Bill > S1562

This bill amends 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. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring authorized campaign committees and candidates to notify the Federal Election Commission within one week of any "reportable foreign contact" (defined as any direct or indirect contact or communication between a campaign representative and a foreign national that involves contributions, donations, expenditures, coordination, or information sharing). 2. Mandating that authorized campaign committees establish policies for reporting and retaining records related to reportable foreign contacts, and that candidates certify the existence of such policies. 3. Imposing criminal penalties of up to $500,000 and 5 years in prison for knowingly and willfully violating the reporting requirements, as well as penalties of up to $1,000,000 and 5 years in prison for concealing or destroying materials related to reportable foreign contacts. The bill includes a rule of construction to ensure it does not impede legitimate journalistic activities or impose additional limitations on the political expression of non-US citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/1562/all-info