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Fair Elections Now Act

USA119th CongressHR-9354| House 
| Updated: 6/18/2026
John B. Larson

John B. Larson

Democratic Representative

Connecticut

Committee on House Administration

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the "Fair Elections Now Act," aims to reform the financing of House of Representatives elections by establishing a voluntary public financing system. It addresses concerns that privately financed campaigns create actual or perceived conflicts of interest, diminish accountability to constituents, and allow monied interests to exert disproportionate influence. The legislation seeks to enhance democracy by reducing reliance on large private contributions, thereby fostering more competitive elections and allowing Members to focus more on public responsibilities. Under this system, eligible candidates for the House, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner positions can become participating candidates and receive financial benefits. These benefits include direct allocations from a newly established Fair Elections Fund for primary, runoff, and general elections, with amounts based on a percentage of the national average disbursements by winning candidates. Additionally, participating candidates are entitled to significant matching payments, specifically 500 percent, for qualified small dollar contributions received from residents within their respective states. To qualify for this program, candidates must file a statement of intent and meet specific requirements during a 120-day qualifying period. This involves collecting a minimum number of qualifying contributions from a certain percentage of the voting age population or a fixed dollar amount, totaling at least $50,000. These qualifying contributions must be small, ranging from $5 to $100, and come from in-state residents, accompanied by a signed statement affirming their voluntary nature. Certified participating candidates face strict rules regarding fundraising and expenditures, primarily limiting them to qualifying contributions, small dollar contributions, and funds from the Fair Elections Fund. They are prohibited from using personal funds (except through qualifying contributions) and must participate in at least one primary and two general election debates. Any unspent funds received from the program must be remitted back to the Fair Elections Fund after the election cycle concludes. The Fair Elections Fund is established in the Treasury, comprising appropriations, voluntary contributions, and 50 percent of civil money penalties collected by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). A Fair Elections Oversight Board , composed of five nonpartisan members, is created within the FEC to administer the program, review its effectiveness, and adjust financial thresholds as needed. The bill also mandates electronic filing of all campaign finance reports with the FEC within 24 hours and restricts coordinated party expenditures for participating candidates.
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Timeline
Jun 18, 2026
Introduced in House
Jun 18, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
  • June 18, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • June 18, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Government Operations and Politics

Fair Elections Now Act

USA119th CongressHR-9354| House 
| Updated: 6/18/2026
This bill, known as the "Fair Elections Now Act," aims to reform the financing of House of Representatives elections by establishing a voluntary public financing system. It addresses concerns that privately financed campaigns create actual or perceived conflicts of interest, diminish accountability to constituents, and allow monied interests to exert disproportionate influence. The legislation seeks to enhance democracy by reducing reliance on large private contributions, thereby fostering more competitive elections and allowing Members to focus more on public responsibilities. Under this system, eligible candidates for the House, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner positions can become participating candidates and receive financial benefits. These benefits include direct allocations from a newly established Fair Elections Fund for primary, runoff, and general elections, with amounts based on a percentage of the national average disbursements by winning candidates. Additionally, participating candidates are entitled to significant matching payments, specifically 500 percent, for qualified small dollar contributions received from residents within their respective states. To qualify for this program, candidates must file a statement of intent and meet specific requirements during a 120-day qualifying period. This involves collecting a minimum number of qualifying contributions from a certain percentage of the voting age population or a fixed dollar amount, totaling at least $50,000. These qualifying contributions must be small, ranging from $5 to $100, and come from in-state residents, accompanied by a signed statement affirming their voluntary nature. Certified participating candidates face strict rules regarding fundraising and expenditures, primarily limiting them to qualifying contributions, small dollar contributions, and funds from the Fair Elections Fund. They are prohibited from using personal funds (except through qualifying contributions) and must participate in at least one primary and two general election debates. Any unspent funds received from the program must be remitted back to the Fair Elections Fund after the election cycle concludes. The Fair Elections Fund is established in the Treasury, comprising appropriations, voluntary contributions, and 50 percent of civil money penalties collected by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). A Fair Elections Oversight Board , composed of five nonpartisan members, is created within the FEC to administer the program, review its effectiveness, and adjust financial thresholds as needed. The bill also mandates electronic filing of all campaign finance reports with the FEC within 24 hours and restricts coordinated party expenditures for participating candidates.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jun 18, 2026
Introduced in House
Jun 18, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
  • June 18, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • June 18, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
John B. Larson

John B. Larson

Democratic Representative

Connecticut

Committee on House Administration

Government Operations and Politics

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted