Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB7210

Introduced
2/1/24  

Caption

Help America Run Act

Impact

By enabling candidates to use campaign funds for essential services like child care and health insurance, the Help America Run Act may lead to a more diverse pool of candidates who reflect the demographics and experiences of the American populace. This change could ultimately lead to policy decisions that better represent the needs and interests of average citizens, especially women and working parents who often balance professional responsibilities with caregiving duties. Furthermore, the bill addresses the stark wealth disparity within Congress, which has historically favored wealthy candidates who can afford to run without financial strain.

Summary

House Bill 7210, known as the Help America Run Act, seeks to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 by allowing certain personal use expenses, such as payments for child care and elder care, to be treated as authorized campaign expenditures. The bill aims to address the financial barriers that often prevent everyday Americans, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, from running for public office. By expanding the permissible use of campaign funds, the bill acknowledges the challenges many candidates face and believes that it will lead to a more representative government.

Contention

However, there are concerns surrounding this bill, particularly in terms of equity and regulations. Opponents argue that allowing personal expenses to be covered through campaign funds might lead to misuse or inconsistencies in spending. Critics also point out that while the bill aims to help those from diverse backgrounds, it may inadvertently provide advantages to wealthier candidates who could already cover these costs, thus perpetuating rather than alleviating inequalities. Ultimately, this bill aims to modify existing campaign finance laws to foster inclusivity in political candidacy, but its implementation could spark substantial debate on campaign regulation.

Companion Bills

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.