Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB2522

Introduced
4/6/23  

Caption

Campaign Spending Integrity Act

Impact

If enacted, HB2522 is expected to have significant implications for campaign finance laws at the federal level. By prohibiting the conversion of campaign funds to personal use through transactions with family-owned vendors, the bill strives to enhance the accountability and transparency of campaign financing. This could result in candidates being more mindful of their financial dealings, potentially reducing favoritism and improving public trust in elected officials.

Summary

House Bill 2522, also known as the 'Campaign Spending Integrity Act,' seeks to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to enforce stricter regulations on how candidates for federal office can utilize campaign contributions. Specifically, the bill prohibits candidates from using campaign funds to pay vendors that are owned or controlled by themselves or their immediate family members. This measure aims to prevent potential misconduct and conflicts of interest by closing loopholes that allow candidates to funnel campaign resources back into their own personal businesses.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB2522 reveal some notable points of contention among lawmakers. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step to protect the integrity of election processes and ensure that campaign funds are used solely for campaign-related purposes. Critics, however, may argue that the bill could impose unnecessary restrictions and potentially limit candidates' ability to support local businesses, especially if those businesses happen to be family-owned. This could create a scenario where candidates feel incentivized to choose outside vendors at greater expense rather than utilizing resources from their immediate family.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB2524

Public Service Spending Integrity Act

US HB2484

Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act

US HB11

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US HJR78

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set limits on Federal campaign contributions and spending, prohibit corporate spending in the political process, require Congress to develop a system of public campaign financing for all Federal candidates who qualify for the ballot, and allow the States to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and spending in State and local elections, and for other purposes.

US SB1

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US HB2514

Public Service Integrity Act

US SB512

DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Stand By Every Ad Act

US HB153

Family Integrity to Reform Elections Act or the FIRE Act This bill prohibits the use of campaign funds to compensate the immediate family member of a candidate or an individual holding federal office. It also requires disclosure of payments made to immediate family members. Specifically, the bill prohibits an authorized committee of a candidate or any other political committee that is established, maintained, or controlled by a candidate or an individual holding federal office from directly or indirectly compensating the immediate family member of the candidate or individual for services provided to or on behalf of the committee. The prohibition does not apply to a political committee of a political party. Next, the bill requires a political committee to report on disbursements to an immediate family member of the candidate or the individual holding federal office. Finally, the bill requires any penalty for a violation of the bill to be imposed on the candidate or the individual holding federal office if the candidate or individual involved knew of the violation. Further, it prohibits the committee involved from reimbursing the candidate or individual for the penalty.

US SB2344

Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023

US HB2678

Ending Trading and Holdings in Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.