Voter Access, Campaign Finance and Ethics Package – Passage

Passage of the bill, as amended, that includes a package of provisions related to campaign finance, voter registration and access, and ethical standards for government officials. Among a number of provisions related to campaign finance reform, the bill would prohibit super PACs from financing political ads supporting or opposing a political candidate. It would require corporations, organizations, and political committees to disclose campaign-related expenditures of more than $1,000 and any donors contributing more than $10,000 in an election cycle. It would expand political advertising disclaimer requirements to online political ads and establish reporting requirements for online platforms selling political ads. It would prohibit foreign entities from contributing to a political campaign, super PAC, or presidential inaugural committee. The bill would also establish or modify public funding mechanisms for federal election campaigns that would match small contributions of up to $200 for congressional and presidential candidates whose campaigns do not accept contributions of more than $1,000 from any individual donor and do not use more than $50,000 of the candidate?s personal funds. The bill would establish a number of national standards related to voter registration and access. Among other provisions, it would require states to allow online registration, automatically register eligible voters, allow early voting at least 15 days before election day, and allow same-day registration and voting. It would prohibit certain practices related to voter deception or intimidation and removal of voters from voter rolls. It would require states to use independent redistricting commissions when redrawing congressional districts. It would also make election day a federal holiday, require all votes to be made via paper ballots, allow convicted felons the right to vote after serving their prison sentences, and require the Homeland Security Department to assess cyber threats to the election system. Finally, the bill would set or modify a number of federal ethics rules governing all three branches of government. It would formally prohibit members of Congress and congressional staff from using their positions to further their financial interests, and would prohibit members from serving on the board of a for-profit entity or using federal funds to settle employment discrimination cases brought against them.The bill would require the president and vice president to divest any financial interests that may create a conflict of interest, and to annually submit tax returns for the current and 9 previous years. Among other provisions, it would require the Government Publishing Office to make all congressionally mandated reports publicly available; require anyone lobbying on behalf of a foreign interest to register with the Justice Department and disclose any transactions; and require the establishment of a code of conduct for federal judges. As amended, the bill would include several provisions tightening regulations on lobbying, campaign contributions, and foreign influence, including requiring any entity making a lobbying contact with a federal official to disclose whether they are a registered lobbyist and identify their client; prohibiting lobbying contracts on behalf of foreign countries determined to have violated human rights; requiring corporations that contribute to campaigns to facilitate the assessment of political views of their shareholders; and prohibiting foreign nationals and agents from financing certain political communications supporting or opposing political candidates or issues.