Bill > S2669

Introduced Session

A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to clarify the obligation to report acts of foreign election influence and require implementation of compliance and reporting systems by Federal campaigns to detect and report such acts, and for other purposes. This bill establishes a duty to report election interference from foreign entities, applies existing campaign advertising requirements to online advertisements, and generally limits political spending and election interference by foreign entities. Specifically, a political committee must report certain foreign contacts involving an offer of unlawful election assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Election Commission. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violations of these requirements. Existing requirements for political advertisements and electioneering communications apply to internet and digital advertisements, including requirements related to disclosures and contributions. Additionally, large online platforms must maintain a public database of certain political advertisements. The bill places limitations on political spending by foreign entities. Specifically, foreign entities may not (1) contribute to campaigns related to ballot initiatives and referenda, or (2) make disbursements for certain internet activity referring to a candidate or a political issue. A candidate is prohibited from offering to share nonpublic campaign information with certain foreign entities. The bill also prohibits (1) the dissemination of false statements regarding federal elections or public endorsement, or (2) the intentional hindering of voting or registering to vote. The bill establishes criminal penalties and a private right of action with respect to these prohibitions.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Amy Klobuchar (D)*,  Tammy Baldwin (D),  Michael Bennet (D),  Richard Blumenthal (D),  Cory Booker (D),  Ben Cardin (D),  Tom Carper (D),  Bob Casey (D),  Chris Coons (D),  Catherine Cortez Masto (D),  Dick Durbin (D),  Kamala Harris (D),  Mazie Hirono (D),  Angus King (I),  Ed Markey (D),  Jeff Merkley (D),  Patty Murray (D),  Jack Reed (D),  Bernie Sanders (I),  Jeanne Shaheen (D),  Tina Smith (D),  Jon Tester (D),  Tom Udall (D),  Chris Van Hollen (D),  Mark Warner (D),  Elizabeth Warren (D),  Ron Wyden (D), 

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (on 10/23/2019)

Official Document