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Explanation of H.R. 2977 - DISCLOSE Act of 2019
Explanation of H.R. 2977 - DISCLOSE Act of 2019
The "Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2019", or the "DISCLOSE Act of 2019", is a proposed amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. It targets greater transparency and accountability in political campaign spending.
Main Objectives
- Introduce additional disclosure requirements for corporations, labor organizations, Super PACs, and other entities involved in political spending.
- Enhance transparency by ensuring that these organizations disclose the source and amount of their funding, especially those spending large sums on political campaigns.
Key Provisions
Title I - DISCLOSE Act
Regulation of Certain Political Spending
- Foreign Influence: Prohibits foreign nationals from participating in U.S. election-related activities, including managing spending decisions and influencing ballot initiatives.
- Audit and Reporting: Mandates regular audits and reports to ensure compliance with these regulations, particularly to monitor illicit foreign money in elections.
Reporting of Campaign-Related Disbursements
- Increased Transparency: Organizations must report campaign-related financial activities, providing details about donors and the amounts contributed.
- Timely Disclosure: Requires prompt disclosure of significant campaign-related expenditure, helping voters understand who is funding election campaigns.
Title II - Stand By Every Ad Act
- Ad Transparency: Expands disclosure rules for political ads, requiring funding sources to be prominently displayed or stated in ads, which include video, audio formats, and prerecorded calls.
- Applicability: The extended ad disclaimer requirements do not affect internet communications from entities that are not already subject to these requirements.
Title III - Other Provisions
- Severability Clause: Ensures that if any part of the act is found unconstitutional, the remaining sections still stand.
The main goal of the DISCLOSE Act of 2019 is to ensure greater transparency and prevent undue foreign influence in American elections by regulating and disclosing the financial sources behind election campaigns. This Act aims to enable voters to make informed decisions by knowing who is funding election-related activities.
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