Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB8572

Introduced
5/24/24  

Caption

Government by the People Act

Impact

If enacted, HB 8572 is expected to influence existing campaign finance laws significantly. By facilitating small dollar contributions through vouchers, the bill aims to diversify donor pools and promote a more inclusive political landscape. It establishes a pilot program for states, allowing them to implement and test these contributions on a local level. States selected to participate must meet specific criteria and will oversee the voucher program's implementation. This initiative may lead to a reassessment of campaign financing regulations in the long term, particularly if the pilot proves successful in increasing voter engagement and participation.

Summary

House Bill 8572, titled the 'Government by the People Act', proposes to establish a framework for state-level pilot programs aimed at providing individuals with campaign contribution vouchers. These vouchers can be used to support candidates running for federal office, specifically for the House of Representatives. The bill seeks to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to introduce small dollar financing mechanisms that benefit candidates, thereby lowering the barriers to entry for potential candidates and increasing participation in the electoral process. Through these measures, the bill aims to enhance democratic engagement and diminish the influence of large campaign donors.

Contention

Notable issues surrounding HB 8572 include concerns about the potential for misuse of funds and the administrative burden of implementing the voucher system. Opponents of the bill may argue that the program could create confusion over campaign financing rules and complicate the electoral process. Additionally, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of vouchers in genuinely increasing participation among historically marginalized groups. Advocates for campaign finance reform, however, view the bill as a critical step toward reducing the dominance of large donors in elections and promoting grassroots support for candidates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 HB5291

People Over Long Lines Act

US SB3517

POLL Act People Over Long Lines Act

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 HB4563

ACE Act End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act American Confidence in Elections Act

US HB8845

GPA Act Georgian People’s Act

US HB7499

Empower Act of 2024

US HB8597

Transparency in Government Act of 2024 PAST Act of 2024 Promoting Accountability and Security in Transitions Act of 2024

US HB06651

An Act Implementing Provisions Of The Budget Concerning General Government.

Similar Bills

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US HB4563

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Crack Down on Dark Money Act

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Stop ActThis bill prohibits federal officeholders from directly soliciting contributions for certain federal election purposes. Specifically, the bill prohibits a federal officeholder from soliciting funds directly from any person (1) for or on behalf of any political committee, or (2) for or on the behalf of any person for use for federal election activity. However, a federal officeholder may participate in a fundraising event (e.g., planning, attending, or speaking at an event), as long as the federal officeholder does not engage in any written or verbal solicitation of funds in connection with the event.