Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1118

Introduced
2/21/23  

Caption

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

Impact

If passed, HB1118 could significantly alter the landscape of campaign finance law. One of the key provisions is the expansion of disclosure requirements, which would compel organizations making substantial disbursements for campaign-related activities to report their funding sources. This is seen as a necessary step to combat the influence of 'dark money' in politics, particularly from foreign entities, which might currently exploit loopholes to inject funds into U.S. elections under anonymity.

Summary

House Bill 1118, titled the 'Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023' or 'DISCLOSE Act of 2023', seeks to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. The bill aims to impose additional disclosure requirements on various entities including corporations, labor organizations, and Super PACs regarding their campaign-related expenditures. The primary intention is to enhance transparency around the financing of political campaigns by revealing the sources and amounts of contributions made by these organizations.

Contention

Despite its promises of increased transparency, the bill has sparked debate among lawmakers. Proponents argue that it will enhance public trust in the electoral process by exposing the sources of campaign financing, particularly from foreign donors, a practice they seek to ban outright. Conversely, critics raise concerns about the burden additional reporting requirements may place on organizations and the potential for these regulations to stifle legitimate advocacy efforts. Furthermore, some have questioned the Constitutionality of imposing stricter limits on foreign contributions and the implications for organizations engaged in grassroots campaigning.

Companion Bills

US SB512

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

US HB988

Related Shell Company Abuse Act

US HB11

Related 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 SB2344

Related 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 SB1

Related 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.