless the public communication promotes, supports, 

attacks, or opposes the soliciting candidate or another candidate who seeks election to the same office as the soliciting 

candidate. 

(h) Safe harbor for establishment and use ofa firewall. The conduct standards in paragraph (d) of this section are 

not met if the commercial vendor, fonner employee, or political committee has established and implemented a firewall 

that meets the requirements of paragraphs (h)(J) and (h)(2) of this section. This safe harbor provision does not apply if 

specific infonnation indicates that, despite the firewall, infonnation about the candidate's or political party committee's 

campaign plans, projects, activities, or needs that is material to the creation, production. or distribution of the 

communication was used or conveyed to the person paying for the communication. 

(l) The firewall must be designed and implemented to prohibit the flow of information between employees or 

consultants providing services for the person paying for the communication and those employees or consultants 

currently or previously providing services to the candidate who is clearly identified in the communication, or the 

candidate1s authorized committee. the candidate1s opponent, the opponent's authorized committee, or a political party 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 57
Page 6 

11 CFR 109.21 

committee; and 

(2) The firewall must be described in a written policy that is distributed to all relevant employees, consultants, and 

clients affected by the policy. 

HISTORY: [68 FR 421,453, Jan. 3, 2003; 7l FR 33190,33208, June 8, 2006] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORITY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 u.s.c. 431(17), 434(c), 438(0)(8), 4410, 441d; Sec. 214(c) of Pub. L. 107-155,116 Stat. 81. 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: 71 FR 33190,33208, June 8, 2006, amended this section, effective July 10, 

2006.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 ofthe Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: For Federal Register citations concerning Part 109 Explanation and Justifications, see: 71 FR 

4975, Jan. 3 1,2006.] 

NOTES TO DECISIONS: COURT AND ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS SIGNIFICANTLY DISCUSSING 

SECTION --

Shays v FEC (2004, DC Dist Col) 337 F Stipp 2d 28, dismd, in part (2004, App DC) 2004 US App LEXiS 24896 and 

affd (2005, App DC) 367 USApp DC 185, 414 F3d 76 

Shays v United States FEC (2007, DC Dist Col) 508 F StiPP 2d 10 

2951 words 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 58
TAB 23 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 59
.·LexisNexis· 

LEXSTAT II C.F.R. 110.5 

LEXISNEXlS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright © 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5,2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDERAL REGISTER *** 

TITLE II - FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

PART 110 - CONTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE LIMITATIONS AND PROHIBITIONS 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

11 CFR 110.5 

§ 110.5 Aggregate biennial contribution limitation for individuals (2 U.S.c. 44Ia(a)(3)). 

(a) Scope. This section applies to all contributions made by any individual, except individuals prohibited from 

making contributions under 11 CFR 110.20 and II CFR part lIS. 

Page I 

(b) Biennial limitations. (I) In the two-year period beginning on January I of an odd-numbered year and ending on 

December 31 of the next even-numbered year, no individual shall make contributions aggregating more than S 95,000, 

including no more than: 

(i) S 37,500 in the case of contributions to candidates and the authorized committees of candidates; and 

(ii) S 57,500 in the case of any other contributions, of which not more than S 37,500 may be attributable to 

contributions to political committees that are not political committees of any national political parties. 

(2) [Reserved] 

(3) The contribution limitations in paragraph (b )(1) of this section shall be increased by the percent difference in 

the price index in accordance with 11 CFR 110.17. The increased contribution limitations shall be in effect for the two 

calendar years starting on January 1 of the year in which the contribution limitations are increased. 

(4) In every odd-numbered year, the Commission will publish in the FEDERAL REGISTER the amount of the 

contribution limitations in effect and place such information on the Commission's Web site. 

(c)(I) Contributions made on or after January 1,2004. Any contribution subject to this paragraph (c)(I) to a 

candidate or his or her authorized committee with respect to a particular election shall be considered to be made during 

the two-year period described in paragraph (b)(I) ofthis section in which the contribution is actually made, regardless 

of the year in which the particular election is held. See II CFR 110.1 (b)(6). This paragraph (c)(1) also applies to 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 60
Page 2 

11 CFR 110.5 

earmarked contributions and contributions to a single candidate committee that has supported or anticipates supporting 

the candidate. 

(2) Contributions made prior to January I, 2004. 

(i) For purposes of this paragraph (c)(2), a contribution to a candidate or his or her authorized committee with 

respect to a particular election shall be considered to be made during the calendar year in which such election is held. 

(ii) for purposes of this paragraph (c)(2), any contribution to an unauthorized committee shall not be considered to 

be made during the calendar year in which an election is held unless: 

(A) The political committee is a single candidate committee which has supported or anticipates supporting the 

candidate; or 

(B) The contribution is earmarked by the contributor for a particular candidate with respect to a particular election. 

(d) Independent expenditures. The biennial limitation on contributions in this section applies to contributions made 

to persons, including political committees, making independent expenditures under II CFR part 109. 

(e) Contributions to delegates and delegate committees. The biennial limitation on contributions in this section 

applies to contributions to delegate and delegate committees under 11 CFR 110.14. 

HISTORY: [54 FR 34112. Aug. 17, 1989 and 54 FR 48580, Nov. 24,1989; ratified at 58 FR 59640, Nov. 10, 1993; 67 

FR 69928, 69948, Nov. 19, 2002; 68 FR 64512.64516, Nov. 14,2003; 70 FR 5565,5568, Feb. 3, 2005; 73 FR 79597. 

79602, ])ec.30,2008] 

AUTHORITY: AUTHORJTY NOTE APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE PART: 

2 U.s.c. 431(8), 431(9), 432(c)(2), 434(i)(3), 438(a)(8), 441a, 441b, 441d, 441e, 441/, 441g, 441" and 36 U.S.c. 510. 

NOTES: [EFFECTIVE ])ATE NOTE: 73 FR 79597, 79602, ])ec. 30, 2008, amended this section, effective Feb. I, 

2009.] 

NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 401 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, ])epartment of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

547 words 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 61
TAB 24 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 62
."LexisNexis· 

LEXSTAT II C.F.R. 112.4 

LEXISNEXlS' CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Copyright (c) 2009, by Matthew Bender & Company, a member 

of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. 

*** THIS SECTION IS CURRENT THROUGH THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 ISSUE OF *** 

*** THE FEDERAL REGISTER ••• 

TITLE II -- FEDERAL ELECTIONS 

CHAPTER I -- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

SUBCHAPTER A -- GENERAL 

PART 112 -- ADVISORY OPINIONS (2 U.S.C. 437F) 

Go to the CFR Archive Directory 

1I CFR 1I2A 

§ 112.4 Issuance of advisory opinions (2 U.S.C. 437f(a) and (b)). 

Page I 

(a) Within 60 calendar days after receiving an advisory opinion request that qualifies under 11 CFR 112.1, the 

Commission shall issue to the requesting person a written advisory opinion or shall issue a written response stating that 

the Commission was unable to approve an advisory opinion by the required affinnative vote of 4 members. 

(b) The 60 calendar day period of 11 CFR 112.4(a) is reduced to 20 calendar days for an advisory opinion request 

qualified under 11 CFR 112.1 provided the request: 

(I) Is submitted by any candidate, including any authorized committee of the candidate (or agent of either), within 

the 60 calendar days preceding the date of any election for Federal office in which the candidate is seeking nomination 

or election; and 

(2) Presents a specific transaction or activity related to the election that may invoke the 20 day period if the 

connection is explained in the request. 

(c) The 60 day and 20 day periods referred to in 11 CFR 112A(a) and (b) only apply when the Commission has 

received a qualified and complete advisory opinion request under 11 CFR 112.1, and when the 60th or 20th day occurs 

on a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday, the respective period ends at the close of the business day next following the 

weekend or holiday. 

(d) The Commission may issue advisory opinions pertaining only to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, 

as amended, chapters 95 Or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or rules or regulations duly prescribed under those 

statutes. 

(e) Any rule oflaw which is not stated in the Act or in chapters 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or 

in a regulation duly prescribed by the Commission, may be initially proposed only as a rule or regulation pursuant to 

Case: 09-5342 Document: 1216000 Filed: 11/16/2009 Page: 63
lICFRI12.4 

procedures established in 2 USC 438(d) or 26 USC 9009(c) and 9039(c) as applicable. 

(I) No opinion of an advisory nature may be issued by the Commission or any of its employees except in 

accordance with II CFR part 112; however, this limitation does not preclude distribution by the Commission of 

information consistent with the Act and chapters 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. 

Page 2 

(g) When issued by the Commission, each advisory opinion or other response under 11 CFR 112.4(a) shall be 

made public and sent by mail, or personally delivered to the person who requested the opinion. 

HISTORY: [45 FR 15123. Mar. 7,1980; ratified at58 FR 59640, Nov. 10, 1993] 

AUTHORITY: 2 U.S.c. 437f. 438(a)(8). 

NOTES: NOTES APPLICABLE TO ENTIRE TITLE: 

CROSS REFERENCES: Other regulations implementing section 40 I ofthe Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 

appear in: 

Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation: 14 CFR part 374a 

Federal Communications Commission: 47 CFR part 64 (subpart H), 47 CFR §§ 73.1910-73.1944 

Interstate Commerce Commission: 49 CFR part 1325 

463 words 

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