The "Stop Super PAC-Candidate Coordination Act" aims to strengthen federal campaign finance regulations by reclassifying certain independent expenditures as direct contributions. This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to treat payments for " coordinated expenditures " made by non-candidate or non-party entities as contributions to candidates, thereby subjecting them to existing contribution limits and prohibitions and limiting the influence of groups like Super PACs. The bill broadly defines "coordinated expenditure" as any payment made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with a candidate or committee, or for republishing their campaign materials, specifying that a payment is not "entirely independently" made if there's any understanding or communication. It establishes criteria for a " coordinated spender ," identifying entities with significant ties to a candidate, such as being formed by them, having the candidate fundraise for them, or being managed by current or former campaign staff or professionals. These rules apply to " covered communications " that advocate for or against a candidate, or refer to them during specific election periods, with violations incurring substantial penalties. Furthermore, the bill prohibits federal candidates and officeholders from soliciting or directing funds to Super PACs and other political committees that accept donations not compliant with federal campaign finance laws. The Act mandates the repeal of existing Federal Election Commission coordination regulations and requires new rules, with provisions taking effect within 120 days of enactment or for elections after January 1, 2026.
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Government Operations and Politics
Stop Super PAC-Candidate Coordination Act
USA119th CongressHR-5238| House
| Updated: 9/9/2025
The "Stop Super PAC-Candidate Coordination Act" aims to strengthen federal campaign finance regulations by reclassifying certain independent expenditures as direct contributions. This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to treat payments for " coordinated expenditures " made by non-candidate or non-party entities as contributions to candidates, thereby subjecting them to existing contribution limits and prohibitions and limiting the influence of groups like Super PACs. The bill broadly defines "coordinated expenditure" as any payment made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with a candidate or committee, or for republishing their campaign materials, specifying that a payment is not "entirely independently" made if there's any understanding or communication. It establishes criteria for a " coordinated spender ," identifying entities with significant ties to a candidate, such as being formed by them, having the candidate fundraise for them, or being managed by current or former campaign staff or professionals. These rules apply to " covered communications " that advocate for or against a candidate, or refer to them during specific election periods, with violations incurring substantial penalties. Furthermore, the bill prohibits federal candidates and officeholders from soliciting or directing funds to Super PACs and other political committees that accept donations not compliant with federal campaign finance laws. The Act mandates the repeal of existing Federal Election Commission coordination regulations and requires new rules, with provisions taking effect within 120 days of enactment or for elections after January 1, 2026.