114 HR 631 IH: Equitable Access to Care and Health Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-01-30
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 631
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 30, 2015
Mr. Schock (for himself, Mr. Keating, Mr. Barletta, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Brady of Texas, Mr. Brooks of Alabama, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Cook, Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. Rodney Davis of Illinois, Mr. DeFazio, Ms. DelBene, Mr. Farenthold, Mr. Goodlatte, Ms. Herrera Beutler, Mr. Himes, Mr. Honda, Mr. Huizenga of Michigan, Mr. Hultgren, Ms. Jenkins of Kansas, Mr. Joyce, Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania, Mr. Lipinski, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Mulvaney, Mr. Peterson, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Polis, Mr. Roe of Tennessee, Mr. Rokita, Mr. Rothfus, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Smith of Texas, Mr. Tiberi, Mr. Tipton, Ms. Titus, Ms. Tsongas, Mr. Wittman, and Mr. Womack) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To amend section 5000A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an additional religious exemption from the individual health coverage mandate, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Equitable Access to Care and Health Act or the EACH Act. 2.Additional religious exemption from health coverage responsibility requirement (a)In generalSubparagraph (A) of section 5000A(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:

(A)Religious conscience exemptions
(i)In generalSuch term shall not include any individual for any month if such individual has in effect an exemption under section 1311(d)(4)(H) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which certifies that— (I)such individual is a member of a recognized religious sect or division thereof which is described in section 1402(g)(1), and is adherent of established tenets or teachings of such sect or division as described in such section, or
(II)such individual is a member of a religious sect or division thereof which is not described in section 1402(g)(1), who relies solely on a religious method of healing, and for whom the acceptance of medical health services would be inconsistent with the religious beliefs of the individual. (ii)Special rules (I)Medical health services definedFor purposes of this subparagraph, the term medical health services does not include routine dental, vision, and hearing services, midwifery services, vaccinations, necessary medical services provided to children, services required by law or by a third party, and such other services as the Secretary of Health and Human Services may provide in implementing section 1311(d)(4)(H) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
(II)Attestation requiredThis clause shall apply to an individual for months in a taxable year only if the information provided by the individual under section 1411(b)(5)(A) of such Act includes an attestation that the individual has not received medical health services during the preceding taxable year.. (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by section 1501 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
(c)ConstructionNothing in the amendment made by subsection (a) shall preempt any State law requiring the provision of medical treatment for children, especially those who are seriously ill.


114 HR 3203 IH: Vacant Homes Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-07-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3203
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 23, 2015
			Mr. Higgins introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services

		A BILL
		To require prompt responses by mortgage owners of homes in foreclosure to short sale offers to
			 purchase such homes, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Vacant Homes Act of 2015. 2.Prompt response required (a)Before Foreclosure (1)90 days provided to respondWith respect to a home in foreclosure, the mortgage owner of such home who receives notice from the owner of such home (or from such owner’s designee) of a qualified offer to buy such home in a short sale shall, no later than 90 days after receipt of such notice, provide a response to—
 (A)such homeowner; and (B)the person who made such offer.
 (2)Certification required when owner in imminent defaultIf such home is a home in foreclosure only because the owner is in imminent default on a loan secured by a mortgage of such home, a communication from such owner (or designee) to such mortgage owner does not constitute notice under paragraph (1) unless such owner certifies in such notice that he or she is in imminent default on such loan.
 (3)Contents of responseA response described under paragraph (1) shall— (A)state that such mortgage owner accepts the offer; or
 (B)state that such mortgage owner rejects the offer and adequately provide a reason for such rejection.
 (4)Sufficient responsesA response described under paragraph (1) which states that such mortgage owner rejects the offer adequately provides a reason for such rejection only if it provides—
 (A)a counteroffer stating— (i)an alternative price at which the mortgage owner would approve the offer; and
 (ii)an economic analysis demonstrating a reasonable expectation that, within the 1-year period following the 90-day period under subsection (a), the home’s fair market value will likely be equal or greater than such alternative price;
 (B)proof that the home’s title is encumbered such that the transfer of title proposed by the offer is prohibited;
 (C)proof that another mortgage owner of the home prohibits its being the subject of a short sale; or (D)proof that an enforceable contract between the mortgage owner and another person prohibits the mortgage owner from approving the offer.
					(b)After foreclosure
 (1)90 days provided to respondWith respect to a foreclosed home, the owner of such home (or a servicer acting on behalf of the owner) who receives a qualified offer to buy such home shall, no later than 90 days after receipt of such offer, provide a response to the person who made such offer.
 (2)Contents of responseA response described under paragraph (1) shall— (A)state that such owner or servicer accepts the offer; or
 (B)state that such owner or servicer rejects the offer and adequately provide a reason for such rejection.
 (3)Sufficient responsesA response described under paragraph (1) which states that such mortgage owner rejects the offer adequately provides a reason for such rejection only if it provides—
 (A)a counteroffer stating— (i)an alternative price at which the mortgage owner would approve the offer; and
 (ii)an economic analysis demonstrating a reasonable expectation that, within the 1-year period following the 90-day period under subsection (a), the home’s fair market value will likely be equal or greater than such alternative price; or
 (B)proof that the home’s title is encumbered such that the transfer of title proposed by the offer is prohibited.
					3.Private rights of action
 (a)For homeownersA homeowner who has provided a mortgage owner with notice of a qualified offer under section 2(a) and does not within 90 days receive the response required thereunder may bring a civil action in the district court of the United States for the district in which such home is located against an entity required to provide such response.
 (b)For offerorsA person who has made a qualified offer to purchase a home in foreclosure or a foreclosed home and does not receive a response within the 90-day period applicable under section 2(a) or 2(b) may bring a civil action in the district court of the United States for the district in which such home is located against an entity required to provide such response.
 (c)ReliefThe relief sought in a civil action under subsection (a) or (b) may include an order requiring the defendant to comply with section 2.
			4.Authority granted to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection
 (a)Enforcement authorityThe Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection may apply to the district court of the United States for the district in which a home in foreclosure or a foreclosed home is located for an order requiring—
 (1)the mortgage owner of such home in foreclosure to comply with section 2, and for such other relief as the court may deem appropriate to carry out this Act; or
 (2)the owner of such foreclosed home (or a servicer acting on behalf of such owner) to comply with section 2, and for such other relief as the court may deem appropriate to carry out this Act.
 (b)Rulemaking authorityThe Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection shall have the power to make such rules as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this Act.
 5.DefinitionsAs used in this Act: (a)Dwelling; homeThe terms dwelling and home have the meaning given the term dwelling under section 103 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1602).
 (b)Foreclosed HomeThe term foreclosed home means a dwelling whose owner obtained such dwelling— (1)by reason of the acceptance by such owner (or by a servicer acting on behalf of such owner) of a deed in lieu of foreclosure on a mortgage of that dwelling; or
 (2)by reason of foreclosure on a mortgage of that dwelling by such owner (or by a servicer acting on behalf of such owner).
 (c)Home in foreclosureThe term home in foreclosure means a dwelling— (1)whose owner is in imminent default on a loan secured by a mortgage of such dwelling;
 (2)whose owner has defaulted on a loan secured by a mortgage of such dwelling; or (3)which is the subject of a foreclosure proceeding.
 (d)Imminent defaultThe term imminent default with respect to a loan obligation means a situation in which the obligor under such loan— (1)is current, or delinquent by less than 30 days, on the obligation under such loan; and
 (2)is experiencing a significant reduction in income or other hardship that will severely limit his or her ability to make the next required payment on such loan.
 (e)MortgageThe term mortgage includes a deed of trust or other security interest in real property. (f)Mortgage ownerThe term mortgage owner with respect to a dwelling means—
 (1)the mortgagee of such dwelling; (2)the obligee of a loan secured by a mortgage of such dwelling; or
 (3)the servicer of a loan secured by a mortgage of such dwelling. (g)Qualified offer (1)In generalThe term qualified offer means an offer to buy a home for at least the lowest of—
 (A)half the assessed value of a home for the purposes of State or local taxation; or (B)half the value of a home as established by a private appraisal.
 (2)No appraisal or assessmentIf a home that is the subject of an offer to buy has not been assessed for tax purposes or by a private appraisal, such offer shall be deemed to be a qualified offer if it includes an offer to pay at least half the home’s value as estimated for accounting purposes by—
 (A)if it is a foreclosed home, its owner; or (B)if it is a home in foreclosure, its mortgage owner.
 (h)ServicerThe term servicer has the meaning given such term under section 6(i)(2) of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 2605(i)(2)), and includes a person who was a servicer of a loan secured by a dwelling before that dwelling became a foreclosed home.
 (i)Short saleThe term short sale means a transaction— (1)involving the sale of a dwelling that is the subject of a mortgage securing a loan for less than the amount of the outstanding obligation under such loan; and
 (2)in which the mortgage owner of such dwelling— (A)accepts the proceeds of such sale in partial or complete satisfaction of such loan; and
 (B)releases the mortgage of such dwelling.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 752
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 31, 2009
			Mr. Durbin (for himself
			 and Mr. Specter) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Rules and
			 Administration

		A BILL
		To reform the financing of Senate elections, and for
		  other purposes.

		1.Short
			 title; table of contents
			(a)Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as the Fair Elections Now Act.
			(b)Table of
			 contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of
				contents.
					TITLE I—Fair elections financing of Senate election
				campaigns
					Subtitle A—Fair elections financing program
					Sec. 101. Findings and declarations.
					Sec. 102. Eligibility requirements and benefits of Fair
				Elections financing of Senate election campaigns.
						TITLE V—Fair elections financing of Senate election
				  campaigns
						Subtitle A—General
				  provisions
						Sec. 501.
				  Definitions.
						Sec. 502. Fair Elections
				  Fund.
						Subtitle B—Eligibility and
				  certification
						Sec. 511.
				  Eligibility.
						Sec. 512. Qualifying contribution
				  requirement.
						Sec. 513. Contribution and expenditure
				  requirements.
						Sec. 514. Debate
				  requirement.
						Sec. 515.
				  Certification.
						Subtitle
				  C—Benefits
						Sec. 521. Benefits for participating
				  candidates.
						Sec. 522. Allocations from the
				  Fund.
						Sec. 523. Matching payments for qualified small dollar
				  contributions.
						Sec. 524. Political advertising
				  vouchers.
						Subtitle D—Administrative
				  provisions
						Sec. 531. Fair Elections Oversight
				  Board.
						Sec. 532. Administration
				  provisions.
						Sec. 533. Violations and
				  penalties.
					Sec. 103. Prohibition on joint fundraising
				committees.
					Sec. 104. Limitation on coordinated expenditures by political
				party committees with participating candidates.
					TITLE II—Improving voter information
					Sec. 201. Broadcasts relating to all Senate
				candidates.
					Sec. 202. Broadcast rates for participating
				candidates.
					Sec. 203. FCC to prescribe standardized form for reporting
				candidate campaign ads.
					TITLE III—Responsibilities of the Federal Election
				Commission
					Sec. 301. Petition for certiorari.
					Sec. 302. Filing by Senate candidates with
				Commission.
					Sec. 303. Electronic filing of FEC reports.
					TITLE IV—Miscellaneous provisions
					Sec. 401. Severability.
					Sec. 402. Effective date.

			IFair
			 elections financing of Senate election campaigns
			AFair elections
			 financing program
				101.Findings and
			 declarations
					(a)Undermining of
			 democracy by campaign contributions from private sourcesThe
			 Senate finds and declares that the current system of privately financed
			 campaigns for election to the United States Senate has the capacity, and is
			 often perceived by the public, to undermine democracy in the United States
			 by—
						(1)creating a culture
			 that fosters actual or perceived conflicts of interest by encouraging Senators
			 to accept large campaign contributions from private interests that are directly
			 affected by Federal legislation;
						(2)diminishing or
			 appearing to diminish Senators' accountability to constituents by compelling
			 legislators to be accountable to the major contributors who finance their
			 election campaigns;
						(3)undermining the
			 meaning of the right to vote by allowing monied interests to have a
			 disproportionate and unfair influence within the political process;
						(4)imposing large,
			 unwarranted costs on taxpayers through legislative and regulatory distortions
			 caused by unequal access to lawmakers for campaign contributors;
						(5)making it
			 difficult for some qualified candidates to mount competitive Senate election
			 campaigns;
						(6)disadvantaging
			 challengers and discouraging competitive elections; and
						(7)burdening
			 incumbents with a preoccupation with fundraising and thus decreasing the time
			 available to carry out their public responsibilities.
						(b)Enhancement of
			 democracy by providing allocations from the Fair Elections
			 FundThe Senate finds and declares that providing the option of
			 the replacement of large private campaign contributions with allocations from
			 the Fair Elections Fund for all primary, runoff, and general elections to the
			 Senate would enhance American democracy by—
						(1)reducing the
			 actual or perceived conflicts of interest created by fully private financing of
			 the election campaigns of public officials and restoring public confidence in
			 the integrity and fairness of the electoral and legislative processes through a
			 program which allows participating candidates to adhere to substantially lower
			 contribution limits for contributors with an assurance that there will be
			 sufficient funds for such candidates to run viable electoral campaigns;
						(2)increasing the
			 public's confidence in the accountability of Senators to the constituents who
			 elect them, which derives from the program's qualifying criteria to participate
			 in the voluntary program and the conclusions that constituents may draw
			 regarding candidates who qualify and participate in the program;
						(3)helping to reduce
			 the ability to make large campaign contributions as a determinant of a
			 citizen's influence within the political process by facilitating the expression
			 of support by voters at every level of wealth, encouraging political
			 participation, and incentivizing participation on the part of Senators through
			 the matching of small dollar contributions;
						(4)potentially
			 saving taxpayers billions of dollars that may be (or that are perceived to be)
			 currently allocated based upon legislative and regulatory agendas skewed by the
			 influence of campaign contributions;
						(5)creating genuine
			 opportunities for all Americans to run for the Senate and encouraging more
			 competitive elections;
						(6)encouraging
			 participation in the electoral process by citizens of every level of wealth;
			 and
						(7)freeing Senators
			 from the incessant preoccupation with raising money, and allowing them more
			 time to carry out their public responsibilities.
						102.Eligibility
			 requirements and benefits of Fair Elections financing of Senate election
			 campaignsThe
			 Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
			 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

						VFair
				elections financing of Senate election campaigns
							AGeneral
				provisions
								501.DefinitionsIn this title:
									(1)Allocation from
				the FundThe term allocation from the Fund means an
				allocation of money from the Fair Elections Fund to a participating candidate
				pursuant to section 522.
									(2)BoardThe
				term Board means the Fair Elections Oversight Board established
				under section 531.
									(3)Fair Elections
				qualifying periodThe term Fair Elections qualifying
				period means, with respect to any candidate for Senator, the
				period—
										(A)beginning on the
				date on which the candidate files a statement of intent under section
				511(a)(1); and
										(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 prescribed by State law
				as the last day to qualify for a position on the general election
				ballot.
											(4)Fair Elections
				start dateThe 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 position on the general election
				ballot.
										(5)FundThe
				term Fund means the Fair Elections Fund established by section
				502.
									(6)Immediate
				familyThe term immediate family means, with respect
				to any candidate—
										(A)the candidate’s
				spouse;
										(B)a child,
				stepchild, parent, grandparent, brother, half-brother, sister, or half-sister
				of the candidate or the candidate’s spouse; and
										(C)the spouse of any
				person described in subparagraph (B).
										(7)Matching
				contributionThe term matching contribution means a
				matching payment provided to a participating candidate for qualified small
				dollar contributions, as provided under section 523.
									(8)Nonparticipating
				candidateThe term nonparticipating candidate means
				a candidate for Senator who is not a participating candidate.
									(9)Participating
				candidateThe term participating candidate means a
				candidate for Senator who is certified under section 515 as being eligible to
				receive an allocation from the Fund.
									(10)Qualifying
				contributionThe 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
											(ii)not more than
				the greater of $100 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).
										(11)Qualified small
				dollar contributionThe 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)$100 per
				election; or
											(ii)the amount per
				election determined by the Commission under section 531.
											502.Fair Elections
				Fund
									(a)EstablishmentThere
				is established in the Treasury a fund to be known as the Fair Elections
				Fund.
									(b)Amounts held by
				FundThe Fund shall consist of the following amounts:
										(1)Appropriated
				amounts
											(A)In
				generalAmounts appropriated to the Fund.
											(B)Sense of the
				Senate regarding appropriationsIt is the sense of the Senate
				that—
												(i)there should be
				imposed on any payment made to any person (other than a State or local
				government or a foreign nation) who has contracts with the Government of the
				United States in excess of $10,000,000 a tax equal to 0.50 percent of amount
				paid pursuant to such contracts, except that the aggregate tax for any person
				for any taxable year shall not exceed $500,000; and
												(ii)the revenue from
				such tax should be appropriated to the Fund.
												(2)Voluntary
				contributionsVoluntary contributions to the Fund.
										(3)Other
				depositsAmounts deposited into the Fund under—
											(A)section 513(c)
				(relating to exceptions to contribution requirements);
											(B)section 521(c)
				(relating to remittance of allocations from the Fund);
											(C)section 533
				(relating to violations); and
											(D)any other section
				of this Act.
											(4)Investment
				returnsInterest on, and the proceeds from, the sale or
				redemption of, any obligations held by the Fund under subsection (c).
										(c)InvestmentThe
				Commission shall invest portions of the Fund in obligations of the United
				States in the same manner as provided under section 9602(b) of the Internal
				Revenue Code of 1986.
									(d)Use of
				Fund
										(1)In
				generalThe sums in the Fund shall be used to provide benefits to
				participating candidates as provided in subtitle C.
										(2)Insufficient
				amountsUnder regulations established by the Commission, rules
				similar to the rules of section 9006(c) of the Internal Revenue Code shall
				apply.
										BEligibility and
				certification
								511.Eligibility
									(a)In
				generalA candidate for Senator is eligible 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
				participating candidate under this title during the period beginning on the
				Fair Elections start date and ending on the last day of the Fair Elections
				qualifying period.
										(2)The candidate
				meets the qualifying contribution requirements of section 512.
										(3)Not later than
				the last day of the Fair Elections qualifying period, the candidate files with
				the Commission an affidavit signed by the candidate and the treasurer of the
				candidate's principal campaign 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 comply with the debate requirements of section 514;
											(C)if certified, will
				not run as a nonparticipating candidate during such year in any election for
				the office that such candidate is seeking; and
											(D)has either
				qualified or will take steps to qualify under State law to be on the
				ballot.
											(b)General
				electionNotwithstanding subsection (a), a candidate shall not be
				eligible to receive an allocation from the Fund for a general election or a
				general 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.
									512.Qualifying
				contribution requirement
									(a)In
				generalA candidate for Senator meets the requirement of this
				section if, during the Fair Elections qualifying period, the candidate
				obtains—
										(1)a number of
				qualifying contributions equal to the greater of—
											(A)the sum
				of—
												(i)2,000;
				plus
												(ii)500 for each
				congressional district in the State with respect to which the candidate is
				seeking election; or
												(B)the amount
				determined by the Commission under section 531; and
											(2)a total dollar
				amount of qualifying contributions equal to the greater of—
											(A)10 percent of the
				amount of the allocation such candidate would be entitled to receive for the
				primary election under section 522(c)(1) (determined without regard to
				paragraph (5) thereof) if such candidate were a participating candidate;
				or
											(B)the amount
				determined by the Commission under section 531.
											(b)Requirements
				relating to receipt of qualifying contributionEach qualifying
				contribution—
										(1)may be made by
				means of a personal check, money order, debit card, credit card, or electronic
				payment account;
										(2)shall be accompanied
				by a signed statement containing—
											(A)the contributor’s
				name and the contributor's address in the State in which the contributor is
				registered to vote; and
											(B)an oath declaring
				that the contributor—
												(i)understands that
				the purpose of the qualifying contribution is to show support for the candidate
				so that the candidate may qualify for Fair Elections financing;
												(ii)is making the
				contribution in his or her own name and from his or her own funds;
												(iii)has made the
				contribution willingly; and
												(iv)has not received
				any thing 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 candidate 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 election.
										(c)Verification of
				qualifying contributionsThe Commission shall establish
				procedures for the auditing and verification of qualifying contributions to
				ensure that such contributions meet the requirements of this section.
									513.Contribution
				and expenditure requirements
									(a)General
				ruleA candidate for Senator
				meets the requirements of this section if, during the election cycle of the
				candidate, the candidate—
										(1)except as
				provided in subsection (b), accepts no contributions other than—
											(A)qualifying
				contributions;
											(B)qualified small
				dollar contributions;
											(C)allocations from
				the Fund under section 522;
											(D)matching
				contributions under section 523; and
											(E)vouchers provided
				to the candidate under section 524;
											(2)makes no
				expenditures from any amounts other than from—
											(A)qualifying
				contributions;
											(B)qualified small
				dollar contributions;
											(C)allocations from
				the Fund under section 522;
											(D)matching
				contributions under section 523; and
											(E)vouchers provided
				to the candidate under section 524; 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 political party in
				coordination with a participating candidate shall not be treated as a
				contribution to or as an expenditure made by the participating
				candidate.(b)Contributions
				for leadership PACs, etcA political committee of a participating
				candidate which is not an authorized committee of such candidate may accept
				contributions other than contributions described in subsection (a)(1) from any
				person if—
										(1)the aggregate
				contributions from such person for any calendar year do not exceed $100;
				and
										(2)no portion of
				such contributions is disbursed in connection with the campaign of the
				participating candidate.
										(c)ExceptionNotwithstanding
				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 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.
										514.Debate
				requirementA candidate for
				Senator meets the requirements of this section if the candidate participates in
				at least—
									(1)1 public debate
				before the primary election with other participating candidates and other
				willing candidates from the same party and seeking the same nomination as such
				candidate; and
									(2)2 public debates
				before the general election with other participating candidates and other
				willing candidates seeking the same office as such candidate.
									515.Certification
									(a)In
				generalNot 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.
										(b)Revocation of
				certification
										(1)In
				generalThe Commission may revoke a certification under
				subsection (a) if—
											(A)a candidate fails
				to qualify to appear on the ballot at any time after the date of certification;
				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
				benefitsIf certification 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 interest (at a rate determined by the
				Commission) on any such amount received.
										CBenefits
								521.Benefits for
				participating candidates
									(a)In
				generalFor each election with respect to which a candidate is
				certified as a participating candidate, 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;
										(2)matching
				contributions, as provided in section 523; and
										(3)for the general
				election, vouchers for broadcasts of political advertisements, as provided in
				section 524.
										(b)Restriction on
				uses of allocations from the FundAllocations from the Fund
				received by a participating candidate under sections 522 and matching
				contributions under section 523 may only be used for campaign-related
				costs.
									(c)Remitting
				allocations from the Fund
										(1)In
				generalNot later than the date that is 45 days after an election
				in which the participating candidate appeared on the ballot, such participating
				candidate shall remit to the Commission for deposit in the Fund an amount equal
				to the lesser of—
											(A)the amount of
				money in the candidate's campaign account; or
											(B)the sum of the
				allocations from the Fund received by the candidate under section 522 and the
				matching contributions received by the candidate under section 523.
											(2)ExceptionIn
				the case of a candidate who qualifies to be on the ballot for a primary runoff
				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.
										522.Allocations
				from the Fund
									(a)In
				generalThe Commission shall make allocations from the Fund under
				section 521(a)(1) to a participating 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 participating candidate under
				section 515;
										(2)in the case of a
				general election, not later than 48 hours after—
											(A)the date of the
				certification of the results of the primary election or the primary runoff
				election; or
											(B)in any case in
				which there is no primary election, the date the candidate qualifies to be
				placed on the ballot; and
											(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
				paymentThe 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 allocationExcept as provided in
				paragraph (5), the Commission shall make an allocation from the Fund for a
				primary election to a participating candidate in an amount equal to 67 percent
				of the base amount with respect to such participating candidate.
										(2)Primary runoff
				election allocationThe 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 primary election.
										(3)General
				election allocationExcept as provided in paragraph (5), the
				Commission shall make an allocation from the Fund for a general election to a
				participating candidate in an amount equal to the base amount with respect to
				such candidate.
										(4)General runoff
				election allocationThe Commission shall make an allocation from
				the Fund for a general runoff election to a participating candidate in an
				amount equal to 25 percent of the base amount with respect to such
				candidate.
										(5)Uncontested
				elections
											(A)In
				generalIn the case of a primary or general election that is an
				uncontested election, the Commission shall make an allocation from the Fund to
				a participating candidate for such election in an amount equal to 25 percent 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 definedFor purposes of this subparagraph, an election
				is uncontested if not more than 1 candidate has campaign funds (including
				payments from the Fund) in an amount equal to or greater than 10 percent of the
				allocation a participating candidate would be entitled to receive under this
				section for such election if this paragraph did not apply.
											(d)Base
				amount
										(1)In
				generalExcept as otherwise provided 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 Commission under section 531.
											(2)IndexingIn
				each odd-numbered year after 2012—
											(A)each dollar
				amount under paragraph (1)(A) shall be increased by the percent difference
				between the price index (as defined in section 315(c)(2)(A)) for the 12 months
				preceding the beginning of such calendar year and the price index for calendar
				year 2011;
											(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 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.
											523.Matching
				payments for qualified small dollar contributions
									(a)In
				generalThe Commission shall pay to each participating candidate
				an amount equal to 400 percent of the amount of qualified small dollar
				contributions received by the candidate from individuals who are residents of
				the State in which such participating candidate is seeking election after the
				date on which such candidate is certified under section 515.
									(b)LimitationThe
				aggregate payments under subsection (a) with respect to any candidate shall not
				exceed the greater of—
										(1)200 percent of
				the allocation such candidate is entitled to receive for such election under
				section 522 (determined without regard to subsection (c)(5) thereof); or
										(2)the percentage of
				such allocation determined by the Commission under section 531.
										(c)Time of
				paymentThe Commission shall make payments under this section not
				later than 2 business days after the receipt of a report made under subsection
				(d).
									(d)Reports
										(1)In
				generalEach participating candidate shall file reports of
				receipts of qualified small dollar contributions at such times and in such
				manner as the Commission may by regulations prescribe.
										(2)Contents of
				reportsEach 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 candidate is seeking election; and
											(C)the name,
				address, and occupation of each individual who made a qualified small dollar
				contribution to the candidate.
											(3)Frequency of
				reportsReports 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;
											(B)once every week
				after the period described in subparagraph (A) and until the date that is 21
				days before the election; and
											(C)once every day
				after the period described in subparagraph (B).
											(4)Limitation on
				regulationsThe Commission may not prescribe any regulations with
				respect to reporting under this subsection with respect to any election after
				the date that is 180 days before the date of such election.
										(e)AppealsThe
				Commission shall provide a written explanation with respect to any denial of
				any payment under this section and shall provide the opportunity for review and
				reconsideration within 5 business days of such denial.
									524.Political
				advertising vouchers
									(a)In
				generalThe Commission shall establish and administer a voucher
				program for the purchase of airtime on broadcasting stations for political
				advertisements in accordance with the provisions of this section.
									(b)CandidatesThe
				Commission shall only disburse vouchers under the program established under
				subsection (a) to participants certified pursuant to section 515 who have
				agreed in writing to keep and furnish to the Commission such records, books,
				and other information as it may require.
									(c)AmountsThe
				Commission shall disburse vouchers to each candidate certified under subsection
				(b) in an aggregate amount equal to the greater of—
										(1)$100,000
				multiplied by the number of congressional 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
				useVouchers 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).
											(2)Exchange with
				political party committee
											(A)In
				generalA participating candidate 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 in exchange for money in an amount equal to the cash value of the
				voucher or portion exchanged.
											(B)Continuation of
				candidate obligationsThe 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
				obligationsAny political party committee to which a voucher or
				portion thereof is transferred under subparagraph (A)—
												(i)shall account
				fully, in accordance with such requirements as the Commission may establish,
				for the receipt of the voucher; and
												(ii)may not use the
				transferred voucher or portion thereof for any purpose other than a purpose
				described in paragraph (1)(B).
												(D)Voucher as a
				contribution under FECAIf a candidate transfers a voucher or any
				portion thereof to a political party committee under subparagraph (A)—
												(i)the value of the
				voucher or portion 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 reporting requirements of title III of this Act;
				and
												(iii)the amount, if
				identified as a voucher exchange shall not be considered a
				contribution for the purposes of sections 315 and 513.
												(e)Value;
				acceptance; redemption
										(1)VoucherEach
				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)AcceptanceA
				broadcasting station shall accept vouchers in payment for the purchase of
				broadcast airtime for political advertisements in accordance with this
				section.
										(3)RedemptionThe
				Commission shall redeem vouchers accepted by broadcasting stations under
				paragraph (2) upon presentation, subject to such documentation, verification,
				accounting, and application requirements as the Commission may impose to ensure
				the accuracy and integrity of the voucher redemption system.
										(4)Expiration
											(A)CandidatesA
				voucher may only be used to pay for broadcast airtime for political
				advertisements to be broadcast before midnight 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 committeesA voucher held by a political party
				committee may be used to pay for broadcast 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 Commission.
											(5)Voucher as
				expenditure under fecaThe use of a voucher to purchase broadcast
				airtime constitutes an expenditure as defined in section 301(9)(A).
										(f)DefinitionsIn
				this section:
										(1)Broadcasting
				stationThe term broadcasting station has the
				meaning given that term by section 315(f)(1) of the Communications Act of
				1934.
										(2)Political
				partyThe term political party means a major party
				or a minor party as defined in section 9002(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue
				Code of 1986 (26
				U.S.C. 9002 (3) or (4)).
										DAdministrative
				provisions
								531.Fair Elections
				Oversight Board
									(a)EstablishmentThere
				is established within the Federal Election Commission an entity to be known as
				the Fair Elections Oversight Board.
									(b)Structure and
				membership
										(1)In
				generalThe Board shall be composed of 5 members appointed by the
				President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, of whom—
											(A)2 shall be
				appointed after consultation with the majority leader of the Senate;
											(B)2 shall be
				appointed after consultation with the minority leader of the Senate; and
											(C)1 shall be
				appointed upon the recommendation of the members appointed under subparagraphs
				(A) and (B).
											(2)Qualifications
											(A)In
				generalThe members shall be
				individuals who are nonpartisan and, by reason of their education, experience,
				and attainments, exceptionally qualified to perform the duties of members of
				the Board.
											(B)ProhibitionNo
				member of the Board may be—
												(i)an employee of
				the Federal Government;
												(ii)a registered
				lobbyist; or
												(iii)an officer or
				employee of a political party or political campaign.
												(3)DateMembers of the Board shall be appointed not
				later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
										(4)TermsA member of the Board shall be appointed
				for a term of 5 years.
										(5)VacanciesA vacancy on the Board shall be filled not
				later than 30 calendar days after the date on which the Board is given notice
				of the vacancy, in the same manner as the original appointment. The individual
				appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve only for the unexpired portion of the
				term for which the individual’s predecessor was appointed.
										(6)ChairpersonThe Board shall designate a Chairperson
				from among the members of the Board.
										(c)Duties and
				powers
										(1)Administration
											(A)In
				generalThe Board shall have such duties and powers as the
				Commission may prescribe, including the power to administer the provisions of
				this title.
											(2)Review of fair
				elections financing
											(A)In
				generalAfter each general election for Federal office, the Board
				shall conduct a comprehensive review of the Fair Elections financing program
				under this title, including—
												(i)the maximum
				dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions under section
				501(11);
												(ii)the maximum and
				minimum dollar amounts for qualifying contributions under section
				501(10);
												(iii)the number and
				value of qualifying 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 matching contributions a candidate may receive under section
				523;
												(vi)the amount and
				usage of vouchers under section 524;
												(vii)the overall
				satisfaction of participating candidates and the American public with the
				program; and
												(viii)such other
				matters relating to financing of Senate campaigns as the Board determines are
				appropriate.
												(B)Criteria for
				reviewIn conducting the review under subparagraph (A), the Board
				shall consider the following:
												(i)Qualifying
				contributions and qualified small dollar contributionsThe Board
				shall consider whether the number and dollar amount of qualifying contributions
				required and maximum dollar amount for such qualifying contributions and
				qualified small dollar contributions strikes a balance regarding the importance
				of voter involvement, the need to assure adequate incentives for participating,
				and fiscal responsibility, taking into consideration the number of primary and
				general election participating candidates, the electoral performance of those
				candidates, program cost, and any other information the Board determines is
				appropriate.
												(ii)Review of
				program benefitsThe Board shall consider whether the totality of
				the amount of funds allowed to be raised by participating candidates (including
				through qualifying contributions and small dollar contributions), allocations
				from the Fund under sections 522, matching contributions under section 523, and
				vouchers under section 524 are sufficient for voters in each State to learn
				about the candidates to cast an informed vote, taking into account the historic
				amount of spending by winning candidates, media costs, primary election dates,
				and any other information the Board determines is appropriate.
												(C)Adjustment of
				amounts
												(i)In
				generalBased on the review conducted under subparagraph (A), the
				Board shall provide for the adjustments of the following amounts:
													(I)the maximum
				dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions under section
				501(11)(C);
													(II)the maximum and
				minimum dollar amounts for qualifying contributions under section
				501(10)(A);
													(III)the number and
				value of qualifying contributions a candidate is required to obtain under
				section 512(a)(1);
													(IV)the base amount
				for candidates under section 522(d);
													(V)the maximum
				amount of matching contributions a candidate may receive under section 523(b);
				and
													(VI)the dollar
				amount for vouchers under section 524(c).
													(ii)RegulationsThe
				Commission shall promulgate regulations providing for the adjustments made by
				the Board under clause (i).
												(D)ReportNot
				later than March 30 following any general election for Federal office, the
				Board shall submit a report to Congress on the review conducted under paragraph
				(1). Such report shall contain a detailed statement of the findings,
				conclusions, and recommendations of the Board based on such review.
											(d)Meetings and
				hearings
										(1)MeetingsThe Board may hold such hearings, sit and
				act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as
				the Board considers advisable to carry out the purposes of this Act.
										(2)QuorumThree members of the Board shall constitute
				a quorum for purposes of voting, but a quorum is not required for members to
				meet and hold hearings.
										(e)ReportsNot
				later than March 30, 2011, and every 2 years thereafter, the Board shall submit
				to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration a report documenting,
				evaluating, and making recommendations relating to the administrative
				implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this title.
									(f)Administration
										(1)Compensation of
				members
											(A)In
				generalEach member, other
				than the Chairperson, shall be paid at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of
				the minimum annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive
				Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
											(B)ChairpersonThe Chairperson shall be paid at a rate
				equal to the daily equivalent of the minimum annual rate of basic pay
				prescribed for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title
				5, United States Code.
											(2)Personnel
											(A)DirectorThe
				Board shall have a staff headed by an Executive Director. The Executive
				Director shall be paid at a rate equivalent to a rate established for the
				Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, United States
				Code.
											(B)Staff
				appointmentWith the approval of the Chairperson, the Executive
				Director may appoint such personnel as the Executive Director and the Board
				determines to be appropriate.
											(C)Actuarial
				experts and consultantsWith the approval of the Chairperson, the
				Executive Director may procure temporary and intermittent services under
				section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.
											(D)Detail of
				government employeesUpon the request of the Chairperson, the
				head of any Federal agency may detail, without reimbursement, any of the
				personnel of such agency to the Board to assist in carrying out the duties of
				the Board. Any such detail shall not interrupt or otherwise affect the civil
				service status or privileges of the Federal employee.
											(E)Other
				resourcesThe Board shall have reasonable access to materials,
				resources, statistical data, and other information from the Library of Congress
				and other agencies of the executive and legislative branches of the Federal
				Government. The Chairperson of the Board shall make requests for such access in
				writing when necessary.
											(g)Authorization
				of appropriationsThere are
				authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the
				purposes of this subtitle.
									532.Administration
				provisionsThe Commission
				shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this title, including
				regulations—
									(1)to establish
				procedures for—
										(A)verifying the
				amount of valid qualifying contributions with respect to a candidate;
										(B)effectively and
				efficiently monitoring and enforcing the limits on the raising of qualified
				small dollar contributions;
										(C)effectively and
				efficiently monitoring and enforcing the limits on the use of personal funds by
				participating candidates;
										(D)monitoring the
				use of allocations from the Fund and matching contributions under this title
				through audits or other mechanisms; and
										(E)the
				administration of the voucher program under section 524; and
										(2)regarding the
				conduct of debates in a manner consistent with the best practices of States
				that provide public financing for elections.
									533.Violations and
				penalties
									(a)Civil penalty
				for violation of contribution and expenditure requirementsIf a candidate who has been certified as a
				participating candidate under section 515(a) accepts a contribution or makes an
				expenditure that is prohibited under section 513, the Commission 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 Fair Elections Fund
										(1)In
				generalIf the Commission determines that any benefit made
				available to a participating candidate under this title was not used as
				provided for in this title or that a participating candidate has violated any
				of the dates for remission of funds contained in this title, the Commission
				shall 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
				precludedAny action by the Commission in accordance with this
				subsection shall not preclude enforcement proceedings by the Commission in
				accordance with section 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.
										.
				103.Prohibition on
			 joint fundraising committeesSection 302(e) of the Federal Election
			 Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 432(e)) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following new paragraph:

						(6)No authorized
				committee of a participating candidate (as defined in section 501) may
				establish a joint fundraising committee with a political committee other than
				an authorized committee of a
				candidate.
						.
				104.Limitation on
			 coordinated expenditures by political party committees with participating
			 candidates
					(a)In
			 generalSection 315(d)(3) of
			 the Federal Election Campaign Act of
			 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(d)) is amended—
						(1)by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B)
			 as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
						(2)by inserting before subparagraph (B), as
			 redesignated by paragraph (1), the following new subparagraph:

								(A)in the case of a
				candidate for election to the office of Senator who is a participating
				candidate (as defined in section 501), the lesser of—
									(i)10 percent of the
				allocation from the Fair Elections Fund that the participating candidate is
				eligible to receive for the general election under section 522(c); or
									(ii)the amount which
				would (but for this subparagraph) apply with respect to such candidate under
				subparagraph
				(B);
									.
						(b)Conforming
			 amendmentSubparagraph (B) of section 315(d)(3) of such Act, as
			 redesignated by subsection (a), is amended by inserting who is not a
			 participating candidate (as so defined) after office of
			 Senator.
					IIImproving voter
			 information
			201.Broadcasts
			 relating to all Senate candidates
				(a)Lowest unit
			 charge; national committeesSection 315(b) of the
			 Communications Act of 1934
			 (47 U.S.C.
			 315(b)) is amended—
					(1)by striking
			 to such office in paragraph (1) and inserting to such
			 office, or by a national committee of a political party on behalf of such
			 candidate in connection with such campaign,; and
					(2)by inserting
			 for pre-emptible use thereof after station in
			 subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1).
					(b)Preemption;
			 auditsSection 315 of such Act (47 U.S.C. 315) is amended—
					(1)by redesignating
			 subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively and moving
			 them to follow the existing subsection (e);
					(2)by redesignating
			 the existing subsection (e) as subsection (c); and
					(3)by inserting
			 after subsection (c) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)) the following:

							(d)Preemption
								(1)In
				generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), and notwithstanding
				the requirements of subsection (b)(1)(A), a licensee shall not preempt the use
				of a broadcasting station by a legally qualified candidate for Senate who has
				purchased and paid for such use.
								(2)Circumstances
				beyond control of licenseeIf a program to be broadcast by a
				broadcasting station is preempted because of circumstances beyond the control
				of the station, any candidate or party advertising spot scheduled to be
				broadcast during that program shall be treated in the same fashion as a
				comparable commercial advertising spot.
								(e)AuditsDuring
				the 30-day period preceding a primary election and the 60-day period preceding
				a general election, the Commission shall conduct such audits as it deems
				necessary to ensure that each broadcaster to which this section applies is
				allocating television broadcast advertising time in accordance with this
				section and section
				312.
							.
					(c)Revocation of
			 license for failure To permit accessSection 312(a)(7) of the
			 Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 312(a)(7)) is amended—
					(1)by striking
			 or repeated;
					(2)by inserting
			 or cable system after broadcasting station;
			 and
					(3)by striking
			 his candidacy and inserting the candidacy of the
			 candidate, under the same terms, conditions, and business practices as apply to
			 the most favored advertiser of the licensee.
					(d)Stylistic
			 amendmentsSection 315 of such Act (47 U.S.C. 315) is
			 amended—
					(1)by striking
			 the in subsection (f)(1), as redesignated by subsection (b)(1),
			 and inserting Broadcasting
			 station.—;
					(2)by striking
			 the in subsection (f)(2), as redesignated by subsection (b)(1),
			 and inserting Licensee;
			 station licensee.—; and
					(3)by inserting
			 Regulations.— in subsection (g), as
			 redesignated by subsection (b)(1), before The Commission.
					202.Broadcast
			 rates for participating candidatesSection 315(b) of the
			 Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
			 315(b)), as amended by subsection (a), is amended—
				(1)in paragraph
			 (1)(A), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting
			 paragraphs (2) and (3); and
				(2)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(3)Participating
				candidatesIn the case of a participating candidate (as defined
				under section 501(9) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971), the charges
				made for the use of any broadcasting station for a television broadcast shall
				not exceed 80 percent of the lowest charge described in paragraph (1)(A)
				during—
							(A)the 45 days
				preceding the date of a primary or primary runoff election in which the
				candidate is opposed; and
							(B)the 60 days
				preceding the date of a general or special election in which the candidate is
				opposed.
							(4)Rate
				cardsA licensee shall provide to a candidate for Senate a rate
				card that discloses—
							(A)the rate charged
				under this subsection; and
							(B)the method that
				the licensee uses to determine the rate charged under this
				subsection.
							.
				203.FCC to
			 prescribe standardized form for reporting candidate campaign ads
				(a)In
			 generalWithin 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
			 the Federal Communications Commission shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to
			 establish a standardized form to be used by broadcasting stations, as defined
			 in section
			 315(f)(1) of the Communications
			 Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 315(f)(1)), to
			 record and report the purchase of advertising time by or on behalf of a
			 candidate for nomination for election, or for election, to Federal elective
			 office.
				(b)ContentsThe
			 form prescribed by the Commission under subsection (a) shall require,
			 broadcasting stations to report to the Commission and to the Federal Election
			 Commission, at a minimum—
					(1)the station call
			 letters and mailing address;
					(2)the name and
			 telephone number of the station’s sales manager (or individual with
			 responsibility for advertising sales);
					(3)the name of the
			 candidate who purchased the advertising time, or on whose behalf the
			 advertising time was purchased, and the Federal elective office for which he or
			 she is a candidate;
					(4)the name, mailing
			 address, and telephone number of the person responsible for purchasing
			 broadcast political advertising for the candidate;
					(5)notation as to
			 whether the purchase agreement for which the information is being reported is a
			 draft or final version; and
					(6)the following
			 information about the advertisement:
						(A)The date and time
			 of the broadcast.
						(B)The program in
			 which the advertisement was broadcast.
						(C)The length of the
			 broadcast airtime.
						(c)Internet
			 accessIn its rulemaking under subsection (a), the Commission
			 shall require any broadcasting station required to file a report under this
			 section that maintains an Internet website to make available a link to such
			 reports on that website.
				IIIResponsibilities
			 of the Federal Election Commission
			301.Petition for
			 certiorariSection 307(a)(6)
			 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of
			 1971 (2 U.S.C. 437d(a)(6)) is amended by inserting (including
			 a proceeding before the Supreme Court on certiorari) after
			 appeal.
			302.Filing by
			 Senate candidates with CommissionSection 302(g) of the Federal Election
			 Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 432(g)) is amended to read as follows:

					(g)Filing with the
				commissionAll designations, statements, and reports required to
				be filed under this Act shall be filed with the
				Commission.
					.
			303.Electronic
			 filing of FEC reportsSection
			 304(a)(11) of the Federal Election Campaign Act
			 of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(a)(11)) is amended—
				(1)in subparagraph
			 (A), by striking under this Act— and all that follows and
			 inserting under this Act shall be required to maintain and file such
			 designation, statement, or report in electronic form accessible by
			 computers.;
				(2)in subparagraph
			 (B), by striking 48 hours and all that follows through
			 filed electronically) and inserting 24 hours;
			 and
				(3)by striking
			 subparagraph (D).
				IVMiscellaneous
			 provisions
			401.SeverabilityIf any provision of this Act or amendment
			 made by this Act, or the application of a provision or amendment to any person
			 or circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act and
			 amendments made by this Act, and the application of the provisions and
			 amendment to any person or circumstance, shall not be affected by the
			 holding.
			402.Effective
			 dateExcept as otherwise
			 provided for in this Act, this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall
			 take effect on January 1, 2011.


115 HJ 127 IH: Making continuing appropriations for military pay and for death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased military service members of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-01-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IA115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. J. RES. 127IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 19, 2018Mr. Coffman submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on AppropriationsJOINT RESOLUTIONMaking continuing appropriations for military pay and for death gratuities and related survivor benefits for survivors of deceased military service members of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
That the following sums are hereby appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for military pay and for death gratuities and related benefits for survivors of deceased military service members of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes, namely: 101. (a)Such amounts as may be necessary, at a rate for operations as provided for fiscal year 2017 in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (division C of Public Law 115–31) and under the authority and conditions provided in such Act, for Operation and Maintenance and Military Personnel accounts for continuing the following projects and activities for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available by the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017:
(1)The payment of a death gratuity under sections 1475–1477 and 1489 of title 10, United States Code. (2)The payment or reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses authorized under sections 1481 and 1482 of title 10, United States Code.
(3)The payment or reimbursement of authorized funeral travel and travel related to the dignified transfer of remains and unit memorial services under section 481f of title 37, United States Code. (4)The temporary continuation of a basic allowance of housing for dependents of members dying on active duty, as authorized by section 403(l) of title 37, United States Code.
(b)The rate for operations provided by subsection (a) for each program or activity shall be calculated to reflect the full amount of any reduction required in fiscal year 2018 pursuant to any provision of division D of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115–56).  102. (a)Such amounts as may be necessary for the following:
(1)The payment of pay and allowances to members of the Armed Forces (as defined in section 101(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code), including reserve components thereof, who perform active service during the period for which funds are made available pursuant to this joint resolution under section 104. (2)The payment of pay and allowances to the civilian personnel of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard) whom the Secretary concerned determines are providing support to members of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (1).
(3)The payment of pay and allowances to contractors of the Department of Defense (and the Department of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard) whom the Secretary concerned determines are providing support to members of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (1). (b)In this section, the term Secretary concerned means—
(1)the Secretary of Defense with respect to matters concerning the Department of Defense; and (2)the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to matters concerning the Coast Guard.
103.Appropriations made by sections 101 and 102 shall be available to the extent and in the manner that would be provided by the pertinent appropriations Act. 104.Unless otherwise provided for in this joint resolution or in the applicable appropriations Act for fiscal year 2018, appropriations and funds made available and authority granted pursuant to this joint resolution shall be available until whichever of the following first occurs: (1) the enactment into law of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) the enactment into law of the applicable appropriations Act for fiscal year 2018 without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) September 30, 2018.
105.Expenditures made pursuant to this joint resolution shall be charged to the applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization whenever a bill in which such applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization is contained is enacted into law. 106.This joint resolution shall be implemented so that only the most limited funding action of that permitted in the joint resolution shall be taken in order to provide for continuation of projects and activities.
This joint resolution may be cited as the Pay Our Military Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2018.