summary
Introduced
10/17/2019
10/17/2019
In Committee
10/17/2019
10/17/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
A bill to restore integrity to America's Election. This bill revises provisions regarding the Federal Election Commission (FEC), including to change FEC membership. The bill reduces the number of members of the FEC from eight to five, including by removing the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House as ex officio members. No more than two members may be affiliated with the same political party. A Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel shall recommend to the President individuals for nomination to the FEC. The President shall appoint the FEC chair, subject to Senate confirmation. The bill distributes the FEC's powers between the chair and the other FEC members. The bill modifies the process for (1) the FEC to initiate an investigation, and (2) a party aggrieved by the FEC's dismissal of the party's complaint or the FEC's failure to take action on the party's complaint. Persons who submit written comments regarding requests for advisory opinions must be given an opportunity to appear at FEC hearings on such requests. The FEC's administrative penalty authority is extended permanently. FEC forms must allow for the use of an accent mark as part of a person's identification. The bill provides statutory authority for limitations on ex parte communications as applied to FEC members and employees. The bill specifies that FEC attorneys may represent the FEC before the Supreme Court.
AI Summary
This bill aims to restore integrity to America's elections by revising provisions related to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The key provisions include:
1. Reducing the number of FEC members from 8 to 5, with no more than 2 members affiliated with the same political party. A Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel will recommend individuals for FEC nominations.
2. Assigning certain powers to the FEC Chair, who will be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Chair will have administrative and investigative powers, while the full Commission will retain other powers such as initiating civil actions and rendering advisory opinions.
3. Revising the enforcement process, including changes to the standards for initiating investigations and determining violations, as well as the process for appealing the FEC's dismissal of complaints.
4. Allowing persons who submit written comments on requests for advisory opinions to appear before the FEC and provide testimony.
5. Permanently extending the FEC's administrative penalty authority and requiring FEC forms to permit the use of accent marks.
6. Establishing restrictions on ex parte communications for FEC members and employees, and clarifying the authority of FEC attorneys to represent the FEC before the Supreme Court.
The bill's provisions are generally aimed at reforming the structure and operations of the FEC to enhance its independence and integrity in overseeing federal elections.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (12)
Tom Udall (D)*,
Tammy Baldwin (D),
Michael Bennet (D),
Richard Blumenthal (D),
Cory Booker (D),
Kirsten Gillibrand (D),
Mazie Hirono (D),
Ed Markey (D),
Jeff Merkley (D),
Bernie Sanders (I),
Chris Van Hollen (D),
Sheldon Whitehouse (D),
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (on 10/17/2019)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/2639/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s2639/BILLS-116s2639is.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s2639/BILLS-116s2639is.pdf.pdf |
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