This amendment would extend limits on issue advertisements in the period just before an election to include independent groups in addition to corporations and unions.
Many congressional members believe the ad caps violate free-speech rights.
Hagel Amendment No. This proposal, sponsored by Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, was considered the most serious challenge to the McCain-Feingold bill. Both sides viewed the defeat of Hagel's cap on soft money as a victory for those who support an outright ban. This measure would raise limits on contributions to candidates and political parties, settling the issue of hard-money donations. The limits would be adjusted for inflation by the Federal Election Commission every election cycle.