Committee on House Administration, Ways and Means Committee, Judiciary Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The "Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026," or DISCLOSE Act of 2026, aims to enhance transparency in federal elections by expanding disclosure requirements for various entities. It seeks to curb the influence of undisclosed money, particularly from foreign sources, and ensure a more informed electorate. This legislation addresses campaign-related disbursements, judicial nomination spending, and political advertising disclaimers. Title I focuses on closing loopholes allowing spending by foreign nationals in elections . It clarifies and expands the application of the foreign money ban to various disbursements and activities, including those related to ballot initiatives and referenda by specific foreign nationals. The bill mandates the Comptroller General to conduct studies on illicit foreign money in federal elections every four years and submit reports to Congress. Furthermore, it prohibits the establishment of corporations with the intent to conceal election contributions or donations by foreign nationals, making such actions unlawful. Title II introduces new reporting requirements for campaign-related disbursements by "covered organizations," which include corporations, labor organizations, and certain tax-exempt groups. These organizations must disclose disbursements over $10,000, including the names and addresses of persons making payments of $10,000 or more to them. For certain entities, the bill requires disclosure of beneficial owners to reveal the true source of funds. This title also extends reporting obligations to disbursements related to Federal judicial nominations , treating them as campaign-related disbursements. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is tasked with promulgating regulations for these new disclosure requirements, including an exemption process for threats of harassment or reprisal. The bill also mandates coordination between the Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the FEC to assist in administering and enforcing these provisions. These reporting amendments are set to apply to disbursements made on or after January 1, 2027. Title III enacts administrative reforms to streamline judicial review of campaign finance laws. It directs challenges to the constitutionality or lawfulness of the Federal Election Campaign Act to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, with appeals going to the D.C. Circuit Court. These cases are to be advanced on the docket and expedited to the greatest possible extent. Additionally, Members of Congress are granted the right to intervene in such actions or initiate their own challenges. Title IV, known as the "Stand By Every Ad Act," significantly expands disclaimer requirements for political communications not authorized by candidates or committees. It mandates that audio and video communications, including internet and digital formats, include specific individual or organizational disclosure statements. For communications paid for with campaign-related disbursements, the bill requires the disclosure of Top Five Funders or Top Two Funders lists, or a website link to this information, depending on the communication format and duration. These expanded disclaimer rules also apply to prerecorded telephone calls , treating them as audio communications requiring specific disclosure statements at the beginning of the call. The bill clarifies that these provisions do not expand disclaimer requirements for internet communications to persons not already subject to them under existing law. The amendments in this title are effective for communications made on or after January 1, 2027, and a severability clause ensures the remainder of the Act stands if any provision is found unconstitutional.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The "Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026," or DISCLOSE Act of 2026, aims to enhance transparency in federal elections by expanding disclosure requirements for various entities. It seeks to curb the influence of undisclosed money, particularly from foreign sources, and ensure a more informed electorate. This legislation addresses campaign-related disbursements, judicial nomination spending, and political advertising disclaimers. Title I focuses on closing loopholes allowing spending by foreign nationals in elections . It clarifies and expands the application of the foreign money ban to various disbursements and activities, including those related to ballot initiatives and referenda by specific foreign nationals. The bill mandates the Comptroller General to conduct studies on illicit foreign money in federal elections every four years and submit reports to Congress. Furthermore, it prohibits the establishment of corporations with the intent to conceal election contributions or donations by foreign nationals, making such actions unlawful. Title II introduces new reporting requirements for campaign-related disbursements by "covered organizations," which include corporations, labor organizations, and certain tax-exempt groups. These organizations must disclose disbursements over $10,000, including the names and addresses of persons making payments of $10,000 or more to them. For certain entities, the bill requires disclosure of beneficial owners to reveal the true source of funds. This title also extends reporting obligations to disbursements related to Federal judicial nominations , treating them as campaign-related disbursements. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is tasked with promulgating regulations for these new disclosure requirements, including an exemption process for threats of harassment or reprisal. The bill also mandates coordination between the Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the FEC to assist in administering and enforcing these provisions. These reporting amendments are set to apply to disbursements made on or after January 1, 2027. Title III enacts administrative reforms to streamline judicial review of campaign finance laws. It directs challenges to the constitutionality or lawfulness of the Federal Election Campaign Act to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, with appeals going to the D.C. Circuit Court. These cases are to be advanced on the docket and expedited to the greatest possible extent. Additionally, Members of Congress are granted the right to intervene in such actions or initiate their own challenges. Title IV, known as the "Stand By Every Ad Act," significantly expands disclaimer requirements for political communications not authorized by candidates or committees. It mandates that audio and video communications, including internet and digital formats, include specific individual or organizational disclosure statements. For communications paid for with campaign-related disbursements, the bill requires the disclosure of Top Five Funders or Top Two Funders lists, or a website link to this information, depending on the communication format and duration. These expanded disclaimer rules also apply to prerecorded telephone calls , treating them as audio communications requiring specific disclosure statements at the beginning of the call. The bill clarifies that these provisions do not expand disclaimer requirements for internet communications to persons not already subject to them under existing law. The amendments in this title are effective for communications made on or after January 1, 2027, and a severability clause ensures the remainder of the Act stands if any provision is found unconstitutional.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.