435 
icy, polling, allocation of resources, fundraising, or 
other campaign activities. 
‘‘(3) NO
EFFECT
ON
PARTY
COORDINATION 
STANDARD.—Nothing in this section shall be con-
strued to affect the determination of coordination 
between a candidate and a political committee of a 
political party for purposes of section 315(d). 
‘‘(4) NO
SAFE
HARBOR
FOR
USE
OF
FIRE-
WALL.—A person shall be determined to have made 
a payment in cooperation, consultation, or concert 
with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate 
or committee, in accordance with this section with-
out regard to whether or not the person established 
and used a firewall or similar procedures to restrict 
the sharing of information between individuals who 
are employed by or who are serving as agents for the 
person making the payment. 
‘‘(c) PAYMENTS BY COORDINATED SPENDERS FOR 
COVERED COMMUNICATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) PAYMENTS MADE IN COOPERATION, CON-
SULTATION, OR CONCERT WITH CANDIDATES.—For 
purposes of subsection (a)(1)(A), if the person who 
makes a payment for a covered communication, as 
defined in subsection (d), is a coordinated spender 
under paragraph (2) with respect to the candidate 
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436 
as described in subsection (d)(1), the payment for 
the covered communication is made in cooperation, 
consultation, or concert with the candidate. 
‘‘(2) COORDINATED SPENDER DEFINED.—For 
purposes of this subsection, the term ‘coordinated 
spender’ means, with respect to a candidate or an 
authorized committee of a candidate, a person (other 
than a political committee of a political party) for 
which any of the following applies: 
‘‘(A) During the 4-year period ending on 
the date on which the person makes the pay-
ment, the person was directly or indirectly 
formed or established by or at the request or 
suggestion of, or with the encouragement of, 
the candidate (including an individual who later 
becomes a candidate) or committee or agents of 
the candidate or committee, including with the 
approval of the candidate or committee or 
agents of the candidate or committee. 
‘‘(B) The candidate or committee or any 
agent of the candidate or committee solicits 
funds, appears at a fundraising event, or en-
gages in other fundraising activity on the per-
son’s behalf during the election cycle involved, 
including by providing the person with names of 
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437 
potential donors or other lists to be used by the 
person in engaging in fundraising activity, re-
gardless of whether the person pays fair market 
value for the names or lists provided. For pur-
poses of this subparagraph, the term ‘election 
cycle’ means, with respect to an election for 
Federal office, the period beginning on the day 
after the date of the most recent general elec-
tion for that office (or, if the general election 
resulted in a runoff election, the date of the 
runoff election) and ending on the date of the 
next general election for that office (or, if the 
general election resulted in a runoff election, 
the date of the runoff election). 
‘‘(C) The person is established, directed, or 
managed by the candidate or committee or by 
any person who, during the 4-year period end-
ing on the date on which the person makes the 
payment, has been employed or retained as a 
political, campaign media, or fundraising ad-
viser or consultant for the candidate or com-
mittee or for any other entity directly or indi-
rectly controlled by the candidate or committee, 
or has held a formal position with the candidate 
or committee (including a position as an em-
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438 
ployee of the office of the candidate at any time 
the candidate held any Federal, State, or local 
public office during the 4-year period). 
‘‘(D) The person has retained the profes-
sional services of any person who, during the 2- 
year period ending on the date on which the 
person makes the payment, has provided or is 
providing professional services relating to the 
campaign to the candidate or committee, with-
out regard to whether the person providing the 
professional services used a firewall. For pur-
poses of this subparagraph, the term ‘profes-
sional services’ includes any services in support 
of the candidate’s or committee’s campaign ac-
tivities, including advertising, message, strat-
egy, policy, polling, allocation of resources, 
fundraising, and campaign operations, but does 
not include accounting or legal services. 
‘‘(E) The person is established, directed, or 
managed by a member of the immediate family 
of the candidate, or the person or any officer or 
agent of the person has had more than inci-
dental discussions about the candidate’s cam-
paign with a member of the immediate family 
of the candidate. For purposes of this subpara-
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439 
graph, the term ‘immediate family’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 9004(e) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 
‘‘(d) COVERED COMMUNICATION DEFINED.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this sec-
tion, the term ‘covered communication’ means, with 
respect to a candidate or an authorized committee of 
a candidate, a public communication (as defined in 
section 301(22)) which— 
‘‘(A) expressly advocates the election of the 
candidate or the defeat of an opponent of the 
candidate (or contains the functional equivalent 
of express advocacy); 
‘‘(B) promotes or supports the election of 
the candidate, or attacks or opposes the election 
of an opponent of the candidate (regardless of 
whether the communication expressly advocates 
the election or defeat of a candidate or contains 
the functional equivalent of express advocacy); 
or 
‘‘(C) refers to the candidate or an oppo-
nent of the candidate but is not described in 
subparagraph (A) or subparagraph (B), but 
only if the communication is disseminated dur-
ing the applicable election period. 
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440 
‘‘(2) APPLICABLE ELECTION PERIOD.—In para-
graph (1)(C), the ‘applicable election period’ with re-
spect to a communication means— 
‘‘(A) in the case of a communication which 
refers to a candidate in a general, special, or 
runoff election, the 120-day period which ends 
on the date of the election; or 
‘‘(B) in the case of a communication which 
refers to a candidate in a primary or preference 
election, or convention or caucus of a political 
party that has authority to nominate a can-
didate, the 60-day period which ends on the 
date of the election or convention or caucus. 
‘‘(3) SPECIAL RULES FOR COMMUNICATIONS IN-
VOLVING
CONGRESSIONAL
CANDIDATES.—For pur-
poses of this subsection, a public communication 
shall not be considered to be a covered communica-
tion with respect to a candidate for election for an 
office other than the office of President or Vice 
President unless it is publicly disseminated or dis-
tributed in the jurisdiction of the office the can-
didate is seeking. 
‘‘(e) PENALTY.— 
‘‘(1) DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT.—Any per-
son who knowingly and willfully commits a violation 
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441 
of this Act by making a contribution which consists 
of a payment for a coordinated expenditure shall be 
fined an amount equal to the greater of— 
‘‘(A) in the case of a person who makes a 
contribution which consists of a payment for a 
coordinated expenditure in an amount exceeding 
the applicable contribution limit under this Act, 
300 percent of the amount by which the 
amount of the payment made by the person ex-
ceeds such applicable contribution limit; or 
‘‘(B) in the case of a person who is prohib-
ited under this Act from making a contribution 
in any amount, 300 percent of the amount of 
the payment made by the person for the coordi-
nated expenditure. 
‘‘(2) JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY.—Any di-
rector, manager, or officer of a person who is subject 
to a penalty under paragraph (1) shall be jointly and 
severally liable for any amount of such penalty that 
is not paid by the person prior to the expiration of 
the 1-year period which begins on the date the Com-
mission imposes the penalty or the 1-year period 
which begins on the date of the final judgment fol-
lowing any judicial review of the Commission’s ac-
tion, whichever is later.’’. 
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443 
(b) CLARIFICATION OF BAN ON FUNDRAISING FOR 
SUPER PACS BY FEDERAL CANDIDATES AND OFFICE-
HOLDERS.—Section 323(e)(1) of the Federal Election 
Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30125(e)(1)) is amend-
ed— 
(1) by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end of subparagraph 
(A); 
(2) by striking the period at the end of sub-
paragraph (B) and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new sub-
paragraph: 
‘‘(C) solicit, receive, direct, or transfer 
funds to or on behalf of any political committee 
which accepts donations or contributions that 
do not comply with the limitations, prohibitions, 
and reporting requirements of this Act (or to or 
on behalf of any account of a political com-
mittee which is established for the purpose of 
accepting such donations or contributions), or 
to or on behalf of any political organization 
under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986 which accepts such donations or con-
tributions (other than a committee of a State or 
local political party or a candidate for election 
for State or local office).’’. 
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444 
SEC. 733. DISCLOSURE OF MAJOR DONORS, BUNDLERS, 
AND FINANCE EVENTS IN PRESIDENTIAL 
CAMPAIGNS. 
Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act 
of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104), as amended by section 141, 
is amended by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(i) DISCLOSURE OF MAJOR DONORS, BUNDLERS, 
AND FINANCE EVENTS IN PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS.— 
Each report under this section by an authorized committee 
of a candidate for the Office of President shall include 
the following information with respect to the reporting pe-
riod: 
‘‘(1) The names and addresses of all donors, 
bundlers, and fundraisers who are given titles, in-
cluding national or regional finance committee mem-
bers. 
‘‘(2) The names and addresses of all members 
of fundraiser host committees. 
‘‘(3) The names and addresses of all persons 
specifically invited to campaign fundraisers. 
‘‘(4) The dates and locations of all fund-
raisers.’’. 
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445 
SEC. 734. LOWERING CONTRIBUTION LIMITS; REPEAL OF 
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION LIMITS FOR CON-
TRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL PARTIES FOR 
CERTAIN PURPOSES. 
(a) DECREASE IN INDIVIDUAL LIMITS FOR CERTAIN 
CONTRIBUTIONS.—Section 315(a)(1) of the Federal Elec-
tion Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30116(a)(1)) is 
amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘$2,000’’ 
and inserting ‘‘$1,000’’; and 
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘$25,000’’ 
and inserting ‘‘$10,000’’. 
(b) REPEAL OF SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION LIMITS FOR 
CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL PARTIES FOR CERTAIN 
PURPOSES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 315(a) of the Fed-
eral Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 
30116(a)) is amended— 
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘, or, 
in the case of contributions made to any of the 
accounts described in paragraph (9), exceed 
300 percent of the amount otherwise applicable 
under this subparagraph with respect to such 
calendar year’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ‘‘, or, 
in the case of contributions made to any of the 
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446 
accounts described in paragraph (9), exceed 
300 percent of the amount otherwise applicable 
under this subparagraph with respect to such 
calendar year’’; and 
(C) by striking paragraph (9). 
(2) 
CONFORMING
AMENDMENT.—Section 
315(d) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30116(d)) is amend-
ed by striking paragraph (5). 
(3) RETURN
OF
PREVIOUSLY
CONTRIBUTED 
AMOUNTS.—Not later than 90 days after the effec-
tive date under subsection (d), each political com-
mittee established and maintained by a political 
party shall distribute all amounts in accounts de-
scribed in section 315(a)(9) of the Federal Election 
Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30116(a)(9)) to 
individuals who made contributions to such ac-
counts. The amount distributed to any contributor 
form any account shall bear the same ratio to the 
amount of contributions made by such contributor to 
such account as the balance of such account on such 
effective date bears to the total amount of contribu-
tions made to such account. 
(c) INDEXING OF REVISED CONTRIBUTION LIMITS.— 
Section 315(c) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 
1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(c)) is amended— 
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(1) in paragraph (1)(B)— 
(A) by redesignating clauses (i) through 
(iii) as subclauses (I) through (III), respec-
tively, and indenting appropriately; 
(B) in subclause (I), as resdesignated by 
subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘(a)(1)(A), 
(a)(1)(B),’’; 
(C) in subclause (III), as redesignated by 
such subparagraph— 
(i) by striking ‘‘clause (i)’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘subclause (I)’’; and 
(ii) by striking the period at the end 
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; 
(D) in the matter preceding subclause (I), 
as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘subparagraph 
(C), in any calendar year’’ and inserting ‘‘sub-
paragraph (C)— 
‘‘(i) in any calendar year’’; and 
(E) by adding at the end the following new 
clause: 
‘‘(ii) in any calendar year after 
2021— 
‘‘(I) a limitation established by 
subsection (a)(1)(A) or (a)(1)(B) shall 
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448 
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 ad-
justment under subclause (I) is not a 
multiple of $100, such amount shall 
be rounded to the nearest multiple of 
$100.’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (2)(B)— 
(A) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘and’’; 
(B) in clause (ii)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘(a)(1)(A), (a)(1)(B), 
(a)(3),’’ and inserting ‘‘(a)(3)’’; and 
(ii) by striking the period and insert-
ing ‘‘; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(iii) for purposes of subsections 
(a)(1)(A) and (a)(1)(B), calendar year 
2020.’’. 
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by 
this section shall apply with respect to contributions made 
on or after January 1, 2021. 
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449 
SEC. 735. RESTRICTIONS ON TESTING THE WATERS. 
Section 315(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act 
of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30116(a)) is amended by adding at 
the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(10) For purposes of paragraph (7)(B): 
‘‘(A) The term ‘expenditure made in coopera-
tion, consultation, or concert with, or at the request 
or suggestion of a candidate, his authorized political 
committees, or their agents’ includes an expenditure 
made by a person— 
‘‘(i) that during the four years preceding 
the expenditure (for the office of President) or 
during the two years preceding the expenditure 
(for all other expenditures) was directly or indi-
rectly established, maintained, controlled, or 
principally funded by a candidate, the can-
didate’s committee, or an immediate family 
member of a candidate; 
‘‘(ii) that during the four years preceding 
the expenditure (for the office of President) or 
during the two years preceding the expenditure 
(for all other expenditures) employed or other-
wise retained the services (other than account-
ing or legal services) of a person who, whether 
paid or unpaid, at any point during the same 
four-year or two-year period, had or exercised 
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450 
executive or managerial authority for the can-
didate, or acted as an agent of the candidate; 
or 
‘‘(iii) for whom during the four years pre-
ceding the expenditure (for the office of Presi-
dent) or during the two years preceding the ex-
penditure (for all other expenditures) the can-
didate or candidate’s committee solicited funds, 
provided non-public fundraising information or 
strategy, or appeared as a featured guest at a 
fundraising event. 
‘‘(B) The term ‘expenditure’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 301 and section 316(b) 
and also includes the following, when conducted by 
a person described in subparagraph (A) of this para-
graph: 
‘‘(i) A public communication as defined in 
section 301(22) that— 
‘‘(I) expressly advocates for the nomi-
nation or election of a clearly identified 
candidate for Federal office or against the 
nomination or election of a candidate for 
such office, or that is the functional equiv-
alent of such express advocacy; 
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451 
‘‘(II) promotes or supports a can-
didate for Federal office, or attacks or op-
poses a candidate for such office (regard-
less of whether the communication ex-
pressly advocates the election or defeat of 
a candidate or is the functional equivalent 
of express advocacy); or 
‘‘(III) refers to a clearly identified 
candidate for Federal office at any time 
from 120 days before a primary election or 
nominating caucus or convention through 
the general election, and is disseminated in 
the jurisdiction where the election for the 
office the candidate is seeking is held. 
‘‘(ii) A disbursement for partisan voter ac-
tivity (such as partisan voter registration, get- 
out-the-vote activity, phone banking, or generic 
campaign activity) in the jurisdiction where the 
election for the office the candidate is seeking 
is held. 
‘‘(iii) A disbursement to pay for research, 
design, or production costs, polling expenses, 
data analytics, creating or purchasing mailing 
or social media lists, or other activities related 
to those described in clause (i) or (ii). 
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452 
‘‘(C) The term ‘candidate’ includes any person 
who is a candidate for Federal office at the time of 
the expenditure, regardless of whether such person 
was a candidate at the time of the conduct described 
in subparagraph (A).’’. 
SEC. 736. PERSONAL USE BAN FOR LEADERSHIP PACS. 
Section 313(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act 
of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30114(a)) is amended, in the matter 
preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘or a leadership 
PAC (as defined in subsection (c)(4)) of a candidate’’ 
after ‘‘by a candidate’’. 
SEC. 737. PROHIBITION ON JOINT FUNDRAISING COMMIT-
TEES. 
Section 302(e) of the Federal Election Campaign Act 
of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30102(e)) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (3)(A)— 
(A) by striking clause (ii); 
(B) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and 
inserting a period; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘except that’’ and all that 
follows through ‘‘the candidate’’ and inserting 
‘‘except that the candidate’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
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453 
‘‘(6) A political committee may not engage in 
joint fundraising with other political committees or 
with unregistered committees or organizations.’’. 
Subpart B—Prohibition on the Appointment of Big 
Donor Ambassadors and Chiefs of Mission 
SEC. 738. PROHIBITION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF BIG 
DONOR AMBASSADORS AND CHIEFS OF MIS-
SION. 
Section 304(a) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 
(22 U.S.C. 3944(a)) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (3)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘Contribu-
tions’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘should not’’ and inserting 
‘‘shall not’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘The President may not appoint as chief of 
mission any individual who has made any con-
tribution or bundled contribution in any amount 
to the political campaign of the President or an 
authorized committee of the President (as those 
terms are defined in paragraph (4)(B)(ii)). 
‘‘(B) An individual who would otherwise be prohibited 
from appointment as chief of mission under subparagraph 
(A) because of one or more contributions or bundled con-
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454 
tributions may be appointed by the President if such indi-
vidual receives a full refund for each such contribution or 
bundled contribution prior to the President providing the 
report required under paragraph (4).’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (4)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘The Presi-
dent’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(B)(i) The report required under subpara-
graph (A) shall include— 
‘‘(I) an explanation of the nominee’s 
knowledge, if applicable, of the principal lan-
guage or dialect of the country in which the in-
dividual is to serve, and knowledge, if applica-
ble, of the history, culture, economic and polit-
ical institutions, and interests of that country 
and its people; and 
‘‘(II) a certification of the President that 
the nominee, in accordance with this Act— 
‘‘(aa) did not make any contributions 
or bundled contributions in any amount to 
the political campaign of the President or 
an authorized committee of the President 
at any time preceding the date that the 
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455 
Committee on Foreign Relations of the 
Senate receives the nominee’s nomination; 
or 
‘‘(bb) has received a full refund for 
each such contribution or bundled con-
tribution. 
‘‘(ii) In this subparagraph, the terms ‘contribu-
tion’, ‘bundled contribution’, and ‘authorized com-
mittee’ have the meanings given those terms in title 
III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 
(52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.).’’. 
Subtitle 
B—Strengthening 
Over-
sight of Online Political Adver-
tising 
SEC. 741. EXPANSION OF DEFINITION OF PUBLIC COMMU-
NICATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (22) of section 301 of 
the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 
30101(22)) is amended by striking ‘‘or satellite commu-
nication’’ and inserting ‘‘satellite, paid internet, or paid 
digital communication’’. 
(b) TREATMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDI-
TURES.—Section 301 of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30101) is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (8)(B)— 
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456 
(A) by striking ‘‘on broadcasting stations, 
or in newspapers, magazines, or similar types of 
general public political advertising’’ in clause 
(v) and inserting ‘‘in any public communica-
tion’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘broadcasting, newspaper, 
magazine, billboard, direct mail, or similar type 
of general public communication or political ad-
vertising’’ in clause (ix)(1) and inserting ‘‘pub-
lic communication’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘but not including the use 
of broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, bill-
boards, direct mail, or similar types of general 
public communication or political advertising’’ 
in clause (x) and inserting ‘‘but not including 
use in any public communication’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (9)(B)— 
(A) by amending clause (i) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(i) any news story, commentary, or 
editorial distributed through the facilities 
of any broadcasting station or any print, 
online, or digital newspaper, magazine, 
blog, publication, or periodical, unless such 
broadcasting, print, online, or digital facili-
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ties are owned or controlled by any polit-
ical party, political committee, or can-
didate;’’; and 
(B) in clause (iv), by striking ‘‘on broad-
casting stations, or in newspapers, magazines, 
or similar types of general public political ad-
vertising’’ and inserting ‘‘in any public commu-
nication’’. 
(c) DISCLOSURE AND DISCLAIMER STATEMENTS.— 
Subsection (a) of section 318 of such Act (52 U.S.C. 
30120) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘financing any communication 
through any broadcasting station, newspaper, maga-
zine, outdoor advertising facility, mailing, or any 
other type of general public political advertising’’ 
and inserting ‘‘financing any public communication’’; 
and 
(2) by striking ‘‘solicits any contribution 
through any broadcasting station, newspaper, maga-
zine, outdoor advertising facility, mailing, or any 
other type of general public political advertising’’ 
and inserting ‘‘solicits any contribution through any 
public communication’’. 
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SEC. 742. EXPANSION OF DEFINITION OF ELECTIONEERING 
COMMUNICATION. 
(a) APPLICATION
TO QUALIFIED INTERNET
AND 
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subparagraph (A) of section 
304(f)(3) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 
1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3)(A)) is amended by 
striking ‘‘or satellite communication’’ each place it 
appears in clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting ‘‘sat-
ellite, or qualified internet or digital communica-
tion’’. 
(2) QUALIFIED INTERNET OR DIGITAL COMMU-
NICATION.—Paragraph (3) of section 304(f) of such 
Act (52 U.S.C. 30104(f)) is amended by adding at 
the end the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(D) QUALIFIED
INTERNET
OR
DIGITAL 
COMMUNICATION.—The term ‘qualified internet 
or digital communication’ means any commu-
nication which is placed or promoted for a fee 
on an online platform (as defined in subsection 
(k)(3)).’’. 
(b) NONAPPLICATION OF RELEVANT ELECTORATE 
TO
ONLINE
COMMUNICATIONS.—Section 
304(f)(3)(A)(i)(III) 
of 
such 
Act 
(52 
U.S.C. 
30104(f)(3)(A)(i)(III)) is amended by inserting ‘‘any 
broadcast, cable, or satellite’’ before ‘‘communication’’. 
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459 
(c) NEWS EXEMPTION.—Section 304(f)(3)(B)(i) of 
such Act (52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3)(B)(i)) is amended to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(i) a communication appearing in a 
news story, commentary, or editorial dis-
tributed through the facilities of any 
broadcasting station or any online or dig-
ital newspaper, magazine, blog, publica-
tion, or periodical, unless such broad-
casting, online, or digital facilities are 
owned or controlled by any political party, 
political committee, or candidate;’’. 
SEC. 743. APPLICATION OF DISCLAIMER STATEMENTS TO 
ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS. 
(a) CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS MANNER REQUIRE-
MENT.—Subsection (a) of section 318 of the Federal Elec-
tion Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30120(a)) is 
amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘shall clearly state’’ each place 
it appears in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and in-
serting ‘‘shall state in a clear and conspicuous man-
ner’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following flush 
sentence: ‘‘For purposes of this section, a commu-
nication does not make a statement in a clear and 
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460 
conspicuous manner if it is difficult to read or hear 
or if the placement is easily overlooked.’’. 
(b) SPECIAL RULES FOR QUALIFIED INTERNET OR 
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 318 of such Act (52 
U.S.C. 30120) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection: 
‘‘(e) SPECIAL RULES FOR QUALIFIED INTERNET OR 
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) SPECIAL RULES WITH RESPECT TO STATE-
MENTS.—In the case of any communication to which 
this section applies which is a qualified internet or 
digital 
communication 
(as 
defined 
in 
section 
304(f)(3)(D)) which is disseminated through a me-
dium in which the provision of all of the information 
specified in this section is not possible, the commu-
nication shall, in a clear and conspicuous manner— 
‘‘(A) state the name of the person who 
paid for the communication; and 
‘‘(B) provide a means for the recipient of 
the communication to obtain the remainder of 
the information required under this section with 
minimal effort and without receiving or viewing 
any additional material other than such re-
quired information. 
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‘‘(2) SAFE HARBOR FOR DETERMINING CLEAR 
AND
CONSPICUOUS
MANNER.—A statement in a 
qualified internet or digital communication (as de-
fined in section 304(f)(3)(D)) shall be considered to 
be made in a clear and conspicuous manner as pro-
vided in subsection (a) if the communication meets 
the following requirements: 
‘‘(A) TEXT
OR
GRAPHIC
COMMUNICA-
TIONS.—In the case of a text or graphic com-
munication, the statement— 
‘‘(i) appears in letters at least as large 
as the majority of the text in the commu-
nication; and 
‘‘(ii) meets the requirements of para-
graphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c). 
‘‘(B) AUDIO
COMMUNICATIONS.—In the 
case of an audio communication, the statement 
is spoken in a clearly audible and intelligible 
manner at the beginning or end of the commu-
nication and lasts at least 3 seconds. 
‘‘(C) VIDEO
COMMUNICATIONS.—In the 
case of a video communication which also in-
cludes audio, the statement— 
‘‘(i) is included at either the beginning 
or the end of the communication; and 
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462 
‘‘(ii) is made both in— 
‘‘(I) a written format that meets 
the requirements of subparagraph (A) 
and appears for at least 4 seconds; 
and 
‘‘(II) an audible format that 
meets the requirements of subpara-
graph (B). 
‘‘(D) OTHER
COMMUNICATIONS.—In the 
case of any other type of communication, the 
statement is at least as clear and conspicuous 
as the statement specified in subparagraph (A), 
(B), or (C).’’. 
(2) NONAPPLICATION
OF
CERTAIN
EXCEP-
TIONS.—The 
exceptions 
provided 
in 
section 
110.11(f)(1) (i) and (ii) of title 11, Code of Federal 
Regulations, or any successor to such rules, shall 
have no application to qualified internet or digital 
communications (as defined in section 304(f)(3)(D) 
of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as 
added by this Act). 
(c) MODIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 
FOR CERTAIN COMMUNICATIONS.—Section 318(d) of such 
Act (52 U.S.C. 30120(d)) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)(A)— 
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(A) by striking ‘‘which is transmitted 
through radio’’ and inserting ‘‘which is in an 
audio format’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘BY RADIO’’ in the heading 
and inserting ‘‘AUDIO FORMAT’’; 
(2) in paragraph (1)(B)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘which is transmitted 
through television’’ and inserting ‘‘which is in 
video format’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘BY TELEVISION’’ in the 
heading and inserting ‘‘VIDEO FORMAT’’; and 
(3) in paragraph (2)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘transmitted through radio 
or television’’ and inserting ‘‘made in audio or 
video format’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘through television’’ in the 
second sentence and inserting ‘‘in video for-
mat’’. 
SEC. 744. POLITICAL RECORD REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE 
PLATFORMS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 304 of the Federal Elec-
tion Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104), as amend-
ed by sections 141 and 733, is further amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection: 
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464 
‘‘(j) DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN ONLINE ADVERTISE-
MENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.— 
‘‘(A) REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE PLAT-
FORMS.—An online platform shall maintain, 
and make available for online public inspection 
in machine readable format, a complete record 
of any request to purchase on such online plat-
form a qualified political advertisement which is 
made by a person whose aggregate requests to 
purchase qualified political advertisements on 
such online platform during the calendar year 
exceeds $500. 
‘‘(B) 
REQUIREMENTS
FOR
ADVER-
TISERS.—Any person who requests to purchase 
a qualified political advertisement on an online 
platform shall provide the online platform with 
such information as is necessary for the online 
platform to comply with the requirements of 
subparagraph (A). 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS OF RECORD.—A record main-
tained under paragraph (1)(A) shall contain— 
‘‘(A) a digital copy of the qualified political 
advertisement; 
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‘‘(B) a description of the audience targeted 
by the advertisement, the number of views gen-
erated from the advertisement, and the date 
and time that the advertisement is first dis-
played and last displayed; and 
‘‘(C) information regarding— 
‘‘(i) the average rate charged for the 
advertisement; 
‘‘(ii) the name of the candidate to 
which the advertisement refers and the of-
fice to which the candidate is seeking elec-
tion, the election to which the advertise-
ment refers, or the national legislative 
issue to which the advertisement refers (as 
applicable); 
‘‘(iii) in the case of a request made 
by, or on behalf of, a candidate, the name 
of the candidate, the authorized committee 
of the candidate, and the treasurer of such 
committee; and 
‘‘(iv) in the case of any request not 
described in clause (iii), the name of the 
person purchasing the advertisement, the 
name, address, and phone number of a 
contact person for such person, and a list 
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466 
of the chief executive officers or members 
of the executive committee or of the board 
of directors of such person. 
‘‘(3) ONLINE PLATFORM.—For purposes of this 
subsection, the term ‘online platform’ means any 
public-facing website, web application, or digital ap-
plication (including a social network, ad network, or 
search engine) which— 
‘‘(A) sells qualified political advertise-
ments; and 
‘‘(B) has 50,000,000 or more unique 
monthly United States visitors or users for a 
majority of months during the preceding 12 
months. 
‘‘(4) QUALIFIED POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT.— 
For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘qualified 
political advertisement’ means any advertisement 
(including search engine marketing, display adver-
tisements, video advertisements, native advertise-
ments, and sponsorships) that— 
‘‘(A) is made by or on behalf of a can-
didate; or 
‘‘(B) communicates a message relating to 
any political matter of national importance, in-
cluding— 
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467 
‘‘(i) a candidate; 
‘‘(ii) any election to Federal office; or 
‘‘(iii) a national legislative issue of 
public importance. 
‘‘(5) TIME TO MAINTAIN FILE.—The informa-
tion required under this subsection shall be made 
available as soon as possible and shall be retained by 
the online platform for a period of not less than 4 
years. 
‘‘(6) PENALTIES.—For penalties for failure by 
online platforms, and persons requesting to purchase 
a qualified political advertisement on online plat-
forms, to comply with the requirements of this sub-
section, see section 309.’’. 
(b) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Election 
Commission shall establish rules— 
(1) requiring common data formats for the 
record required to be maintained under section 
304(j) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 
1971 (as added by subsection (a)) so that all online 
platforms submit and maintain data online in a com-
mon, machine-readable and publicly accessible for-
mat; and 
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(2) establishing search interface requirements 
relating to such record, including searches by can-
didate name, issue, purchaser, and date. 
(c) REPORTING.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and biannually there-
after, the Chairman of the Federal Election Commission 
shall submit a report to Congress on— 
(1) matters relating to compliance with and the 
enforcement of the requirements of section 304(j) of 
the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as 
added by subsection (a); 
(2) recommendations for any modifications to 
such section to assist in carrying out its purposes; 
and 
(3) identifying ways to bring transparency and 
accountability to political advertisements distributed 
online for free. 
SEC. 745. PREVENTING CONTRIBUTIONS, EXPENDITURES, 
INDEPENDENT 
EXPENDITURES, 
AND 
DIS-
BURSEMENTS FOR ELECTIONEERING COM-
MUNICATIONS BY FOREIGN NATIONALS IN 
THE FORM OF ONLINE ADVERTISING. 
Section 319 of the Federal Election Campaign Act 
of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30121), as amended by section 721, 
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is amended by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(e) Each television or radio broadcast station, pro-
vider of cable or satellite television, or online platform (as 
defined in section 304(k)(3)) shall exercise due diligence 
to ensure that communications described in section 318(a) 
and made available by such station, provider, or platform 
are not purchased by a foreign national, directly or indi-
rectly.’’. 
Subtitle C—Public Financing 
PART I—SMALL DOLLAR FINANCING OF SENATE 
ELECTION CAMPAIGNS 
SEC. 751. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS OF 
FAIR ELECTIONS FINANCING OF SENATE 
ELECTION CAMPAIGNS. 
The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 
U.S.C. 30101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
the following: 
‘‘TITLE V—FAIR ELECTIONS FI-
NANCING OF SENATE ELEC-
TION CAMPAIGNS 
‘‘Subtitle A—General Provisions 
‘‘SEC. 501. DEFINITIONS. 
‘‘In this title: 
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‘‘(1) ALLOCATION FROM THE FUND.—The term 
‘allocation from the Fund’ means an allocation of 
money from the Freedom From Influence Fund to 
a participating candidate pursuant to section 522. 
‘‘(2) COMMISSION.—The term ‘Commission’ 
means the Federal Election Commission. 
‘‘(3) ENHANCED MATCHING CONTRIBUTION.— 
The term ‘enhanced matching contribution’ means 
an enhanced matching payment provided to a par-
ticipating candidate for qualified small dollar con-
tributions, as provided under section 524. 
‘‘(4) ENHANCED
SUPPORT
QUALIFYING
PE-
RIOD.—The term ‘enhanced support qualifying pe-
riod’ means, with respect to a general election, the 
period which begins 60 days before the date of the 
election and ends 14 days before the date of the 
election. 
‘‘(5) FAIR ELECTIONS QUALIFYING PERIOD.— 
The term ‘Fair Elections qualifying period’ means, 
with respect to any candidate for Senator, the pe-
riod— 
‘‘(A) beginning on the date on which the 
candidate files a statement of intent under sec-
tion 511(a)(1); and 
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‘‘(B) ending on the date that is 30 days 
before— 
‘‘(i) the date of the primary election; 
or 
‘‘(ii) in the case of a State that does 
not hold a primary election, the date pre-
scribed by State law as the last day to 
qualify for a position on the general elec-
tion ballot. 
‘‘(6) FAIR ELECTIONS START DATE.—The term 
‘Fair Elections start date’ means, with respect to 
any candidate, the date that is 180 days before— 
‘‘(A) the date of the primary election; or 
‘‘(B) in the case of a State that does not 
hold a primary election, the date prescribed by 
State law as the last day to qualify for a posi-
tion on the general election ballot. 
‘‘(7) FUND.—The term ‘Fund’ means the Free-
dom From Influence Fund established by section 
502. 
‘‘(8) IMMEDIATE
FAMILY.—The term ‘imme-
diate family’ means, with respect to any candidate— 
‘‘(A) the candidate’s spouse; 
‘‘(B) a child, stepchild, parent, grand-
parent, brother, half-brother, sister, or half-sis-
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472 
ter of the candidate or the candidate’s spouse; 
and 
‘‘(C) the spouse of any person described in 
subparagraph (B). 
‘‘(9) MATCHING
CONTRIBUTION.—The term 
‘matching contribution’ means a matching payment 
provided to a participating candidate for qualified 
small dollar contributions, as provided under section 
523. 
‘‘(10) NONPARTICIPATING
CANDIDATE.—The 
term ‘nonparticipating candidate’ means a candidate 
for Senator who is not a participating candidate. 
‘‘(11) PARTICIPATING CANDIDATE.—The term 
‘participating candidate’ means a candidate for Sen-
ator who is certified under section 514 as being eli-
gible to receive an allocation from the Fund. 
‘‘(12) QUALIFYING CONTRIBUTION.—The term 
‘qualifying contribution’ means, with respect to a 
candidate, a contribution that— 
‘‘(A) is in an amount that is— 
‘‘(i) not less than the greater of $5 or 
the amount determined by the Commission 
under section 531; and 
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‘‘(ii) not more than the greater of 
$200 or the amount determined by the 
Commission under section 531; 
‘‘(B) is made by an individual— 
‘‘(i) who is a resident of the State in 
which such candidate is seeking election; 
and 
‘‘(ii) who is not otherwise prohibited 
from making a contribution under this Act; 
‘‘(C) is made during the Fair Elections 
qualifying period; and 
‘‘(D) meets the requirements of section 
512(b). 
‘‘(13) QUALIFIED
SMALL
DOLLAR
CONTRIBU-
TION.—The term ‘qualified small dollar contribution’ 
means, with respect to a candidate, any contribution 
(or series of contributions)— 
‘‘(A) which is not a qualifying contribution 
(or does not include a qualifying contribution); 
‘‘(B) which is made by an individual who 
is not prohibited from making a contribution 
under this Act; and 
‘‘(C) the aggregate amount of which does 
not exceed the greater of— 
‘‘(i) $200 per election; or 
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474 
‘‘(ii) the amount per election deter-
mined by the Commission under section 
531. 
‘‘(14) QUALIFYING
MULTICANDIDATE
POLIT-
ICAL COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘qualifying 
multicandidate political committee contribution’ 
means any contribution to a candidate that is 
made from a qualified account of a multi-
candidate political committee (within the mean-
ing of section 315(a)(2)). 
‘‘(B) QUALIFIED ACCOUNT.—For purposes 
of subparagraph (A), the term ‘qualified ac-
count’ means, with respect to a multicandidate 
political committee, a separate, segregated ac-
count of the committee that consists solely of 
contributions which meet the following require-
ments: 
‘‘(i) All contributions to such account 
are made by individuals who are not pro-
hibited from making contributions under 
this Act. 
‘‘(ii) The aggregate amount of con-
tributions from each individual to such ac-
count and all other accounts of the polit-
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ical committee do not exceed the amount 
described in paragraph (13)(C). 
‘‘SEC. 502. FREEDOM FROM INFLUENCE FUND. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the 
Treasury a fund to be known as the ‘Freedom From Influ-
ence Fund’. 
‘‘(b) AMOUNTS HELD BY FUND.—The Fund shall 
consist of the following amounts: 
‘‘(1) ASSESSMENTS
AGAINST
FINES, SETTLE-
MENTS, 
AND
PENALTIES.—Amounts transferred 
under section 3015 of title 18, United States Code, 
section 9707 of title 31, United States Code, and 
section 6761 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 
‘‘(2) DEPOSITS.—Amounts deposited into the 
Fund under— 
‘‘(A) section 513(c) (relating to exceptions 
to contribution requirements); 
‘‘(B) section 521(c) (relating to remittance 
of unused payments from the Fund); and 
‘‘(C) section 532 (relating to violations). 
‘‘(3) INVESTMENT RETURNS.—Interest on, and 
the proceeds from, the sale or redemption of any ob-
ligations held by the Fund under subsection (c). 
‘‘(c) INVESTMENT.—The Commission shall invest 
portions of the Fund in obligations of the United States 
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in the same manner as provided under section 9602(b) 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 
‘‘(d) USE OF FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS TO PAR-
TICIPATING CANDIDATES.— 
‘‘(1) 
PAYMENTS
TO
PARTICIPATING
CAN-
DIDATES.—Amounts in the Fund shall be available 
without further appropriation or fiscal year limita-
tion to make payments to participating candidates 
as provided in this title. 
‘‘(2) MANDATORY REDUCTION OF PAYMENTS IN 
CASE OF INSUFFICIENT AMOUNTS IN FUND.— 
‘‘(A) ADVANCE AUDITS BY COMMISSION.— 
Not later than 90 days before the first day of 
each election cycle (beginning with the first 
election cycle that begins after the date of the 
enactment of this title), the Commission shall— 
‘‘(i) audit the Fund to determine 
whether the amounts in the Fund will be 
sufficient to make payments to partici-
pating candidates in the amounts provided 
in this title during such election cycle; and 
‘‘(ii) submit a report to Congress de-
scribing the results of the audit. 
‘‘(B) REDUCTIONS
IN
AMOUNT
OF
PAY-
MENTS.— 
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477 
‘‘(i) AUTOMATIC REDUCTION ON PRO 
RATA BASIS.—If, on the basis of the audit 
described in subparagraph (A), the Com-
mission determines that the amount antici-
pated to be available in the Fund with re-
spect to the election cycle involved is not, 
or may not be, sufficient to satisfy the full 
entitlements of participating candidates to 
payments under this title for such election 
cycle, the Commission shall reduce each 
amount which would otherwise be paid to 
a participating candidate under this title 
by such pro rata amount as may be nec-
essary to ensure that the aggregate 
amount of payments anticipated to be 
made with respect to the election cycle will 
not exceed the amount anticipated to be 
available for such payments in the Fund 
with respect to such election cycle. 
‘‘(ii) RESTORATION
OF
REDUCTIONS 
IN CASE OF AVAILABILITY OF SUFFICIENT 
FUNDS
DURING
ELECTION
CYCLE.—If, 
after reducing the amounts paid to partici-
pating candidates with respect to an elec-
tion cycle under clause (i), the Commission 
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determines 
that 
there 
are 
sufficient 
amounts in the Fund to restore the 
amount by which such payments were re-
duced (or any portion thereof), to the ex-
tent that such amounts are available, the 
Commission may make a payment on a pro 
rata basis to each such participating can-
didate with respect to the election cycle in 
the amount by which such candidate’s pay-
ments were reduced under clause (i) (or 
any portion thereof, as the case may be). 
‘‘(iii) NO
USE
OF
AMOUNTS
FROM 
OTHER SOURCES.—In any case in which 
the Commission determines that there are 
insufficient moneys in the Fund to make 
payments to participating candidates under 
this title, moneys shall not be made avail-
able from any other source for the purpose 
of making such payments. 
‘‘(e) USE OF FUND TO MAKE OTHER PAYMENTS.— 
In addition to the use described in subsection (d), amounts 
in the Fund shall be available without further appropria-
tion or fiscal year limitation— 
‘‘(1) to make payments under chapter 95 of 
subtitle H of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
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pursuant to sections 9006(b) and 9008(j) of such 
Code, subject to reductions under section 9013(b) of 
such Code; and 
‘‘(2) to make payments to candidates under 
chapter 96 of subtitle H of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986, subject to reductions under section 
9043(b) of such Code. 
‘‘(f) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall take ef-
fect on the date of the enactment of this title. 
‘‘Subtitle B—Eligibility and 
Certification 
‘‘SEC. 511. ELIGIBILITY. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—A candidate for Senator is eligi-
ble to receive an allocation from the Fund for any election 
if the candidate meets the following requirements: 
‘‘(1) The candidate files with the Commission a 
statement of intent to seek certification as a partici-
pating candidate under this title during the period 
beginning on the Fair Elections start date and end-
ing on the last day of the Fair Elections qualifying 
period. 
‘‘(2) The candidate meets the qualifying con-
tribution requirements of section 512. 
‘‘(3) Not later than the last day of the Fair 
Elections qualifying period, the candidate files with 
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the Commission an affidavit signed by the candidate 
and the treasurer of the candidate’s principal cam-
paign committee declaring that the candidate— 
‘‘(A) has complied and, if certified, will 
comply with the contribution and expenditure 
requirements of section 513; 
‘‘(B) if certified, will not run as a non-
participating candidate during such year in any 
election for the office that such candidate is 
seeking; and 
‘‘(C) has either qualified or will take steps 
to qualify under State law to be on the ballot. 
‘‘(b) GENERAL ELECTION.—Notwithstanding sub-
section (a), a candidate shall not be eligible to receive an 
allocation from the Fund for a general election or a gen-
eral runoff election unless the candidate’s party nominated 
the candidate to be placed on the ballot for the general 
election or the candidate otherwise qualified to be on the 
ballot under State law. 
‘‘SEC. 512. QUALIFYING CONTRIBUTION REQUIREMENT. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—A candidate for Senator meets 
the requirement of this section if, during the Fair Elec-
tions qualifying period, the candidate obtains— 
‘‘(1) a number of qualifying contributions equal 
to the greater of— 
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‘‘(A) the sum of— 
‘‘(i) 2,000; plus 
‘‘(ii) 500 for each congressional dis-
trict in the State with respect to which the 
candidate is seeking election; or 
‘‘(B) the amount determined by the Com-
mission under section 531; and 
‘‘(2) a total dollar amount of qualifying con-
tributions equal to the greater of— 
‘‘(A) 10 percent of the amount of the allo-
cation such candidate would be entitled to re-
ceive for the primary election under section 
522(c)(1) (determined without regard to para-
graph (5) thereof) if such candidate were a par-
ticipating candidate; or 
‘‘(B) the amount determined by the Com-
mission under section 531. 
‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS RELATING
TO RECEIPT
OF 
QUALIFYING CONTRIBUTION.—Each qualifying contribu-
tion— 
‘‘(1) may be made by means of a personal 
check, money order, debit card, credit card, or elec-
tronic payment account; 
‘‘(2) shall be accompanied by a signed state-
ment containing— 
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‘‘(A) the contributor’s name and the con-
tributor’s address in the State in which the con-
tributor is registered to vote; and 
‘‘(B) an oath declaring that the contrib-
utor— 
‘‘(i) understands that the purpose of 
the qualifying contribution is to show sup-
port for the candidate so that the can-
didate may qualify for Fair Elections fi-
nancing; 
‘‘(ii) is making the contribution in his 
or her own name and from his or her own 
funds; 
‘‘(iii) has made the contribution will-
ingly; and 
‘‘(iv) has not received anything of 
value in return for the contribution; and 
‘‘(3) shall be acknowledged by a receipt that is 
sent to the contributor with a copy kept by the can-
didate for the Commission and a copy kept by the 
candidate for the election authorities in the State 
with respect to which the candidate is seeking elec-
tion. 
‘‘(c) VERIFICATION
OF
QUALIFYING
CONTRIBU-
TIONS.—The Commission shall establish procedures for 
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the auditing and verification of qualifying contributions to 
ensure that such contributions meet the requirements of 
this section. 
‘‘SEC. 513. CONTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE REQUIRE-
MENTS. 
‘‘(a) GENERAL RULE.—A candidate for Senator 
meets the requirements of this section if, during the elec-
tion cycle of the candidate, the candidate— 
‘‘(1) except as provided in subsection (b), ac-
cepts no contributions other than— 
‘‘(A) qualifying contributions; 
‘‘(B) qualified small dollar contributions; 
‘‘(C) qualifying multicandidate political 
committee contributions; 
‘‘(D) allocations from the Fund under sec-
tion 522; 
‘‘(E) matching contributions under section 
523; 
‘‘(F) enhanced matching contributions 
under section 524; and 
‘‘(G) vouchers provided to the candidate 
under section 525; 
‘‘(2) makes no expenditures from any amounts 
other than from— 
‘‘(A) qualifying contributions; 
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‘‘(B) qualified small dollar contributions; 
‘‘(C) qualifying multicandidate political 
committee contributions; 
‘‘(D) allocations from the Fund under sec-
tion 522; 
‘‘(E) matching contributions under section 
523; 
‘‘(F) enhanced matching contributions 
under section 524; and 
‘‘(G) vouchers provided to the candidate 
under section 525; and 
‘‘(3) makes no expenditures from personal 
funds or the funds of any immediate family member 
(other than funds received through qualified small 
dollar contributions and qualifying contributions). 
For purposes of this subsection, a payment made by a po-
litical party in coordination with a participating candidate 
shall not be treated as a contribution to or as an expendi-
ture made by the participating candidate. 
‘‘(b) CONTRIBUTIONS
FOR
LEADERSHIP
PACS, 
ETC.—A political committee of a participating candidate 
which is not an authorized committee of such candidate 
may accept contributions other than contributions de-
scribed in subsection (a)(1) from any person if— 
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485 
‘‘(1) the aggregate contributions from such per-
son for any calendar year do not exceed $200; and 
‘‘(2) no portion of such contributions is dis-
bursed in connection with the campaign of the par-
ticipating candidate. 
‘‘(c) EXCEPTION.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), a 
candidate shall not be treated as having failed to meet 
the requirements of this section if any contributions that 
are not qualified small dollar contributions, qualifying con-
tributions, qualifying multicandidate political committee 
contributions, or contributions that meet the requirements 
of subsection (b) and that are accepted before the date 
the candidate files a statement of intent under section 
511(a)(1) are— 
‘‘(1) returned to the contributor; or 
‘‘(2) submitted to the Commission for deposit in 
the Fund. 
‘‘SEC. 514. CERTIFICATION. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 5 days after a 
candidate for Senator files an affidavit under section 
511(a)(3), the Commission shall— 
‘‘(1) certify whether or not the candidate is a 
participating candidate; and 
‘‘(2) notify the candidate of the Commission’s 
determination. 
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‘‘(b) REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may re-
voke a certification under subsection (a) if— 
‘‘(A) a candidate fails to qualify to appear 
on the ballot at any time after the date of cer-
tification; or 
‘‘(B) a candidate otherwise fails to comply 
with the requirements of this title, including 
any regulatory requirements prescribed by the 
Commission. 
‘‘(2) REPAYMENT
OF
BENEFITS.—If certifi-
cation is revoked under paragraph (1), the candidate 
shall repay to the Fund an amount equal to the 
value of benefits received under this title plus inter-
est (at a rate determined by the Commission) on any 
such amount received. 
‘‘Subtitle C—Benefits 
‘‘SEC. 521. BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—For each election with respect 
to which a candidate is certified as a participating can-
didate under section 514, such candidate shall be entitled 
to— 
‘‘(1) an allocation from the Fund to make or 
obligate to make expenditures with respect to such 
election, as provided in section 522; 
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‘‘(2) matching contributions, as provided in sec-
tion 523; 
‘‘(3) enhanced matching contributions, as pro-
vided in section 524; and 
‘‘(4) for the general election, vouchers for 
broadcasts of political advertisements, as provided in 
section 525. 
‘‘(b) RESTRICTION ON USES OF ALLOCATIONS FROM 
THE FUND.—Allocations from the Fund received by a par-
ticipating candidate under section 522, matching contribu-
tions under section 523, and enhanced matching contribu-
tions under section 524 may only be used for campaign- 
related costs. 
‘‘(c) REMITTING ALLOCATIONS FROM THE FUND.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than the date 
that is 45 days after an election in which the partici-
pating candidate appeared on the ballot, such par-
ticipating candidate shall remit to the Commission 
for deposit in the Fund an amount equal to the less-
er of— 
‘‘(A) the amount of money in the can-
didate’s campaign account; or 
‘‘(B) the sum of the allocations from the 
Fund received by the candidate under section 
522, the matching contributions received by the 
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candidate under section 523, and the enhanced 
matching contributions under section 524. 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—In the case of a candidate 
who qualifies to be on the ballot for a primary run-
off election, a general election, or a general runoff 
election, the amounts described in paragraph (1) 
may be retained by the candidate and used in such 
subsequent election. 
‘‘SEC. 522. ALLOCATIONS FROM THE FUND. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall make allo-
cations from the Fund under section 521(a)(1) to a par-
ticipating candidate— 
‘‘(1) in the case of amounts provided under 
subsection (c)(1), not later than 48 hours after the 
date on which such candidate is certified as a par-
ticipating candidate under section 514; 
‘‘(2) in the case of a general election, not later 
than 48 hours after— 
‘‘(A) the date of the certification of the re-
sults of the primary election or the primary 
runoff election; or 
‘‘(B) in any case in which there is no pri-
mary election, the date the candidate qualifies 
to be placed on the ballot; and 
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‘‘(3) in the case of a primary runoff election or 
a general runoff election, not later than 48 hours 
after the certification of the results of the primary 
election or the general election, as the case may be. 
‘‘(b) METHOD OF PAYMENT.—The Commission shall 
distribute funds available to participating candidates 
under this section through the use of an electronic funds 
exchange or a debit card. 
‘‘(c) AMOUNTS.— 
‘‘(1) PRIMARY ELECTION ALLOCATION; INITIAL 
ALLOCATION.—Except as provided in paragraph (5), 
the Commission shall make an allocation from the 
Fund for a primary election to a participating can-
didate in an amount equal to 67 percent of the base 
amount with respect to such participating candidate. 
‘‘(2) PRIMARY
RUNOFF
ELECTION
ALLOCA-
TION.—The Commission shall make an allocation 
from the Fund for a primary runoff election to a 
participating candidate in an amount equal to 25 
percent of the amount the participating candidate 
was eligible to receive under this section for the pri-
mary election. 
‘‘(3) GENERAL
ELECTION
ALLOCATION.—Ex-
cept as provided in paragraph (5), the Commission 
shall make an allocation from the Fund for a gen-
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eral election to a participating candidate in an 
amount equal to the base amount with respect to 
such candidate. 
‘‘(4) GENERAL
RUNOFF
ELECTION
ALLOCA-
TION.—The Commission shall make an allocation 
from the Fund for a general runoff election to a par-
ticipating candidate in an amount equal to 25 per-
cent of the base amount with respect to such can-
didate. 
‘‘(5) UNCONTESTED ELECTIONS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In the case of a pri-
mary or general election that is an uncontested 
election, the Commission shall make an alloca-
tion from the Fund to a participating candidate 
for such election in an amount equal to 25 per-
cent of the allocation which such candidate 
would be entitled to under this section for such 
election if this paragraph did not apply. 
‘‘(B) 
UNCONTESTED
ELECTION
DE-
FINED.—For purposes of this subparagraph, an 
election is uncontested if not more than 1 can-
didate has campaign funds (including payments 
from the Fund) in an amount equal to or great-
er than 10 percent of the allocation a partici-
pating candidate would be entitled to receive 
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under this section for such election if this para-
graph did not apply. 
‘‘(d) BASE AMOUNT.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise pro-
vided in this subsection, the base amount for any 
candidate is an amount equal to the greater of— 
‘‘(A) the sum of— 
‘‘(i) $750,000; plus 
‘‘(ii) $150,000 for each congressional 
district in the State with respect to which 
the candidate is seeking election; or 
‘‘(B) the amount determined by the Com-
mission under section 531. 
‘‘(2) INDEXING.—In each even-numbered year 
after 2025— 
‘‘(A) each dollar amount under paragraph 
(1)(A) shall be increased by the percent dif-
ference between the price index (as defined in 
section 315(c)(2)(A)) for the 12 months pre-
ceding the beginning of such calendar year and 
the price index for calendar year 2022; 
‘‘(B) each dollar amount so increased shall 
remain in effect for the 2-year period beginning 
on the first day following the date of the last 
general election in the year preceding the year 
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in which the amount is increased and ending on 
the date of the next general election; and 
‘‘(C) if any amount after adjustment under 
subparagraph (A) is not a multiple of $100, 
such amount shall be rounded to the nearest 
multiple of $100. 
‘‘SEC. 523. MATCHING PAYMENTS FOR QUALIFIED SMALL 
DOLLAR CONTRIBUTIONS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall pay to 
each participating candidate an amount equal to 600 per-
cent of the amount of qualified small dollar contributions 
received by the candidate from individuals who are resi-
dents of the State in which such participating candidate 
is seeking election after the date on which such candidate 
is certified under section 514. 
‘‘(b) LIMITATION.—The aggregate payments under 
subsection (a) with respect to any candidate shall not ex-
ceed the greater of— 
‘‘(1) 400 percent of the allocation such can-
didate is entitled to receive for such election under 
section 522 (determined without regard to sub-
section (c)(5) thereof); or 
‘‘(2) the percentage of such allocation deter-
mined by the Commission under section 531. 
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‘‘(c) TIME
OF PAYMENT.—The Commission shall 
make payments under this section not later than 2 busi-
ness days after the receipt of a report made under sub-
section (d). 
‘‘(d) REPORTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Each participating can-
didate shall file reports of receipts of qualified small 
dollar contributions at such times and in such man-
ner as the Commission may by regulations prescribe. 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS
OF
REPORTS.—Each report 
under this subsection shall disclose— 
‘‘(A) the amount of each qualified small 
dollar contribution received by the candidate; 
‘‘(B) the amount of each qualified small 
dollar contribution received by the candidate 
from a resident of the State in which the can-
didate is seeking election; and 
‘‘(C) the name, address, and occupation of 
each individual who made a qualified small dol-
lar contribution to the candidate. 
‘‘(3) FREQUENCY OF REPORTS.—Reports under 
this subsection shall be made no more frequently 
than— 
‘‘(A) once every month until the date that 
is 90 days before the date of the election; 
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‘‘(B) once every week after the period de-
scribed in subparagraph (A) and until the date 
that is 21 days before the election; and 
‘‘(C) once every day after the period de-
scribed in subparagraph (B). 
‘‘(4) 
LIMITATION
ON
REGULATIONS.—The 
Commission may not prescribe any regulations with 
respect to reporting under this subsection with re-
spect to any election after the date that is 180 days 
before the date of such election. 
‘‘(e) APPEALS.—The Commission shall provide a 
written explanation with respect to any denial of any pay-
ment under this section and shall provide the opportunity 
for review and reconsideration within 5 business days of 
such denial. 
‘‘SEC. 524. ENHANCED MATCHING SUPPORT. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In addition to the payments 
made under section 523, the Commission shall make an 
additional payment to an eligible candidate under this sec-
tion. 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBILITY.—A candidate is eligible to receive 
an additional payment under this section if the candidate 
meets each of the following requirements: 
‘‘(1) The candidate is on the ballot for the gen-
eral election for the office the candidate seeks. 
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‘‘(2) The candidate is certified as a partici-
pating candidate under this title with respect to the 
election. 
‘‘(3) During the enhanced support qualifying 
period, the candidate receives qualified small dollar 
contributions in a total amount of not less than the 
sum of $15,000 for each congressional district in the 
State with respect to which the candidate is seeking 
election. 
‘‘(4) During the enhanced support qualifying 
period, the candidate submits to the Commission a 
request for the payment which includes— 
‘‘(A) a statement of the number and 
amount of qualified small dollar contributions 
received by the candidate during the enhanced 
support qualifying period; 
‘‘(B) a statement of the amount of the 
payment the candidate anticipates receiving 
with respect to the request; and 
‘‘(C) such other information and assur-
ances as the Commission may require. 
‘‘(5) After submitting a request for the addi-
tional payment under paragraph (4), the candidate 
does not submit any other application for an addi-
tional payment under this title. 
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‘‘(c) AMOUNT.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), 
the amount of the additional payment made to an el-
igible candidate under this subtitle shall be an 
amount equal to 50 percent of— 
‘‘(A) the amount of the payment made to 
the candidate under section 523 with respect to 
the qualified small dollar contributions which 
are received by the candidate during the en-
hanced support qualifying period (as included in 
the request submitted by the candidate under 
(b)(4)(A)); or 
‘‘(B) in the case of a candidate who is not 
eligible to receive a payment under section 523 
with respect to such qualified small dollar con-
tributions because the candidate has reached 
the limit on the aggregate amount of payments 
under section 523, the amount of the payment 
which would have been made to the candidate 
under section 523 with respect to such qualified 
small dollar contributions if the candidate had 
not reached such limit. 
‘‘(2) LIMIT.—The amount of the additional 
payment determined under paragraph (1) with re-
spect to a candidate may not exceed the sum of 
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497 
$150,000 for each congressional district in the State 
with respect to which the candidate is seeking elec-
tion. 
‘‘(3) NO EFFECT ON AGGREGATE LIMIT.—The 
amount of the additional payment made to a can-
didate under this section shall not be included in de-
termining the aggregate amount of payments made 
to a participating candidate with respect to an elec-
tion cycle under section 523. 
‘‘SEC. 525. POLITICAL ADVERTISING VOUCHERS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall establish 
and administer a voucher program for the purchase of 
airtime on broadcasting stations for political advertise-
ments in accordance with the provisions of this section. 
‘‘(b) CANDIDATES.—The Commission shall only dis-
burse vouchers under the program established under sub-
section (a) to participants certified pursuant to section 
514 who have agreed in writing to keep and furnish to 
the Commission such records, books, and other informa-
tion as it may require. 
‘‘(c) AMOUNTS.—The Commission shall disburse 
vouchers to each candidate certified under subsection (b) 
in an aggregate amount equal to the greater of— 
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498 
‘‘(1) $100,000 multiplied by the number of con-
gressional districts in the State with respect to 
which such candidate is running for office; or 
‘‘(2) the amount determined by the Commission 
under section 531. 
‘‘(d) USE.— 
‘‘(1) EXCLUSIVE USE.—Vouchers disbursed by 
the Commission under this section may be used only 
for the purchase of broadcast airtime for political 
advertisements relating to a general election for the 
office of Senate by the participating candidate to 
which the vouchers were disbursed, except that— 
‘‘(A) a candidate may exchange vouchers 
with a political party under paragraph (2); and 
‘‘(B) a political party may use vouchers 
only to purchase broadcast airtime for political 
advertisements for generic party advertising (as 
defined by the Commission in regulations), to 
support candidates for State or local office in a 
general election, or to support participating 
candidates of the party in a general election for 
Federal office, but only if it discloses the value 
of the voucher used as an expenditure under 
section 315(d). 
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‘‘(2) EXCHANGE WITH POLITICAL PARTY COM-
MITTEE.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A participating can-
didate who receives a voucher under this section 
may transfer the right to use all or a portion 
of the value of the voucher to a committee of 
the political party of which the individual is a 
candidate (or, in the case of a participating 
candidate who is not a member of any political 
party, to a committee of the political party of 
that candidate’s choice) in exchange for money 
in an amount equal to the cash value of the 
voucher or portion exchanged. 
‘‘(B) CONTINUATION OF CANDIDATE OBLI-
GATIONS.—The transfer of a voucher, in whole 
or in part, to a political party committee under 
this paragraph does not release the candidate 
from any obligation under the agreement made 
under subsection (b) or otherwise modify that 
agreement or its application to that candidate. 
‘‘(C) PARTY COMMITTEE OBLIGATIONS.— 
Any political party committee to which a vouch-
er or portion thereof is transferred under sub-
paragraph (A)— 
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‘‘(i) shall account fully, in accordance 
with such requirements as the Commission 
may establish, for the receipt of the vouch-
er; and 
‘‘(ii) may not use the transferred 
voucher or portion thereof for any purpose 
other than a purpose described in para-
graph (1)(B). 
‘‘(D) 
VOUCHER
AS
A
CONTRIBUTION 
UNDER
FECA.—If a candidate transfers a 
voucher or any portion thereof to a political 
party committee under subparagraph (A)— 
‘‘(i) the value of the voucher or por-
tion thereof transferred shall be treated as 
a contribution from the candidate to the 
committee, and from the committee to the 
candidate, for purposes of sections 302 
and 304; 
‘‘(ii) the committee may, in exchange, 
provide to the candidate only funds subject 
to the prohibitions, limitations, and report-
ing requirements of title III of this Act; 
and 
‘‘(iii) the amount, if identified as a 
‘voucher exchange’, shall not be considered 
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a contribution for the purposes of sections 
315 and 513. 
‘‘(e) VALUE; ACCEPTANCE; REDEMPTION.— 
‘‘(1) VOUCHER.—Each voucher disbursed by 
the Commission under this section shall have a value 
in dollars, redeemable upon presentation to the 
Commission, together with such documentation and 
other information as the Commission may require, 
for the purchase of broadcast airtime for political 
advertisements in accordance with this section. 
‘‘(2) ACCEPTANCE.—A broadcasting station 
shall accept vouchers in payment for the purchase of 
broadcast airtime for political advertisements in ac-
cordance with this section. 
‘‘(3) REDEMPTION.—The Commission shall re-
deem vouchers accepted by broadcasting stations 
under paragraph (2) upon presentation, subject to 
such documentation, verification, accounting, and 
application requirements as the Commission may im-
pose to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the 
voucher redemption system. 
‘‘(4) EXPIRATION.— 
‘‘(A) CANDIDATES.—A voucher may only 
be used to pay for broadcast airtime for polit-
ical advertisements to be broadcast before mid-
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night on the day before the date of the Federal 
election in connection with which it was issued 
and shall be null and void for any other use or 
purpose. 
‘‘(B) EXCEPTION
FOR
POLITICAL
PARTY 
COMMITTEES.—A voucher held by a political 
party committee may be used to pay for broad-
cast airtime for political advertisements to be 
broadcast before midnight on December 31st of 
the odd-numbered year following the year in 
which the voucher was issued by the Commis-
sion. 
‘‘(5) 
VOUCHER
AS
EXPENDITURE
UNDER 
FECA.—The use of a voucher to purchase broadcast 
airtime constitutes an expenditure as defined in sec-
tion 301(9)(A). 
‘‘(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) 
BROADCASTING
STATION.—The 
term 
‘broadcasting station’ has the meaning given that 
term by section 315(f)(1) of the Communications 
Act of 1934. 
‘‘(2) POLITICAL
PARTY.—The term ‘political 
party’ means a major party or a minor party as de-
fined in section 9002 (3) or (4) of the Internal Rev-
enue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9002 (3) or (4)). 
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‘‘Subtitle D—Administrative 
Provisions 
‘‘SEC. 531. DUTIES OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMIS-
SION. 
‘‘(a) DUTIES AND POWERS.— 
‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATION.—The Commission shall 
have the power to administer the provisions of this 
title and shall prescribe regulations to carry out the 
purposes of this title, including regulations— 
‘‘(A) to establish procedures for— 
‘‘(i) verifying the amount of valid 
qualifying contributions with respect to a 
candidate; 
‘‘(ii) effectively and efficiently moni-
toring and enforcing the limits on the rais-
ing of qualified small dollar contributions; 
‘‘(iii) monitoring the raising of quali-
fying multicandidate political committee 
contributions through effectively and effi-
ciently monitoring and enforcing the limits 
on individual contributions to qualified ac-
counts of multicandidate political commit-
tees; 
‘‘(iv) effectively and efficiently moni-
toring and enforcing the limits on the use 
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of personal funds by participating can-
didates; 
‘‘(v) monitoring the use of allocations 
from the Fund and matching contributions 
under this title through audits or other 
mechanisms; and 
‘‘(vi) the administration of the vouch-
er program under section 525; and 
‘‘(B) regarding the conduct of debates in a 
manner consistent with the best practices of 
States that provide public financing for elec-
tions. 
‘‘(2) REVIEW
OF
FAIR
ELECTIONS
FINANC-
ING.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—After each general 
election for Federal office, the Commission shall 
conduct a comprehensive review of the Fair 
Elections financing program under this title, in-
cluding— 
‘‘(i) the maximum dollar amount of 
qualified small dollar contributions under 
section 501(13); 
‘‘(ii) the maximum and minimum dol-
lar amounts for qualifying contributions 
under section 501(12); 
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‘‘(iii) the number and value of quali-
fying contributions a candidate is required 
to obtain under section 512 to qualify for 
allocations from the Fund; 
‘‘(iv) the amount of allocations from 
the Fund that candidates may receive 
under section 522; 
‘‘(v) the maximum amount of match-
ing contributions a candidate may receive 
under section 523; 
‘‘(vi) the maximum amount of en-
hanced matching contributions a candidate 
may receive under section 524; 
‘‘(vii) the amount and usage of vouch-
ers under section 525; 
‘‘(viii) the overall satisfaction of par-
ticipating candidates and the American 
public with the program; and 
‘‘(ix) such other matters relating to fi-
nancing of Senate campaigns as the Com-
mission determines are appropriate. 
‘‘(B) CRITERIA
FOR
REVIEW.—In con-
ducting the review under subparagraph (A), the 
Commission shall consider the following: 
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‘‘(i) 
QUALIFYING
CONTRIBUTIONS 
AND
QUALIFIED
SMALL
DOLLAR
CON-
TRIBUTIONS.—The Commission shall con-
sider whether the number and dollar 
amount of qualifying contributions re-
quired and maximum dollar amount for 
such qualifying contributions and qualified 
small dollar contributions strikes a balance 
regarding the importance of voter involve-
ment, the need to assure adequate incen-
tives for participating, and fiscal responsi-
bility, taking into consideration the num-
ber of primary and general election partici-
pating candidates, the electoral perform-
ance of those candidates, program cost, 
and any other information the Commission 
determines is appropriate. 
‘‘(ii) REVIEW
OF
PROGRAM
BENE-
FITS.—The Commission shall consider 
whether the totality of the amount of 
funds allowed to be raised by participating 
candidates (including through qualifying 
contributions and small dollar contribu-
tions), allocations from the Fund under 
section 522, matching contributions under 
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section 523, enhanced matching contribu-
tions under section 524, and vouchers 
under section 525 are sufficient for voters 
in each State to learn about the candidates 
to cast an informed vote, taking into ac-
count the historic amount of spending by 
winning candidates, media costs, primary 
election dates, and any other information 
the Commission determines is appropriate. 
‘‘(C) ADJUSTMENT OF AMOUNTS.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Based on the re-
view conducted under subparagraph (A), 
the Commission shall provide for the ad-
justments of the following amounts: 
‘‘(I) 
The 
maximum 
dollar 
amount of qualified small dollar con-
tributions under section 501(13)(C). 
‘‘(II) The maximum and min-
imum dollar amounts for qualifying 
contributions 
under 
section 
501(12)(A). 
‘‘(III) The number and value of 
qualifying contributions a candidate is 
required to obtain under section 
512(a)(1). 
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‘‘(IV) The base amount for can-
didates under section 522(d). 
‘‘(V) The maximum amount of 
matching contributions a candidate 
may receive under section 523(b). 
‘‘(VI) The maximum amount of 
enhanced matching contributions a 
candidate may receive under section 
524(c). 
‘‘(VII) The dollar amount for 
vouchers under section 525(c). 
‘‘(ii) REGULATIONS.—The Commis-
sion shall promulgate regulations providing 
for the adjustments made under clause (i). 
‘‘(D) REPORT.—Not later than March 30 
following any general election for Federal office, 
the Commission shall submit a report to Con-
gress on the review conducted under subpara-
graph (A). Such report shall contain a detailed 
statement of the findings, conclusions, and rec-
ommendations of the Commission based on 
such review. 
‘‘(b) REPORTS.—Not later than March 30, 2024, and 
every 2 years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to 
the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration a re-
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port documenting, evaluating, and making recommenda-
tions relating to the administrative implementation and 
enforcement of the provisions of this title. 
‘‘(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are nec-
essary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle. 
‘‘SEC. 532. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES. 
‘‘(a) CIVIL PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF CONTRIBU-
TION
AND EXPENDITURE REQUIREMENTS.—If a can-
didate who has been certified as a participating candidate 
under section 514 accepts a contribution or makes an ex-
penditure that is prohibited under section 513, the Com-
mission shall assess a civil penalty against the candidate 
in an amount that is not more than 3 times the amount 
of the contribution or expenditure. Any amounts collected 
under this subsection shall be deposited into the Fund. 
‘‘(b) REPAYMENT FOR IMPROPER USE OF FREEDOM 
FROM INFLUENCE FUND.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If the Commission deter-
mines that any benefit made available to a partici-
pating candidate under this title was not used as 
provided for in this title or that a participating can-
didate has violated any of the dates for remission of 
funds contained in this title, the Commission shall 
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so notify the candidate and the candidate shall pay 
to the Fund an amount equal to— 
‘‘(A) the amount of benefits so used or not 
remitted, as appropriate; and 
‘‘(B) interest on any such amounts (at a 
rate determined by the Commission). 
‘‘(2) OTHER
ACTION
NOT
PRECLUDED.—Any 
action by the Commission in accordance with this 
subsection shall not preclude enforcement pro-
ceedings by the Commission in accordance with sec-
tion 309(a), including a referral by the Commission 
to the Attorney General in the case of an apparent 
knowing and willful violation of this title.’’. 
SEC. 752. EXCEPTION TO LIMITATION ON COORDINATED 
EXPENDITURES BY POLITICAL PARTY COM-
MITTEES WITH PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES. 
Section 315(d) of the Federal Election Campaign Act 
of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30116(d)) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ‘‘in the 
case of’’ and inserting ‘‘except as provided in para-
graph (6), in the case of’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(6)(A) The limitation under paragraph (3)(A) 
shall not apply with respect to any expenditure from 
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a qualified political party-participating candidate co-
ordinated expenditure fund. 
‘‘(B) In this paragraph, the term ‘qualified po-
litical party-participating candidate coordinated ex-
penditure fund’ means a fund established by the na-
tional committee of a political party, or a State com-
mittee of a political party, including any subordinate 
committee of a State committee, for purposes of 
making expenditures in connection with the general 
election campaign of a candidate for election to the 
office of Senator who is a participating candidate (as 
defined in section 501), that only accepts qualified 
coordinated expenditure contributions. 
‘‘(C) In this paragraph, the term ‘qualified co-
ordinated expenditure contribution’ means, with re-
spect to the general election campaign of a candidate 
for election to the office of Senator who is a partici-
pating candidate (as defined in section 501), any 
contribution (or series of contributions)— 
‘‘(i) which is made by an individual who is 
not prohibited from making a contribution 
under this Act; and 
‘‘(ii) the aggregate amount of which does 
not exceed $500 per election.’’. 
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SEC. 753. ASSESSMENTS AGAINST FINES AND PENALTIES. 
(a) ASSESSMENTS RELATING
TO CRIMINAL OF-
FENSES.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Chapter 201 of title 18, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 3015. Special assessments for Freedom From Influ-
ence Fund 
‘‘(a) ASSESSMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) CONVICTIONS OF CRIMES.—In addition to 
any assessment imposed under this chapter, the 
court shall assess on any organizational defendant or 
any defendant who is a corporate officer or person 
with equivalent authority in any other organization 
who is convicted of a criminal offense under Federal 
law an amount equal to 2.75 percent of any fine im-
posed on that defendant in the sentence imposed for 
that conviction. 
‘‘(2) SETTLEMENTS.—The court shall assess on 
any organizational defendant or defendant who is a 
corporate officer or person with equivalent authority 
in any other organization who has entered into a 
settlement agreement or consent decree with the 
United States in satisfaction of any allegation that 
the defendant committed a criminal offense under 
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Federal law an amount equal to 2.75 percent of the 
amount of the settlement. 
‘‘(b) MANNER
OF COLLECTION.—An amount as-
sessed under subsection (a) shall be collected in the man-
ner in which fines are collected in criminal cases. 
‘‘(c) TRANSFERS.—In a manner consistent with sec-
tion 3302(b) of title 31, there shall be transferred from 
the General Fund of the Treasury to the Freedom From 
Influence Fund under section 502 of the Federal Election 
Campaign Act of 1971 an amount equal to the amount 
of the assessments collected under this section.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec-
tions of chapter 201 of title 18, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘3015. Special assessments for Freedom From Influence Fund.’’. 
(b) ASSESSMENTS
RELATING
TO
CIVIL
PEN-
ALTIES.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Chapter 97 of title 31, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 9707. Special assessments for Freedom From Influ-
ence Fund 
‘‘(a) ASSESSMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) CIVIL PENALTIES.—Any entity of the Fed-
eral Government which is authorized under any law, 
rule, or regulation to impose a civil penalty shall as-
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sess on each person, other than a natural person 
who is not a corporate officer or person with equiva-
lent authority in any other organization, on whom 
such a penalty is imposed an amount equal to 2.75 
percent of the amount of the penalty. 
‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES.—Any entity 
of the Federal Government which is authorized 
under any law, rule, or regulation to impose an ad-
ministrative penalty shall assess on each person, 
other than a natural person who is not a corporate 
officer or person with equivalent authority in any 
other organization, on whom such a penalty is im-
posed an amount equal to 2.75 percent of the 
amount of the penalty. 
‘‘(3) SETTLEMENTS.—Any entity of the Federal 
Government which is authorized under any law, rule, 
or regulation to enter into a settlement agreement or 
consent decree with any person, other than a natural 
person who is not a corporate officer or person with 
equivalent authority in any other organization, in 
satisfaction of any allegation of an action or omis-
sion by the person which would be subject to a civil 
penalty or administrative penalty shall assess on 
such person an amount equal to 2.75 percent of the 
amount of the settlement. 
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‘‘(b) MANNER
OF COLLECTION.—An amount as-
sessed under subsection (a) shall be collected— 
‘‘(1) in the case of an amount assessed under 
paragraph (1) of such subsection, in the manner in 
which civil penalties are collected by the entity of the 
Federal Government involved; 
‘‘(2) in the case of an amount assessed under 
paragraph (2) of such subsection, in the manner in 
which administrative penalties are collected by the 
entity of the Federal Government involved; and 
‘‘(3) in the case of an amount assessed under 
paragraph (3) of such subsection, in the manner in 
which amounts are collected pursuant to settlement 
agreements or consent decrees entered into by the 
entity of the Federal Government involved. 
‘‘(c) TRANSFERS.—In a manner consistent with sec-
tion 3302(b) of this title, there shall be transferred from 
the General Fund of the Treasury to the Freedom From 
Influence Fund under section 502 of the Federal Election 
Campaign Act of 1971 an amount equal to the amount 
of the assessments collected under this section. 
‘‘(d) EXCEPTION
FOR PENALTIES
AND SETTLE-
MENTS UNDER AUTHORITY OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE 
CODE OF 1986.— 
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‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—No assessment shall be 
made under subsection (a) with respect to any civil 
or administrative penalty imposed, or any settlement 
agreement or consent decree entered into, under the 
authority of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 
‘‘(2) CROSS
REFERENCE.—For application of 
special assessments for the Freedom From Influence 
Fund with respect to certain penalties under the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986, see section 6761 of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec-
tions of chapter 97 of title 31, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘9707. Special assessments for Freedom From Influence Fund.’’. 
(c) ASSESSMENTS RELATING
TO CERTAIN PEN-
ALTIES UNDER
THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
OF 
1986.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 68 of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the 
end the following new subchapter: 
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‘‘Subchapter D—Special Assessments for 
Freedom From Influence Fund 
‘‘SEC. 6761. SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR FREEDOM FROM 
INFLUENCE FUND. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Each person required to pay a 
covered penalty shall pay an additional amount equal to 
2.75 percent of the amount of such penalty. 
‘‘(b) COVERED PENALTY.—For purposes of this sec-
tion, the term ‘covered penalty’ means any addition to tax, 
additional amount, penalty, or other liability provided 
under subchapter A or B. 
‘‘(c) EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In the case of a taxpayer 
who is an individual, subsection (a) shall not apply 
to any covered penalty if such taxpayer is an exempt 
taxpayer for the taxable year for which such covered 
penalty is assessed. 
‘‘(2) EXEMPT TAXPAYER.—For purposes of this 
subsection, a taxpayer is an exempt taxpayer for any 
taxable year if the taxable income of such taxpayer 
for such taxable year does not exceed the dollar 
amount at which begins the highest rate bracket in 
effect under section 1 with respect to such taxpayer 
for such taxable year. 
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‘‘(d) APPLICATION OF CERTAIN RULES.—Except as 
provided in subsection (e), the additional amount deter-
mined under subsection (a) shall be treated for purposes 
of this title in the same manner as the covered penalty 
to which such additional amount relates. 
‘‘(e) TRANSFER
TO FREEDOM FROM INFLUENCE 
FUND.—The Secretary shall deposit any additional 
amount under subsection (a) in the General Fund of the 
Treasury and shall transfer from such General Fund to 
the Freedom From Influence Fund established under sec-
tion 502 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 
an amount equal to the amounts so deposited (and, not-
withstanding subsection (d), such additional amount shall 
not be the basis for any deposit, transfer, credit, appro-
priation, or any other payment, to any other trust fund 
or account). Rules similar to the rules of section 9601 
shall apply for purposes of this subsection.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sub-
chapters for chapter 68 of such Code is amended by 
adding at the end the following new item: 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER D—SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR FREEDOM FROM INFLUENCE 
FUND’’. 
(d) EFFECTIVE DATES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the amendments made by this section 
shall apply with respect to convictions, agreements, 
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and penalties which occur on or after the date of the 
enactment of this Act. 
(2) ASSESSMENTS RELATING TO CERTAIN PEN-
ALTIES UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 
1986.—The amendments made by subsection (c) 
shall apply to covered penalties assessed after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
PART II—PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 
Subpart A—Primary Elections 
SEC. 761. INCREASE IN AND MODIFICATIONS TO MATCHING 
PAYMENTS. 
(a) INCREASE AND MODIFICATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The first sentence of section 
9034(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is 
amended— 
(A) by striking ‘‘an amount equal to the 
amount of each contribution’’ and inserting ‘‘an 
amount equal to 600 percent of the amount of 
each matchable contribution (disregarding any 
amount of contributions from any person to the 
extent that the total of the amounts contributed 
by such person for the election exceeds $200)’’; 
and 
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(B) by striking ‘‘authorized committees’’ 
and all that follows through ‘‘$250’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘authorized committees’’. 
(2) 
MATCHABLE
CONTRIBUTIONS.—Section 
9034 of such Code is amended— 
(A) by striking the last sentence of sub-
section (a); and 
(B) by adding at the end the following new 
subsection: 
‘‘(c) MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTION DEFINED.—For 
purposes of this section and section 9033(b)— 
‘‘(1) MATCHABLE
CONTRIBUTION.—The term 
‘matchable contribution’ means, with respect to the 
nomination for election to the office of President of 
the United States, a contribution by an individual to 
a candidate or an authorized committee of a can-
didate with respect to which the candidate has cer-
tified in writing that— 
‘‘(A) the individual making such contribu-
tion has not made aggregate contributions (in-
cluding such matchable contribution) to such 
candidate and the authorized committees of 
such candidate in excess of $1,000 for the elec-
tion; 
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‘‘(B) such candidate and the authorized 
committees of such candidate will not accept 
contributions from such individual (including 
such matchable contribution) aggregating more 
than the amount described in subparagraph 
(A); and 
‘‘(C) such contribution was a direct con-
tribution. 
‘‘(2) CONTRIBUTION.—For purposes of this 
subsection, the term ‘contribution’ means a gift of 
money made by a written instrument which identi-
fies the individual making the contribution by full 
name and mailing address, but does not include a 
subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money, or 
anything of value or anything described in subpara-
graph (B), (C), or (D) of section 9032(4). 
‘‘(3) DIRECT CONTRIBUTION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this 
subsection, 
the 
term 
‘direct 
contribution’ 
means, with respect to a candidate, a contribu-
tion which is made directly by an individual to 
the candidate or an authorized committee of the 
candidate and is not— 
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‘‘(i) forwarded from the individual 
making the contribution to the candidate 
or committee by another person; or 
‘‘(ii) received by the candidate or com-
mittee with the knowledge that the con-
tribution was made at the request, sugges-
tion, or recommendation of another person. 
‘‘(B) OTHER
DEFINITIONS.—In subpara-
graph (A)— 
‘‘(i) the term ‘person’ does not include 
an individual (other than an individual de-
scribed in section 304(i)(7) of the Federal 
Election Campaign Act of 1971), a polit-
ical committee of a political party, or any 
political committee which is not a separate 
segregated 
fund 
described 
in 
section 
316(b) of the Federal Election Campaign 
Act of 1971 and which does not make con-
tributions or independent expenditures, 
does not engage in lobbying activity under 
the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and is not estab-
lished by, controlled by, or affiliated with 
a registered lobbyist under such Act, an 
agent of a registered lobbyist under such 
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Act, or an organization which retains or 
employs a registered lobbyist under such 
Act; and 
‘‘(ii) a contribution is not ‘made at 
the request, suggestion, or recommendation 
of another person’ solely on the grounds 
that the contribution is made in response 
to information provided to the individual 
making the contribution by any person, so 
long as the candidate or authorized com-
mittee does not know the identity of the 
person who provided the information to 
such individual.’’. 
(3) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(A) Section 9032(4) of such Code is 
amended by striking ‘‘section 9034(a)’’ and in-
serting ‘‘section 9034’’. 
(B) Section 9033(b)(3) of such Code is 
amended by striking ‘‘matching contributions’’ 
and inserting ‘‘matchable contributions’’. 
(b) MODIFICATION OF PAYMENT LIMITATION.—Sec-
tion 9034(b) of such Code is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The total’’ and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The total’’; 
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(2) by striking ‘‘shall not exceed’’ and all that 
follows 
and 
inserting 
‘‘shall 
not 
exceed 
$250,000,000.’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(2) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In the case of any ap-
plicable period beginning after 2029, the dollar 
amount in paragraph (1) shall be increased by 
an amount equal to— 
‘‘(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by 
‘‘(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment de-
termined under section 1(f)(3) for the cal-
endar year following the year which such 
applicable period begins, determined by 
substituting ‘calendar year 2028’ for ‘cal-
endar year 1992’ in subparagraph (B) 
thereof. 
‘‘(B) APPLICABLE PERIOD.—For purposes 
of this paragraph, the term ‘applicable period’ 
means the 4-year period beginning with the 
first day following the date of the general elec-
tion for the office of President and ending on 
the date of the next such general election. 
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‘‘(C) ROUNDING.—If any amount as ad-
justed under subparagraph (A) is not a multiple 
of $10,000, such amount shall be rounded to 
the nearest multiple of $10,000.’’. 
SEC. 762. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MATCHING 
PAYMENTS. 
(a) AMOUNT OF AGGREGATE CONTRIBUTIONS PER 
STATE; DISREGARDING OF AMOUNTS CONTRIBUTED IN 
EXCESS OF $200.—Section 9033(b)(3) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— 
(1) 
by 
striking 
‘‘$5,000’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘$25,000’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘20 States’’ and inserting the 
following: ‘‘20 States (disregarding any amount of 
contributions from any such resident to the extent 
that the total of the amounts contributed by such 
resident for the election exceeds $200)’’. 
(b) CONTRIBUTION LIMIT.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Paragraph (4) of section 
9033(b) of such Code is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(4) the candidate and the authorized commit-
tees of the candidate will not accept aggregate con-
tributions from any person with respect to the nomi-
nation for election to the office of President of the 
United States in excess of $1,000 for the election.’’. 
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(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(A) Section 9033(b) of such Code is 
amended by adding at the end the following 
new flush sentence: 
‘‘For purposes of paragraph (4), the term ‘contribution’ 
has the meaning given such term in section 301(8) of the 
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.’’. 
(B) Section 9032(4) of such Code, as 
amended by section 761(a)(3)(A), is amended 
by inserting ‘‘or 9033(b)’’ after ‘‘9034’’. 
(c) PARTICIPATION IN SYSTEM FOR PAYMENTS FOR 
GENERAL ELECTION.—Section 9033(b) of such Code is 
amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of paragraph 
(3); 
(2) by striking the period at the end of para-
graph (4) and inserting ‘‘, and’’; and 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the fol-
lowing new paragraph: 
‘‘(5) if the candidate is nominated by a political 
party for election to the office of President, the can-
didate will apply for and accept payments with re-
spect to the general election for such office in ac-
cordance with chapter 95.’’. 
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(d) PROHIBITION ON JOINT FUNDRAISING COMMIT-
TEES.—Section 9033(b) of such Code, as amended by sub-
section (c), is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of paragraph 
(4); 
(2) by striking the period at the end of para-
graph (5) and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) adding at 
the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(6) the candidate will not establish a joint 
fundraising committee with a political committee 
other than another authorized committee of the can-
didate, except that candidate established a joint 
fundraising committee with respect to a prior elec-
tion for which the candidate was not eligible to re-
ceive payments under section 9037 and the can-
didate does not terminate the committee, the can-
didate shall not be considered to be in violation of 
this paragraph so long as that joint fundraising 
committee does not receive any contributions or 
make any disbursements during the election cycle for 
which the candidate is eligible to receive payments 
under such section.’’. 
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SEC. 763. REPEAL OF EXPENDITURE LIMITATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section 9035 of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(a) PERSONAL EXPENDITURE LIMITATION.—No 
candidate shall knowingly make expenditures from his per-
sonal funds, or the personal funds of his immediate family, 
in connection with his campaign for nomination for elec-
tion to the office of President in excess of, in the aggre-
gate, $50,000.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Paragraph (1) of 
section 9033(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(1) the candidate will comply with the per-
sonal expenditure limitation under section 9035,’’. 
SEC. 764. PERIOD OF AVAILABILITY OF MATCHING PAY-
MENTS. 
Section 9032(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended by striking ‘‘the beginning of the cal-
endar year in which a general election for the office of 
President of the United States will be held’’ and inserting 
‘‘the date that is 6 months prior to the date of the earliest 
State primary election’’. 
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SEC. 765. EXAMINATION AND AUDITS OF MATCHABLE CON-
TRIBUTIONS. 
Section 9038(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended by inserting ‘‘and matchable contribu-
tions accepted by’’ after ‘‘qualified campaign expenses of’’. 
SEC. 766. MODIFICATION TO LIMITATION ON CONTRIBU-
TIONS FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY CAN-
DIDATES. 
Section 315(a)(6) of the Federal Election Campaign 
Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30116(a)(6)) is amended by strik-
ing ‘‘calendar year’’ and inserting ‘‘four-year election 
cycle’’. 
SEC. 767. USE OF FREEDOM FROM INFLUENCE FUND AS 
SOURCE OF PAYMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 96 of subtitle H of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at 
the end the following new section: 
‘‘SEC. 9043. USE OF FREEDOM FROM INFLUENCE FUND AS 
SOURCE OF PAYMENTS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Effective with respect to the 
Presidential election held in 2028 and each succeeding 
Presidential election, all payments made to candidates 
under this chapter shall be made from the Freedom From 
Influence Fund established under section 502 of the Fed-
eral Election Campaign Act of 1971 (hereafter in this sec-
tion referred to as the ‘Fund’) and any reference in this 
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chapter to the matching payment account shall be consid-
ered to be a reference to the Fund. 
‘‘(b) MANDATORY REDUCTION
OF PAYMENTS
IN 
CASE OF INSUFFICIENT AMOUNTS IN FUND.— 
‘‘(1) ADVANCE AUDITS BY COMMISSION.—Not 
later than 90 days before the first day of each Presi-
dential election cycle (beginning with the cycle for 
the election held in 2028), the Commission shall— 
‘‘(A) audit the Fund to determine whether, 
after first making payments to participating 
candidates under title V of the Federal Election 
Campaign Act of 1971, the amounts remaining 
in the Fund will be sufficient to make payments 
to candidates under this chapter in the amounts 
provided under this chapter during such elec-
tion cycle; and 
‘‘(B) submit a report to Congress describ-
ing the results of the audit. 
‘‘(2) REDUCTIONS IN AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) AUTOMATIC
REDUCTION
ON
PRO 
RATA BASIS.—If, on the basis of the audit de-
scribed in paragraph (1), the Commission deter-
mines that the amount anticipated to be avail-
able in the Fund with respect to the Presi-
dential election cycle involved is not, or may not 
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be, sufficient to satisfy the full entitlements of 
candidates to payments under this chapter for 
such cycle, the Commission shall reduce each 
amount which would otherwise be paid to a can-
didate under this chapter by such pro rata 
amount as may be necessary to ensure that the 
aggregate amount of payments anticipated to 
be made with respect to the cycle will not ex-
ceed the amount anticipated to be available for 
such payments in the Fund with respect to such 
cycle. 
‘‘(B) RESTORATION
OF
REDUCTIONS
IN 
CASE OF AVAILABILITY OF SUFFICIENT FUNDS 
DURING ELECTION CYCLE.—If, after reducing 
the amounts paid to candidates with respect to 
an election cycle under subparagraph (A), the 
Commission determines that there are sufficient 
amounts in the Fund to restore the amount by 
which such payments were reduced (or any por-
tion thereof), to the extent that such amounts 
are available, the Commission may make a pay-
ment on a pro rata basis to each such candidate 
with respect to the election cycle in the amount 
by which such candidate’s payments were re-
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duced under subparagraph (A) (or any portion 
thereof, as the case may be). 
‘‘(C) NO USE OF AMOUNTS FROM OTHER 
SOURCES.—In any case in which the Commis-
sion determines that there are insufficient mon-
eys in the Fund to make payments to can-
didates under this chapter, moneys shall not be 
made available from any other source for the 
purpose of making such payments. 
‘‘(3) NO EFFECT ON AMOUNTS TRANSFERRED 
FOR PEDIATRIC RESEARCH INITIATIVE.—This sec-
tion does not apply to the transfer of funds under 
section 9008(i). 
‘‘(4) PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTION
CYCLE
DE-
FINED.—In this section, the term ‘Presidential elec-
tion cycle’ means, with respect to a Presidential elec-
tion, the period beginning on the day after the date 
of the previous Presidential general election and 
ending on the date of the Presidential election.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 9037(a) 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by add-
ing at the end the following: ‘‘No amount shall be trans-
ferred under this subsection with respect to any Presi-
dential election held after 2024, and any amounts remain-
ing in such account after payments for such election are 
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made shall be transferred to the Freedom from Influence 
Fund under section 502 of the Federal Election Campaign 
Act of 1971.’’ 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
for chapter 96 of subtitle H of such Code is amended by 
adding at the end the following new item: 
‘‘Sec. 9043. Use of Freedom From Influence Fund as source of payments.’’. 
Subpart B—General Elections 
SEC. 771. MODIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 
FOR PUBLIC FINANCING. 
Subsection (a) of section 9003 of the Internal Rev-
enue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to be eligible to receive 
any payments under section 9006, the candidates of a po-
litical party in a Presidential election shall meet the fol-
lowing requirements: 
‘‘(1) PARTICIPATION
IN
PRIMARY
PAYMENT 
SYSTEM.—The candidate for President received pay-
ments under chapter 96 for the campaign for nomi-
nation for election to be President. 
‘‘(2) AGREEMENTS
WITH
COMMISSION.—The 
candidates, in writing— 
‘‘(A) agree to obtain and furnish to the 
Commission such evidence as it may request of 
the qualified campaign expenses of such can-
didates, 
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‘‘(B) agree to keep and furnish to the 
Commission such records, books, and other in-
formation as it may request, and 
‘‘(C) agree to an audit and examination by 
the Commission under section 9007 and to pay 
any amounts required to be paid under such 
section. 
‘‘(3) PROHIBITION
ON
JOINT
FUNDRAISING 
COMMITTEES.— 
‘‘(A) PROHIBITION.—The candidates cer-
tifies in writing that the candidates will not es-
tablish a joint fundraising committee with a po-
litical committee other than another authorized 
committee of the candidate. 
‘‘(B) STATUS
OF
EXISTING
COMMITTEES 
FOR PRIOR ELECTIONS.—If a candidate estab-
lished a joint fundraising committee described 
in subparagraph (A) with respect to a prior 
election for which the candidate was not eligible 
to receive payments under section 9006 and the 
candidate does not terminate the committee, 
the candidate shall not be considered to be in 
violation of subparagraph (A) so long as that 
joint fundraising committee does not receive 
any contributions or make any disbursements 
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with respect to the election for which the can-
didate is eligible to receive payments under sec-
tion 9006.’’. 
SEC. 772. REPEAL OF EXPENDITURE LIMITATIONS AND USE 
OF QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS. 
(a) USE OF QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS 
WITHOUT EXPENDITURE LIMITS; APPLICATION OF SAME 
REQUIREMENTS FOR MAJOR, MINOR, AND NEW PAR-
TIES.—Section 9003 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended by striking subsections (b) and (c) and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘(b) USE OF QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS 
TO DEFRAY EXPENSES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In order to be eligible to 
receive any payments under section 9006, the can-
didates of a party in a Presidential election shall 
certify to the Commission, under penalty of perjury, 
that— 
‘‘(A) such candidates and their authorized 
committees have not and will not accept any 
contributions to defray qualified campaign ex-
penses other than— 
‘‘(i) qualified campaign contributions, 
and 
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‘‘(ii) contributions to the extent nec-
essary to make up any deficiency payments 
received out of the fund on account of the 
application of section 9006(c), and 
‘‘(B) such candidates and their authorized 
committees have not and will not accept any 
contribution to defray expenses which would be 
qualified campaign expenses but for subpara-
graph (C) of section 9002(11). 
‘‘(2) TIMING
OF
CERTIFICATION.—The can-
didate shall make the certification required under 
this subsection at the same time the candidate 
makes the certification required under subsection 
(a)(3).’’. 
(b) DEFINITION
OF QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN CON-
TRIBUTION.—Section 9002 of such Code is amended by 
adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(13) QUALIFIED CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION.— 
The term ‘qualified campaign contribution’ means, 
with respect to any election for the office of Presi-
dent of the United States, a contribution from an in-
dividual to a candidate or an authorized committee 
of a candidate which— 
‘‘(A) does not exceed $1,000 for the elec-
tion; and 
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‘‘(B) with respect to which the candidate 
has certified in writing that— 
‘‘(i) the individual making such con-
tribution has not made aggregate contribu-
tions (including such qualified contribu-
tion) to such candidate and the authorized 
committees of such candidate in excess of 
the amount described in subparagraph (A), 
and 
‘‘(ii) such candidate and the author-
ized committees of such candidate will not 
accept contributions from such individual 
(including such qualified contribution) ag-
gregating more than the amount described 
in subparagraph (A) with respect to such 
election.’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) REPEAL OF EXPENDITURE LIMITS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Section 315 of the Fed-
eral Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 
30116) is amended by striking subsection (b). 
(B) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 
315(c) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30116(c)) is 
amended— 
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(i) in paragraph (1)(B)(i), by striking 
‘‘, (b)’’; and 
(ii) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by striking 
‘‘subsections (b) and (d)’’ and inserting 
‘‘subsection (d)’’. 
(2) REPEAL OF REPAYMENT REQUIREMENT.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Section 9007(b) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by 
striking paragraph (2) and redesignating para-
graphs (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (2), (3), 
and (4), respectively. 
(B) 
CONFORMING
AMENDMENT.—Para-
graph (2) of section 9007(b) of such Code, as 
redesignated by subparagraph (A), is amend-
ed— 
(i) by striking ‘‘a major party’’ and 
inserting ‘‘a party’’; 
(ii) by inserting ‘‘qualified contribu-
tions and’’ after ‘‘contributions (other 
than’’; and 
(iii) by striking ‘‘(other than qualified 
campaign expenses with respect to which 
payment is required under paragraph 
(2))’’. 
(3) CRIMINAL PENALTIES.— 
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539 
(A) REPEAL OF PENALTY FOR EXCESS EX-
PENSES.—Section 9012 of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986 is amended by striking subsection 
(a). 
(B) PENALTY FOR ACCEPTANCE OF DIS-
ALLOWED
CONTRIBUTIONS; APPLICATION
OF 
SAME PENALTY FOR CANDIDATES OF MAJOR, 
MINOR, AND NEW PARTIES.—Subsection (b) of 
section 9012 of such Code is amended to read 
as follows: 
‘‘(b) CONTRIBUTIONS.— 
‘‘(1) ACCEPTANCE OF DISALLOWED CONTRIBU-
TIONS.—It shall be unlawful for an eligible can-
didate of a party in a Presidential election or any of 
his authorized committees knowingly and willfully to 
accept— 
‘‘(A) any contribution other than a quali-
fied campaign contribution to defray qualified 
campaign expenses, except to the extent nec-
essary to make up any deficiency in payments 
received out of the fund on account of the ap-
plication of section 9006(c); or 
‘‘(B) any contribution to defray expenses 
which would be qualified campaign expenses but 
for subparagraph (C) of section 9002(11). 
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‘‘(2) PENALTY.—Any person who violates para-
graph (1) shall be fined not more than $5,000, or 
imprisoned not more than one year, or both. In the 
case of a violation by an authorized committee, any 
officer or member of such committee who knowingly 
and willfully consents to such violation shall be fined 
not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than 
one year, or both.’’. 
SEC. 773. MATCHING PAYMENTS AND OTHER MODIFICA-
TIONS TO PAYMENT AMOUNTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.— 
(1) AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS; APPLICATION OF 
SAME AMOUNT FOR CANDIDATES OF MAJOR, MINOR, 
AND NEW PARTIES.—Subsection (a) of section 9004 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to 
read as follows: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the provisions of this 
chapter, the eligible candidates of a party in a Presidential 
election shall be entitled to equal payment under section 
9006 in an amount equal to 600 percent of the amount 
of each matchable contribution received by such candidate 
or by the candidate’s authorized committees (disregarding 
any amount of contributions from any person to the extent 
that the total of the amounts contributed by such person 
for the election exceeds $200), except that total amount 
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to which a candidate is entitled under this paragraph shall 
not exceed $250,000,000.’’. 
(2) REPEAL
OF
SEPARATE
LIMITATIONS
FOR 
CANDIDATES OF MINOR AND NEW PARTIES; INFLA-
TION ADJUSTMENT.—Subsection (b) of section 9004 
of such Code is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(b) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In the case of any applica-
ble period beginning after 2029, the $250,000,000 
dollar amount in subsection (a) shall be increased by 
an amount equal to— 
‘‘(A) such dollar amount; multiplied by 
‘‘(B) the cost-of-living adjustment deter-
mined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar 
year following the year which such applicable 
period begins, determined by substituting ‘cal-
endar year 2028’ for ‘calendar year 1992’ in 
subparagraph (B) thereof. 
‘‘(2) APPLICABLE
PERIOD.—For purposes of 
this subsection, the term ‘applicable period’ means 
the 4-year period beginning with the first day fol-
lowing the date of the general election for the office 
of President and ending on the date of the next such 
general election. 
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‘‘(3) ROUNDING.—If any amount as adjusted 
under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $10,000, 
such amount shall be rounded to the nearest mul-
tiple of $10,000.’’. 
(3) 
CONFORMING
AMENDMENT.—Section 
9005(a) of such Code is amended by adding at the 
end the following new sentence: ‘‘The Commission 
shall make such additional certifications as may be 
necessary to receive payments under section 9004.’’. 
(b) MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTION.—Section 9002 of 
such Code, as amended by section 772(b), is amended by 
adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(14) MATCHABLE CONTRIBUTION.—The term 
‘matchable contribution’ means, with respect to the 
election to the office of President of the United 
States, a contribution by an individual to a can-
didate or an authorized committee of a candidate 
with respect to which the candidate has certified in 
writing that— 
‘‘(A) the individual making such contribu-
tion has not made aggregate contributions (in-
cluding such matchable contribution) to such 
candidate and the authorized committees of 
such candidate in excess of $1,000 for the elec-
tion; 
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‘‘(B) such candidate and the authorized 
committees of such candidate will not accept 
contributions from such individual (including 
such matchable contribution) aggregating more 
than the amount described in subparagraph (A) 
with respect to such election; and 
‘‘(C) such contribution was a direct con-
tribution (as defined in section 9034(c)(3)).’’. 
SEC. 774. INCREASE IN LIMIT ON COORDINATED PARTY EX-
PENDITURES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 315(d)(2) of the Federal 
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30116(d)(2)) 
is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(2)(A) The national committee of a political party 
may not make any expenditure in connection with the gen-
eral election campaign of any candidate for President of 
the United States who is affiliated with such party which 
exceeds $100,000,000. 
‘‘(B) For purposes of this paragraph— 
‘‘(i) any expenditure made by or on behalf of a 
national committee of a political party and in con-
nection with a Presidential election shall be consid-
ered to be made in connection with the general elec-
tion campaign of a candidate for President of the 
United States who is affiliated with such party; and 
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‘‘(ii) any communication made by or on behalf 
of such party shall be considered to be made in con-
nection with the general election campaign of a can-
didate for President of the United States who is af-
filiated with such party if any portion of the commu-
nication is in connection with such election. 
‘‘(C) Any expenditure under this paragraph shall be 
in addition to any expenditure by a national committee 
of a political party serving as the principal campaign com-
mittee of a candidate for the office of President of the 
United States.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS RELATING TO TIM-
ING OF COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 315(c)(1) of such 
Act (52 U.S.C. 30116(c)(1)) is amended— 
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘(d)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘(d)(2)’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(D) In any calendar year after 2028— 
‘‘(i) the dollar amount in subsection (d)(2) shall 
be increased by the percent difference determined 
under subparagraph (A); 
‘‘(ii) the amount so increased shall remain in 
effect for the calendar year; and 
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‘‘(iii) if the amount after adjustment under 
clause (i) is not a multiple of $100, such amount 
shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.’’. 
(2) BASE YEAR.—Section 315(c)(2)(B) of such 
Act (52 U.S.C. 30116(c)(2)(B)) is amended— 
(A) in clause (i)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘(d)’’ and inserting 
‘‘(d)(3)’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(B) in clause (ii), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
clause: 
‘‘(iii) for purposes of subsection (d)(2), cal-
endar year 2027.’’. 
SEC. 775. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIFORM DATE FOR RE-
LEASE OF PAYMENTS. 
(a) DATE FOR PAYMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 9006(b) of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(b) PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND.—If the Secretary 
of the Treasury receives a certification from the Commis-
sion under section 9005 for payment to the eligible can-
didates of a political party, the Secretary shall pay to such 
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candidates out of the fund the amount certified by the 
Commission on the later of— 
‘‘(1) the last Friday occurring before the first 
Monday in September; or 
‘‘(2) 24 hours after receiving the certifications 
for the eligible candidates of all major political par-
ties. 
Amounts paid to any such candidates shall be under the 
control of such candidates.’’. 
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The first sen-
tence of section 9006(c) of such Code is amended by 
striking ‘‘the time of a certification by the Commis-
sion under section 9005 for payment’’ and inserting 
‘‘the time of making a payment under subsection 
(b)’’. 
(b) TIME FOR CERTIFICATION.—Section 9005(a) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 
‘‘10 days’’ and inserting ‘‘24 hours’’. 
SEC. 776. AMOUNTS IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAM-
PAIGN FUND. 
Section 9006(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
sentence: ‘‘In making a determination of whether there are 
insufficient moneys in the fund for purposes of the pre-
vious sentence, the Secretary shall take into account in 
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determining the balance of the fund for a Presidential 
election year the Secretary’s best estimate of the amount 
of moneys which will be deposited into the fund during 
the year, except that the amount of the estimate may not 
exceed the average of the annual amounts deposited in the 
fund during the previous 3 years.’’. 
SEC. 777. USE OF GENERAL ELECTION PAYMENTS FOR GEN-
ERAL ELECTION LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING 
COMPLIANCE. 
Section 9002(11) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
sentence: ‘‘For purposes of subparagraph (A), an expense 
incurred by a candidate or authorized committee for gen-
eral election legal and accounting compliance purposes 
shall be considered to be an expense to further the election 
of such candidate.’’. 
SEC. 778. USE OF FREEDOM FROM INFLUENCE FUND AS 
SOURCE OF PAYMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 95 of subtitle H of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at 
the end the following new section: 
‘‘SEC. 9013. USE OF FREEDOM FROM INFLUENCE FUND AS 
SOURCE OF PAYMENTS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Effective with respect to the 
Presidential election held in 2028 and each succeeding 
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Presidential election, the Secretary of the Treasury shall 
transfer from the Freedom From Influence Fund estab-
lished under section 502 of the Federal Election Cam-
paign Act of 1971 to the Presidential Election Campaign 
Fund such additional amounts as are necessary to make 
payments pursuant to sections 9006(b) and 9008(j). 
‘‘(b) MANDATORY REDUCTION OF AMOUNT TRANS-
FERRED
IN
CASE
OF
INSUFFICIENT
AMOUNTS
IN 
FUND.— 
‘‘(1) ADVANCE AUDITS BY COMMISSION.—Not 
later than 90 days before the first day of each Presi-
dential election cycle (beginning with the cycle for 
the election held in 2028), the Commission shall— 
‘‘(A) audit the Freedom From Influence 
Fund to determine whether, after first making 
payments to participating candidates under title 
V of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 
1971 and then making payments to candidates 
under chapter 96, the amounts remaining in 
the Freedom From Influence Fund (in addition 
to amounts otherwise available in the Presi-
dential Election Campaign Fund under section 
9006(a)) will be sufficient to make payments 
under this chapter in the amounts provided 
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549 
under this chapter during such election cycle; 
and 
‘‘(B) submit a report to Congress describ-
ing the results of the audit. 
‘‘(2) 
REDUCTIONS
IN
AMOUNT
TRANS-
FERRED.— 
‘‘(A) AUTOMATIC REDUCTION.—If, on the 
basis of the audit described in paragraph (1), 
the Commission determines that the amount 
anticipated to be available in the Freedom 
From Influence Fund with respect to the Presi-
dential election cycle involved is not, or may not 
be, sufficient to satisfy the full entitlements to 
payments under this chapter for such cycle, the 
Commission shall reduce the amount trans-
ferred under subsection (a) to ensure that the 
aggregate amount transferred with respect to 
the cycle will not exceed the amount anticipated 
to be available for making such payments with 
respect to such cycle. 
‘‘(B) RESTORATION
OF
REDUCTIONS
IN 
CASE OF AVAILABILITY OF SUFFICIENT FUNDS 
DURING ELECTION CYCLE.—If, after reducing 
the amount transferred with respect to an elec-
tion cycle under subparagraph (A), the Com-
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mission determines that there are sufficient 
amounts in the Fund to restore the amount by 
which such amounts were reduced (or any por-
tion thereof), to the extent that such amounts 
are available, the Commission may provide for 
the transfer with respect to the election cycle of 
the amount by which such transfer was reduced 
under subparagraph (A) (or any portion there-
of, as the case may be). 
‘‘(C) NO USE OF AMOUNTS FROM OTHER 
SOURCES.—In any case in which the Commis-
sion determines that there are insufficient mon-
eys in the Freedom From Influence Fund under 
this paragraph, moneys shall not be made avail-
able from any other source for the purpose of 
transferring funds pursuant to this section. 
‘‘(3) NO EFFECT ON AMOUNTS TRANSFERRED 
FOR PEDIATRIC RESEARCH INITIATIVE.—This sec-
tion does not apply to the transfer of funds under 
section 9008(i). 
‘‘(4) PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTION
CYCLE
DE-
FINED.—In this section, the term ‘Presidential elec-
tion cycle’ means, with respect to a Presidential elec-
tion, the period beginning on the day after the date 
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551 
of the previous Presidential general election and 
ending on the date of the Presidential election.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 9006 of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the 
following new sentence: ‘‘In addition to any amounts 
transferred to the fund under the preceding provi-
sions of this subsection, with respect to the Presi-
dential election held in 2028 and each succeeding 
Presidential election, the Secretary of the Treasury 
shall make transfers to the fund as described in sec-
tion 9013.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (c), as amended by section 
776, in the third sentence, by striking ‘‘9037(b)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘9008(j)’’. 
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections 
for chapter 95 of subtitle H of such Code is amended by 
adding at the end the following new item: 
‘‘Sec. 9013. Use of Freedom From Influence Fund as source of payments.’’. 
Subpart C—Presidential Nominating Conventions 
SEC. 779. PAYMENTS FOR PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATING 
CONVENTIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 9008 of the Internal Rev-
enue Code of 1986 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (i)— 
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(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘the enti-
tlement’’ and inserting ‘‘subject to subsection 
(j), the entitlement’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘main-
tained for’’ and all that follows through ‘‘under 
this section’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(j) REESTABLISHMENT OF PAYMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding subsection 
(i)(1), effective with respect to nominating conven-
tions for the Presidential election held in 2028 and 
each succeeding Presidential election, a major party 
or minor party shall be entitled to a payment under 
this section. 
‘‘(2) ESTABLISHMENT
OF
ACCOUNTS.—The 
Secretary shall maintain in the fund, in addition to 
any account which the Secretary maintains under 
section 9006(a) or subsection (a), a separate account 
for the national committee of each major party and 
minor party. The Secretary shall deposit in each 
such account an amount equal to the amount which 
each such committee may receive under subsection 
(b). Such deposits shall be drawn from amounts 
transferred under section 9013(a) and shall be made 
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553 
before any transfer is made to any account for any 
eligible candidate under section 9006(a).’’. 
(b) REPORTS
BY FEDERAL ELECTION COMMIS-
SION.—Section 9009(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the 
end; 
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting a semicolon; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraphs: 
‘‘(4) the expenses incurred by the national com-
mittee of a major party or minor party with respect 
to a presidential nominating convention; 
‘‘(5) the amounts certified by it under section 
9008(g) for payment to each such committee; and 
‘‘(6) the amount of payments, if any, required 
from such committees under section 9008(h), and 
the reasons for such payment.’’. 
(c) PENALTIES.—Section 9012 of the Internal Rev-
enue Code of 1986 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting the fol-
lowing after the first sentence: ‘‘It shall be unlawful 
for the national committee of a major party or 
minor party knowingly and willfully to incur ex-
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554 
penses with respect to a presidential nominating 
convention in excess of the expenditure limitation 
applicable with respect to such committee under sec-
tion 9008(d) or for any host committee knowingly 
and willfully to incur such expenses in excess of such 
expenditure limitation, unless the incurring of such 
expenses is authorized by the Commission under sec-
tion 9008(d)(3).’’; 
(2) in subsection (c), by redesignating para-
graph (2) as paragraph (3) and inserting the fol-
lowing after paragraph (1): 
‘‘(3) It shall be unlawful for the national com-
mittee of a major party or minor party which re-
ceives any payment under section 9008(b)(3) to use, 
or authorize the use of, such payment for any pur-
pose other than a purpose authorized by section 
9008(c).’’; 
(3) in subsection (e)(1), by adding at the end 
the following new sentence: ‘‘It shall be unlawful for 
the national committee of a major party or minor 
party knowingly and willfully to give or accept any 
kickback or any illegal payments in connection with 
any expense incurred by such committee with re-
spect to a presidential nominating convention.’’; and 
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(4) in subsection (e)(3), by inserting ‘‘, or in 
connection with any expense incurred by the national 
committee of a major party or minor party with re-
spect to a presidential nominating convention’’ after 
‘‘or their authorized committees’’. 
(d) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 9008 of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ‘‘na-
tional committee of each major party and minor 
party’’ and inserting ‘‘amounts transferred 
under subsection (i)(2)’’; 
(B) in the second sentence, by striking 
‘‘each such account’’ and all that follows 
through ‘‘may receive’’ and inserting ‘‘such ac-
count an amount equal to the aggregate 
amount that the national committee of each 
major party and minor party is entitled to re-
ceive under subsection (b)’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ‘‘subsection 
(a)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (j)’’; and 
(3) in subsection (i)(2), by striking ‘‘all 
amounts’’ and all that follows through ‘‘minor 
party’’ and inserting ‘‘all amounts in the account es-
tablished under subsection (a)’’. 
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556 
(e) CLARIFICATION REGARDING AMOUNTS FOR PEDI-
ATRIC RESEARCH INITIATIVE.—Nothing in the provisions 
of, or amendments made by, this section shall affect 
amounts transferred to the 10-Year Pediatric Research 
Initiative Fund pursuant to section 9008(i)(2) of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986. 
Subpart D—Effective Date 
SEC. 779A. EFFECTIVE DATE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise provided, this 
part and the amendments made by this part shall apply 
with respect to the Presidential election held in 2028 and 
each succeeding Presidential election, without regard to 
whether or not the Federal Election Commission has pro-
mulgated the final regulations necessary to carry out this 
part and the amendments made by this part by the dead-
line set forth in subsection (b). 
(b) DEADLINE FOR REGULATIONS.—Not later than 
June 30, 2026, the Federal Election Commission shall 
promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry 
out this part and the amendments made by this part. 
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557 
Subtitle D—Enhancing FEC 
Enforcement 
SEC. 781. MEMBERSHIP OF FEDERAL ELECTION COMMIS-
SION. 
(a) REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF MEMBERS; REMOVAL 
OF SECRETARY OF SENATE AND CLERK OF HOUSE AS 
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL; QUORUM.—Section 306(a)(1) 
of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 
U.S.C. 30106(a)(1)) is amended by striking the sec-
ond and third sentences and inserting the following: 
‘‘The Commission is composed of 5 members ap-
pointed by the President by and with the advice and 
consent of the Senate, of whom no more than two 
may be affiliated with the same political party. A 
member shall be treated as affiliated with a political 
party if the member was affiliated, including as a 
registered voter, employee, consultant, donor, officer, 
or attorney, with such political party or any of its 
candidates or elected public officials at any time 
during the 5-year period ending on the date on 
which such individual is nominated to be a member 
of the Commission. A majority of the number of 
members of the Commission who are serving at the 
time shall constitute a quorum, except that 3 mem-
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558 
bers shall constitute a quorum if there are 4 mem-
bers serving at the time.’’. 
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS RELATING TO 
REDUCTION
IN
NUMBER
OF
MEMBERS.—(A) The 
second sentence of section 306(c) of such Act (52 
U.S.C. 30106(c)) is amended by striking ‘‘affirma-
tive vote of 4 members of the Commission’’ and in-
serting ‘‘affirmative vote of a majority of the mem-
bers of the Commission who are serving at the 
time’’. 
(B) Such Act is further amended by striking 
‘‘affirmative vote of 4 of its members’’ and inserting 
‘‘affirmative vote of a majority of the members of 
the Commission who are serving at the time’’ each 
place it appears in the following sections: 
(i) 
Section 
309(a)(2) 
(52 
U.S.C. 
30109(a)(2)). 
(ii) Section 309(a)(4)(A)(i) (52 U.S.C. 
30109(a)(4)(A)(i)). 
(iii) Section 309(a)(5)(C) (52 U.S.C. 
30109(a)(5)(C)). 
(iv) Section 309(a)(6)(A) (52 U.S.C. 
30109(a)(6)(A)). 
(v) Section 311(b) (52 U.S.C. 30111(b)). 
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559 
(3) CONFORMING
AMENDMENT
RELATING
TO 
REMOVAL
OF
EX
OFFICIO
MEMBERS.—Section 
306(a) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30106(a)) is amend-
ed by striking ‘‘(other than the Secretary of the Sen-
ate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives)’’ 
each place it appears in paragraphs (4) and (5). 
(b) TERMS OF SERVICE.—Section 306(a)(2) of such 
Act (52 U.S.C. 30106(a)(2)) is amended to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(2) TERMS OF SERVICE.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Each member of the 
Commission shall serve for a single term of 6 
years. 
‘‘(B) SPECIAL RULE FOR INITIAL APPOINT-
MENTS.—Of the members first appointed to 
serve terms that begin in January 2022, the 
President shall designate two to serve for a 3- 
year term. 
‘‘(C) NO REAPPOINTMENT PERMITTED.— 
An individual who served a term as a member 
of the Commission may not serve for an addi-
tional term, except that— 
‘‘(i) an individual who served a 3-year 
term under subparagraph (B) may also be 
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560 
appointed to serve a 6-year term under 
subparagraph (A); and 
‘‘(ii) for purposes of this subpara-
graph, an individual who is appointed to 
fill a vacancy under subparagraph (D) 
shall not be considered to have served a 
term if the portion of the unexpired term 
the individual fills is less than 50 percent 
of the period of the term. 
‘‘(D) VACANCIES.—Any vacancy occurring 
in the membership of the Commission shall be 
filled in the same manner as in the case of the 
original appointment. Except as provided in 
subparagraph (C), an individual appointed to 
fill a vacancy occurring other than by the expi-
ration of a term of office shall be appointed 
only for the unexpired term of the member he 
or she succeeds. 
‘‘(E) LIMITATION ON SERVICE AFTER EX-
PIRATION OF TERM.—A member of the Com-
mission may continue to serve on the Commis-
sion after the expiration of the member’s term 
for an additional period, but only until the ear-
lier of— 
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‘‘(i) the date on which the member’s 
successor has taken office as a member of 
the Commission; or 
‘‘(ii) the expiration of the 1-year pe-
riod that begins on the last day of the 
member’s term.’’. 
(c) QUALIFICATIONS.—Section 306(a)(3) of such Act 
(52 U.S.C. 30106(a)(3)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(3) QUALIFICATIONS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The President may 
select an individual for service as a member of 
the Commission if the individual has experience 
in election law and has a demonstrated record 
of integrity, impartiality, and good judgment. 
‘‘(B) ASSISTANCE OF BLUE RIBBON ADVI-
SORY PANEL.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Prior to the regu-
larly scheduled expiration of the term of a 
member of the Commission and upon the 
occurrence of a vacancy in the membership 
of the Commission prior to the expiration 
of a term, the President shall convene a 
Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel, that includes 
individuals representing each major polit-
ical party and individuals who are inde-
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562 
pendent of a political party and that con-
sists of an odd number of individuals se-
lected by the President from retired Fed-
eral judges, former law enforcement offi-
cials, or individuals with experience in elec-
tion law, except that the President may not 
select any individual to serve on the panel 
who holds any public office at the time of 
selection. The President shall also make 
reasonable efforts to encourage racial, eth-
nic, and gender diversity on the panel. 
‘‘(ii) RECOMMENDATIONS.—With re-
spect to each member of the Commission 
whose term is expiring or each vacancy in 
the membership of the Commission (as the 
case may be), the Blue Ribbon Advisory 
Panel shall recommend to the President at 
least one but not more than 3 individuals 
for nomination for appointment as a mem-
ber of the Commission. 
‘‘(iii) PUBLICATION.—At the time the 
President submits to the Senate the nomi-
nations for individuals to be appointed as 
members of the Commission, the President 
shall publish the Blue Ribbon Advisory 
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563 
Panel’s recommendations for such nomina-
tions. 
‘‘(iv) EXEMPTION FROM FEDERAL AD-
VISORY
COMMITTEE
ACT.—The Federal 
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) 
does not apply to a Blue Ribbon Advisory 
Panel convened under this subparagraph. 
‘‘(C) PROHIBITING
ENGAGEMENT
WITH 
OTHER
BUSINESS
OR
EMPLOYMENT
DURING 
SERVICE.—A member of the Commission shall 
not engage in any other business, vocation, or 
employment. Any individual who is engaging in 
any other business, vocation, or employment at 
the time of his or her appointment to the Com-
mission shall terminate or liquidate such activ-
ity no later than 90 days after such appoint-
ment.’’. 
SEC. 782. ASSIGNMENT OF POWERS TO CHAIR OF FEDERAL 
ELECTION COMMISSION. 
(a) APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR BY PRESIDENT.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Section 306(a)(5) of the 
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 
30106(a)(5)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(5) CHAIR.— 
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‘‘(A) 
INITIAL
APPOINTMENT.—Of 
the 
members first appointed to serve terms that 
begin in January 2022, one such member (as 
designated by the President at the time the 
President submits nominations to the Senate) 
shall serve as Chair of the Commission. 
‘‘(B) SUBSEQUENT APPOINTMENTS.—Any 
individual who is appointed to succeed the 
member who serves as Chair of the Commission 
for the term beginning in January 2022 (as 
well as any individual who is appointed to fill 
a vacancy if such member does not serve a full 
term as Chair) shall serve as Chair of the Com-
mission. 
‘‘(C) VICE CHAIR.—The Commission shall 
select, by majority vote of its members, one of 
its members to serve as Vice Chair, who shall 
act as Chair in the absence or disability of the 
Chair or in the event of a vacancy in the posi-
tion of Chair.’’. 
(2) 
CONFORMING
AMENDMENT.—Section 
309(a)(2) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30109(a)(2)) is 
amended by striking ‘‘through its chairman or vice 
chairman’’ and inserting ‘‘through the Chair’’. 
(b) POWERS.— 
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(1) ASSIGNMENT
OF
CERTAIN
POWERS
TO 
CHAIR.—Section 307(a) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 
30107(a)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS BETWEEN CHAIR 
AND COMMISSION.— 
‘‘(1) POWERS ASSIGNED TO CHAIR.— 
‘‘(A) 
ADMINISTRATIVE
POWERS.—The 
Chair of the Commission shall be the chief ad-
ministrative officer of the Commission and shall 
have the authority to administer the Commis-
sion and its staff, and (in consultation with the 
other members of the Commission) shall have 
the power— 
‘‘(i) to appoint and remove the staff 
director of the Commission; 
‘‘(ii) to request the assistance (includ-
ing personnel and facilities) of other agen-
cies and departments of the United States, 
whose heads may make such assistance 
available to the Commission with or with-
out reimbursement; and 
‘‘(iii) to prepare and establish the 
budget of the Commission and to make 
budget requests to the President, the Di-
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rector of the Office of Management and 
Budget, and Congress. 
‘‘(B) OTHER POWERS.—The Chair of the 
Commission shall have the power— 
‘‘(i) to appoint and remove the gen-
eral counsel of the Commission with the 
concurrence of at least 2 other members of 
the Commission; 
‘‘(ii) to require by special or general 
orders, any person to submit, under oath, 
such written reports and answers to ques-
tions as the Chair may prescribe; 
‘‘(iii) to administer oaths or affirma-
tions; 
‘‘(iv) to require by subpoena, signed 
by the Chair, the attendance and testimony 
of witnesses and the production of all doc-
umentary evidence relating to the execu-
tion of its duties; 
‘‘(v) in any proceeding or investiga-
tion, to order testimony to be taken by 
deposition before any person who is des-
ignated by the Chair, and shall have the 
power to administer oaths and, in such in-
stances, to compel testimony and the pro-
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duction of evidence in the same manner as 
authorized under clause (iv); and 
‘‘(vi) to pay witnesses the same fees 
and mileage as are paid in like cir-
cumstances in the courts of the United 
States. 
‘‘(2) POWERS ASSIGNED TO COMMISSION.—The 
Commission shall have the power— 
‘‘(A) to initiate (through civil actions for 
injunctive, declaratory, or other appropriate re-
lief), defend (in the case of any civil action 
brought under section 309(a)(8) of this Act) or 
appeal (including a proceeding before the Su-
preme Court on certiorari) any civil action in 
the name of the Commission to enforce the pro-
visions of this Act and chapter 95 and chapter 
96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 
through its general counsel; 
‘‘(B) to render advisory opinions under 
section 308 of this Act; 
‘‘(C) to develop such prescribed forms and 
to make, amend, and repeal such rules, pursu-
ant to the provisions of chapter 5 of title 5, 
United States Code, as are necessary to carry 
out the provisions of this Act and chapter 95 
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568 
and chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986; 
‘‘(D) to conduct investigations and hear-
ings expeditiously, to encourage voluntary com-
pliance, and to report apparent violations to the 
appropriate law enforcement authorities; and 
‘‘(E) to transmit to the President and Con-
gress not later than June 1 of each year a re-
port which states in detail the activities of the 
Commission in carrying out its duties under 
this Act, and which includes any recommenda-
tions for any legislative or other action the 
Commission considers appropriate. 
‘‘(3) PERMITTING
COMMISSION
TO
EXERCISE 
OTHER POWERS OF CHAIR.—With respect to any in-
vestigation, action, or proceeding, the Commission, 
by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members 
who are serving at the time, may exercise any of the 
powers of the Chair described in paragraph (1)(B).’’. 
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS RELATING TO 
PERSONNEL
AUTHORITY.—Section 306(f) of such 
Act (52 U.S.C. 30106(f)) is amended— 
(A) by amending the first sentence of 
paragraph (1) to read as follows: ‘‘The Com-
mission shall have a staff director who shall be 
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569 
appointed by the Chair of the Commission in 
consultation with the other members and a gen-
eral counsel who shall be appointed by the 
Chair with the concurrence of at least two other 
members.’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘With 
the approval of the Commission’’ and inserting 
‘‘With the approval of the Chair of the Commis-
sion’’; and 
(C) by striking paragraph (3). 
(3) CONFORMING
AMENDMENT
RELATING
TO 
BUDGET
SUBMISSION.—Section 307(d)(1) of such 
Act (52 U.S.C. 30107(d)(1)) is amended by striking 
‘‘the Commission submits any budget’’ and inserting 
‘‘the Chair (or, pursuant to subsection (a)(3), the 
Commission) submits any budget’’. 
(4) OTHER CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Sec-
tion 306(c) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30106(c)) is 
amended by striking ‘‘All decisions’’ and inserting 
‘‘Subject to section 307(a), all decisions’’. 
(5) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—The heading of 
section 307 of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30107) is 
amended by striking ‘‘THE COMMISSION’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘THE CHAIR AND THE COMMISSION’’. 
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SEC. 783. REVISION TO ENFORCEMENT PROCESS. 
(a) STANDARD FOR INITIATING INVESTIGATIONS AND 
DETERMINING
WHETHER
VIOLATIONS
HAVE
OC-
CURRED.— 
(1) REVISION OF STANDARDS.—Section 309(a) 
of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 
U.S.C. 30109(a)) is amended by striking paragraphs 
(2) and (3) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(2)(A) The general counsel, upon receiving a com-
plaint filed with the Commission under paragraph (1) or 
upon the basis of information ascertained by the Commis-
sion in the normal course of carrying out its supervisory 
responsibilities, shall make a determination as to whether 
or not there is reason to believe that a person has com-
mitted, or is about to commit, a violation of this Act or 
chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986, and as to whether or not the Commission should 
either initiate an investigation of the matter or that the 
complaint should be dismissed. The general counsel shall 
promptly provide notification to the Commission of such 
determination and the reasons therefore, together with 
any written response submitted under paragraph (1) by 
the person alleged to have committed the violation. Upon 
the expiration of the 30-day period which begins on the 
date the general counsel provides such notification, the 
general counsel’s determination shall take effect, unless 
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571 
during such 30-day period the Commission, by vote of a 
majority of the members of the Commission who are serv-
ing at the time, overrules the general counsel’s determina-
tion. If the determination by the general counsel that the 
Commission should investigate the matter takes effect, or 
if the determination by the general counsel that the com-
plaint should be dismissed is overruled as provided under 
the previous sentence, the general counsel shall initiate an 
investigation of the matter on behalf of the Commission. 
‘‘(B) If the Commission initiates an investigation 
pursuant to subparagraph (A), the Commission, through 
the Chair, shall notify the subject of the investigation 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 or audit, in accordance 
with the provisions of this section. The general counsel 
shall provide notification to the Commission of any intent 
to issue a subpoena or conduct any other form of discovery 
pursuant to the investigation. Upon the expiration of the 
15-day period which begins on the date the general counsel 
provides such notification, the general counsel may issue 
the subpoena or conduct the discovery, unless during such 
15-day period the Commission, by vote of a majority of 
the members of the Commission who are serving at the 
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572 
time, prohibits the general counsel from issuing the sub-
poena or conducting the discovery. 
‘‘(3)(A) Upon completion of an investigation under 
paragraph (2), the general counsel shall promptly submit 
to the Commission the general counsel’s recommendation 
that the Commission find either that there is probable 
cause or that there is not probable cause 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 1986, and shall include with the rec-
ommendation a brief stating the position of the general 
counsel on the legal and factual issues of the case. 
‘‘(B) At the time the general counsel submits to the 
Commission the recommendation under subparagraph (A), 
the general counsel shall simultaneously notify the re-
spondent of such recommendation and the reasons there-
fore, shall provide the respondent with an opportunity to 
submit a brief within 30 days stating the position of the 
respondent on the legal and factual issues of the case and 
replying to the brief of the general counsel. The general 
counsel and shall promptly submit such brief to the Com-
mission upon receipt. 
‘‘(C) Not later than 30 days after the general counsel 
submits the recommendation to the Commission under 
subparagraph (A) (or, if the respondent submits a brief 
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573 
under subparagraph (B), not later than 30 days after the 
general counsel submits the respondent’s brief to the Com-
mission under such subparagraph), the Commission shall 
approve or disapprove the recommendation by vote of a 
majority of the members of the Commission who are serv-
ing at the time.’’. 
(2) CONFORMING
AMENDMENT
RELATING
TO 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO FILING OF COMPLAINT.—Sec-
tion 309(a)(1) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30109(a)(1)) 
is amended— 
(A) in the third sentence, by striking ‘‘the 
Commission’’ and inserting ‘‘the general coun-
sel’’; and 
(B) by amending the fourth sentence to 
read as follows: ‘‘Not later than 15 days after 
receiving notice from the general counsel under 
the previous sentence, the person may provide 
the general counsel with a written response that 
no action should be taken against such person 
on the basis of the complaint.’’. 
(b) REVISION OF STANDARD FOR REVIEW OF DIS-
MISSAL OF COMPLAINTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 309(a)(8) of such 
Act (52 U.S.C. 30109(a)(8)) is amended to read as 
follows: 
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574 
‘‘(8)(A)(i) Any party aggrieved by an order of the 
Commission dismissing a complaint filed by such party or 
finding either no reason to believe a violation has occurred 
or no probable cause a violation has occurred may file a 
petition with the United States District Court for the Dis-
trict of Columbia. Any petition under this subparagraph 
shall be filed within 60 days after the date on which the 
party received notice of the dismissal of the complaint. 
‘‘(ii) In any proceeding under this subparagraph, the 
court shall determine by de novo review whether the agen-
cy’s dismissal of the complaint is contrary to law. In any 
matter in which the penalty for the alleged violation is 
greater than $50,000, the court should disregard any 
claim or defense by the Commission of prosecutorial dis-
cretion as a basis for dismissing the complaint. 
‘‘(B)(i) Any party who has filed a complaint with the 
Commission and who is aggrieved by a failure of the Com-
mission, within 180 days after the filing of the complaint, 
to either dismiss the complaint or to find reason to believe 
a violation has occurred or is about to occur, may file a 
petition with the United States District Court for the Dis-
trict of Columbia. 
‘‘(ii) In any proceeding under this subparagraph, the 
court shall treat the failure to act on the complaint as 
a dismissal of the complaint, and shall determine by de 
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575 
novo review whether the agency’s failure to act on the 
complaint is contrary to law. 
‘‘(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.’’. 
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made 
by paragraph (1) shall apply— 
(A) in the case of complaints which are 
dismissed by the Federal Election Commission, 
with respect to complaints which are dismissed 
on or after the date of the enactment of this 
Act; and 
(B) in the case of complaints upon which 
the Federal Election Commission failed to act, 
with respect to complaints which were filed on 
or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
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576 
SEC. 784. PERMITTING APPEARANCE AT HEARINGS ON RE-
QUESTS FOR ADVISORY OPINIONS BY PER-
SONS OPPOSING THE REQUESTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 308 of such Act (52 
U.S.C. 30108) is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new subsection: 
‘‘(e) To the extent that the Commission provides an 
opportunity for a person requesting an advisory opinion 
under this section (or counsel for such person) to appear 
before the Commission to present testimony in support of 
the request, and the person (or counsel) accepts such op-
portunity, the Commission shall provide a reasonable op-
portunity for an interested party who submitted written 
comments under subsection (d) in response to the request 
(or counsel for such interested party) to appear before the 
Commission to present testimony in response to the re-
quest.’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by 
subsection (a) shall apply with respect to requests for advi-
sory opinions under section 308 of the Federal Election 
Campaign Act of 1971 which are made on or after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 785. PERMANENT EXTENSION OF ADMINISTRATIVE 
PENALTY AUTHORITY. 
(a) 
EXTENSION
OF
AUTHORITY.—Section 
309(a)(4)(C)(v) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 
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577 
1971 (52 U.S.C. 30109(a)(4)(C)(v)), as amended by Pub-
lic Law 115–386, is amended by striking ‘‘, and that end 
on or before December 31, 2023’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by 
subsection (a) shall take effect on December 31, 2018. 
SEC. 786. REQUIRING FORMS TO PERMIT USE OF ACCENT 
MARKS. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Section 311(a)(1) of the Fed-
eral Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 
30111(a)(1)) is amended by striking the semicolon at the 
end and inserting the following: ‘‘, and shall ensure that 
all such forms (including forms in an electronic format) 
permit the person using the form to include an accent 
mark as part of the person’s identification;’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by 
subsection (a) shall take effect upon the expiration of the 
90-day period which begins on the date of the enactment 
of this Act. 
SEC. 787. RESTRICTIONS ON EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS. 
Section 306(e) of the Federal Election Campaign Act 
of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30106(e)) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘(e) The Commission’’ and in-
serting ‘‘(e)(1) The Commission’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
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578 
‘‘(2) Members and employees of the Commission shall 
be subject to limitations on ex parte communications, as 
provided in the regulations promulgated by the Commis-
sion regarding such communications which are in effect 
on the date of the enactment of this paragraph.’’. 
SEC. 788. CLARIFYING AUTHORITY OF FEC ATTORNEYS TO 
REPRESENT FEC IN SUPREME COURT. 
(a) CLARIFYING AUTHORITY.—Section 306(f)(4) of 
the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 
30106(f)(4)) is amended by striking ‘‘any action instituted 
under this Act, either (A) by attorneys’’ and inserting 
‘‘any action instituted under this Act, including an action 
before the Supreme Court of the United States, either (A) 
by the General Counsel of the Commission and other at-
torneys’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by 
paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to actions insti-
tuted before, on, or after the date of the enactment of 
this Act. 
SEC. 789. EFFECTIVE DATE; TRANSITION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise provided, the 
amendments made by this subtitle shall apply beginning 
January 1, 2022. 
(b) TRANSITION.— 
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579 
(1) TERMINATION
OF
SERVICE
OF
CURRENT 
MEMBERS.—Notwithstanding any provision of the 
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, the term of 
any individual serving as a member of the Federal 
Election Commission as of December 31, 2021, shall 
expire on that date. 
(2) NO EFFECT ON EXISTING CASES OR PRO-
CEEDINGS.—Nothing in this subtitle or in any 
amendment made by this subtitle shall affect any of 
the powers exercised by the Federal Election Com-
mission prior to December 31, 2021, including any 
investigation initiated by the Commission prior to 
such date or any proceeding (including any enforce-
ment action) pending as of such date. 
Subtitle E—Miscellaneous 
SEC. 791. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT AND BRIEFING 
ON CAMPAIGN DONATIONS BY NOMINEES BE-
FORE THE SENATE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall— 
(1) submit to the Select Committee on Ethics 
of the Senate and the Committee on Ethics of the 
House of Representatives a report on contributions 
made to members of the Senate by individuals under 
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580 
consideration for Senate-confirmed positions, includ-
ing judicial nominees; and 
(2) provide a briefing to such committees on 
such contributions. 
(b) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—The report submitted 
under subsection (a)(1) shall include— 
(1) a review of the frequency and amount of 
such contributions made to members of the Senate 
by such individuals, both directly and through polit-
ical committees and other vehicles with substantial 
connections to the individual or the member, over 
the past 5 legislative sessions, and identify the fre-
quency of incidents in which such an individual 
made such a contribution to a member of the Senate 
and was then considered or supported by that mem-
ber for a judicial nomination or other Senate-con-
firmed position; and 
(2) recommendations for such legislative and 
administrative action as the Comptroller General de-
termines appropriate to reduce any undue influence 
such contributions might exert upon the constitu-
tional advice and consent processes of the Senate. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘‘con-
tribution’’ and ‘‘political committee’’ have the meaning 
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