H.R. 9354

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9354 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 9354

To reform the financing of House elections, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 18, 2026

Mr. Larson of Connecticut introduced the following bill; which was 
referred to the Committee on House Administration

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To reform the financing of House elections, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Fair Elections Now 
Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings and declarations.
TITLE I--FAIR ELECTIONS FINANCING OF HOUSE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS

Sec. 101. Benefits and eligibility requirements for House candidates.
``TITLE V--FAIR ELECTIONS FINANCING OF HOUSE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS

``Subtitle A--Benefits

``Sec. 501. Benefits for participating candidates.
``Sec. 502. Allocations from the Fund.
``Sec. 503. Matching payments for certain small dollar 
contributions.
``Subtitle B--Eligibility and Certification

``Sec. 511. Eligibility.
``Sec. 512. Qualifying requirements.
``Sec. 513. Certification.
``Subtitle C--Requirements for Candidates Certified as Participating 
Candidates

``Sec. 521. Contribution, expenditure, and fundraising 
requirements.
``Sec. 522. Debate requirement.
``Sec. 523. Remitting unspent funds after election.
``Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions

``Sec. 531. Fair Elections Fund.
``Sec. 532. Fair Elections Oversight Board.
``Sec. 533. Administration by Commission.
``Sec. 534. Violations and penalties.
``Sec. 535. Election cycle defined.
Sec. 102. Transfer of portion of civil money penalties into Fair 
Elections Fund.
Sec. 103. Prohibiting use of contributions by participating candidates 
for purposes other than campaign for 
election.
Sec. 104. Prohibition on joint fundraising committees.
Sec. 105. Treatment of coordinated expenditures by political party 
committees on behalf of participating 
candidates.
TITLE II--RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION

Sec. 201. Petition for certiorari.
Sec. 202. Filing by all candidates with Commission.
Sec. 203. Electronic filing of FEC reports.
TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 301. Severability.
Sec. 302. Effective date.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS.

(a) Undermining of Democracy by Campaign Contributions From Private 
Sources.--The House of Representatives finds and declares that the 
current system of privately financed campaigns for election to the 
House of Representatives has the capacity, and is often perceived by 
the public, to undermine democracy in the United States by--
(1) creating a culture that fosters actual or perceived 
conflicts of interest, by encouraging Members of the House to 
accept large campaign contributions from private interests that 
are directly affected by Federal legislation;
(2) diminishing or appearing to diminish Members' 
accountability to constituents by compelling legislators to be 
accountable to the major contributors who finance their 
election campaigns;
(3) undermining the meaning of the right to vote by 
allowing monied interests to have a disproportionate and unfair 
influence within the political process;
(4) imposing large, unwarranted costs on taxpayers through 
legislative and regulatory distortions caused by unequal access 
to lawmakers for campaign contributors;
(5) making it difficult for some qualified candidates to 
mount competitive House election campaigns;
(6) disadvantaging challengers and discouraging competitive 
elections, because large campaign contributors tend to donate 
their money to incumbent Members, thus causing House elections 
to be less competitive; and
(7) burdening incumbents with a preoccupation with 
fundraising and thus decreasing the time available to carry out 
their public responsibilities.
(b) Enhancement of Democracy by Providing Allocations From the Fair 
Elections Fund.--The House of Representatives finds and declares that 
providing the option of the replacement of large private campaign 
contributions with allocations from the Fair Elections Fund for all 
primary, runoff, and general elections to the House of Representatives 
would enhance American democracy by--
(1) reducing the actual or perceived conflicts of interest 
created by fully private financing of the election campaigns of 
public officials and restoring public confidence in the 
integrity and fairness of the electoral and legislative 
processes through a program which allows participating 
candidates to adhere to substantially lower contribution limits 
for contributors with an assurance that there will be 
sufficient funds for such candidates to run viable electoral 
campaigns;
(2) increasing the public's confidence in the 
accountability of Members to the constituents who elect them, 
which derives from the program's qualifying criteria to 
participate in the voluntary program and the conclusions that 
constituents may draw regarding candidates who qualify and 
participate in the program;
(3) helping to reduce the ability to make large campaign 
contributions as a determinant of a citizen's influence within 
the political process by facilitating the expression of support 
by voters at every level of wealth, encouraging political 
participation, incentivizing participation on the part of 
Members through the matching of small dollar contributions;
(4) potentially saving taxpayers billions of dollars that 
may be (or that are perceived to be) currently allocated based 
upon legislative and regulatory agendas skewed by the influence 
of campaign contributions;
(5) creating genuine opportunities for all Americans to run 
for the House of Representatives and encouraging more 
competitive elections;
(6) encouraging participation in the electoral process by 
citizens of every level of wealth; and
(7) freeing Members from the incessant preoccupation with 
raising money, and allowing them more time to carry out their 
public responsibilities.

TITLE I--FAIR ELECTIONS FINANCING OF HOUSE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS

SEC. 101. BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR HOUSE CANDIDATES.

The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:

``TITLE V--FAIR ELECTIONS FINANCING OF HOUSE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS

``Subtitle A--Benefits

``SEC. 501. BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES.

``(a) In General.--If a candidate for election to the office of 
Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the 
Congress is a participating candidate under this title with respect to 
an election for such office, the candidate shall be entitled to 
payments under this title, to be used only for authorized expenditures 
in connection with the election.
``(b) Types of Payments.--The payments to which a participating 
candidate is entitled under this section consist of--
``(1) allocations from the Fair Elections Fund, as provided 
in section 502; and
``(2) payments from the Fair Elections Fund to match 
certain small dollar contributions, as provided in section 503.

``SEC. 502. ALLOCATIONS FROM THE FUND.

``(a) Amount of Allocations.--
``(1) Primary election allocation; initial allocation.--
Except as provided in paragraph (6), the Commission shall make 
an allocation from the Fair Elections Fund established under 
section 531 to a candidate who is certified as a participating 
candidate with respect to a primary election in an amount equal 
to 40 percent of the base amount.
``(2) Primary runoff election allocation.--The Commission 
shall make an allocation from the Fund to a candidate who is 
certified as a participating candidate with respect to a 
primary runoff election in an amount equal to 25 percent of the 
amount the participating candidate was eligible to receive 
under this section for the primary election.
``(3) General election allocation.--Except as provided in 
paragraph (6), the Commission shall make an allocation from the 
Fund to a candidate who is certified as a participating 
candidate with respect to a general election in an amount equal 
to 60 percent of the base amount.
``(4) General runoff election allocation.--The Commission 
shall make an allocation from the Fund to a candidate who is 
certified as a participating candidate with respect to a 
general runoff election in an amount equal to 25 percent of the 
base amount.
``(5) Recount allocation.--If the appropriate State or 
local election official conducts a recount of an election, the 
Commission shall make an allocation from the Fund to a 
participating candidate for expenses relating to the recount in 
an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount the participating 
candidate was eligible to receive under this section for the 
election involved.
``(6) Uncontested elections.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a primary or 
general election that is an uncontested election, the 
Commission shall make an allocation from the Fund to a 
participating candidate for such election in an amount 
equal to 25 percent of the allocation for that election 
with respect to such candidate.
``(B) Uncontested election defined.--For purposes 
of this subparagraph, an election is uncontested if not 
more than 1 candidate has campaign funds (including 
payments from the Fund) in an amount equal to or 
greater than 10 percent of the allocation a candidate 
would be entitled to receive under this section for 
that election (determined without regard to this 
paragraph).
``(b) Base Amount.--The base amount is an amount equal to 80 
percent of the national average disbursements of the cycle by winning 
candidates for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident 
Commissioner to, the Congress in the last 2 election cycles.
``(c) Timing; Method of Payment.--
``(1) Timing.--The Commission shall make the allocations 
required under subsection (a) to a participating candidate--
``(A) in the case of amounts provided under 
subsection (a)(1), not later than 48 hours after the 
date on which such candidate is certified as a 
participating candidate under section 513;
``(B) in the case of a general election, not later 
than 48 hours after--
``(i) the date of the certification of the 
results of the primary election or the primary 
runoff election; or
``(ii) in any case in which there is no 
primary election, the date the candidate 
qualifies to be placed on the ballot;
``(C) in the case of a primary runoff election or a 
general runoff election, not later than 48 hours after 
the certification of the results of the primary 
election or the general election, as the case may be; 
and
``(D) in the case of a recount allocation, not 
later than 48 hours after the appropriate State or 
local election official orders the holding of the 
recount.
``(2) Method of payment.--The Commission shall distribute 
funds available to participating candidates under this section 
through the use of an electronic funds exchange or a debit 
card.

``SEC. 503. MATCHING PAYMENTS FOR CERTAIN SMALL DOLLAR CONTRIBUTIONS.

``(a) In General.--The Commission shall pay to each participating 
candidate an amount equal to 500 percent of the amount of qualified 
small dollar contributions received by the candidate from individuals 
who are residents of the State in which such participating candidate is 
seeking election.
``(b) Limitation.--The maximum payment under this section shall be 
the greater of--
``(1) 300 percent of the allocation under paragraphs (1) 
through (4) of section 502(a) for that election with respect to 
such candidate; or
``(2) the percentage of the allocation determined by the 
Commission under section 532(c)(2).
``(c) Time of Payment.--The Commission shall make payments under 
this section not later than 2 business days after the receipt of a 
report made under subsection (d).
``(d) Reports.--
``(1) In general.--Each participating candidate shall file 
reports of receipts of qualified small dollar contributions at 
such times and in such manner as the Commission may by 
regulations prescribe.
``(2) Contents of reports.--Each report under this 
subsection shall disclose--
``(A) the amount of each qualified small dollar 
contribution received by the candidate;
``(B) the amount of each qualified small dollar 
contribution received by the candidate from a resident 
of the State in which the candidate is seeking 
election; and
``(C) the name, address, and occupation of each 
individual who made a qualified small dollar 
contribution to the candidate.
``(3) Frequency of reports.--Reports under this subsection 
shall be made no more frequently than--
``(A) once every month until the date that is 90 
days before the date of the election;
``(B) once every week after the period described in 
subparagraph (A) and until the date that is 21 days 
before the election; and
``(C) once every day after the period described in 
subparagraph (B).
``(4) Limitation on regulations.--The Commission may not 
prescribe any regulations with respect to reporting under this 
subsection with respect to any election after the date that is 
180 days before the date of such election.
``(e) Appeals.--The Commission shall provide a written explanation 
with respect to any denial of any payment under this section and shall 
provide for the opportunity for review and reconsideration within 5 
business days of such denial.
``(f) Qualified Small Dollar Contribution Defined.--The term 
`qualified small dollar contribution' means, with respect to a 
participating candidate, any contribution (or a series of 
contributions)--
``(1) which is not a qualifying contribution (or does not 
include a qualifying contribution);
``(2) which is made by an individual who is not prohibited 
from making a contribution under this Act; and
``(3) the aggregate amount of which does not exceed the 
greater of--
``(A) $100 per election; or
``(B) the amount determined by the Fair Elections 
Oversight Board under section 532(c)(2).

``Subtitle B--Eligibility and Certification

``SEC. 511. ELIGIBILITY.

``(a) In General.--A candidate for the office of Representative in, 
or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress is eligible to be 
certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to 
an election if the candidate meets the following requirements:
``(1) During the election cycle for the office involved, 
the candidate files with the Commission a statement of intent 
to seek certification as a participating candidate.
``(2) The candidate meets the qualifying requirements of 
section 512.
``(3) Not later than the last day of the Fair Elections 
qualifying period, the candidate files with the Commission an 
affidavit signed by the candidate and the treasurer of the 
candidate's principal campaign committee declaring that the 
candidate--
``(A) has complied and, if certified, will comply 
with the contribution and expenditure requirements of 
section 521;
``(B) if certified, will comply with the debate 
requirements of section 522;
``(C) if certified, will run only as a 
participating candidate for all elections for the 
office that such candidate is seeking during the 
election cycle; and
``(D) has either qualified or will take steps to 
qualify under State law to be on the ballot.
``(b) General Election.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a 
candidate shall not be eligible to receive an allocation from the Fund 
for a general election or a general runoff election unless the 
candidate's party nominated the candidate to be placed on the ballot 
for the general election or the candidate is otherwise qualified to be 
on the ballot under State law.
``(c) Fair Elections Qualifying Period Defined.--The term `Fair 
Elections qualifying period' means, with respect to any candidate for 
the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner 
to, the Congress, the 120-day period (during the election cycle for 
such office) which begins on the date on which the candidate files a 
statement of intent under section 511(a)(1), except that such period 
may not continue after the date that is 60 days before--
``(1) the date of the primary election; or
``(2) in the case of a State that does not hold a primary 
election, the date prescribed by State law as the last day to 
qualify for a position on the general election ballot.

``SEC. 512. QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS.

``(a) Receipt of Qualifying Contributions.--A candidate for the 
office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, 
the Congress meets the requirement of this section if, during the Fair 
Elections qualifying period described in section 511(c), the candidate 
obtains--
``(1) a single qualifying contribution from a number of 
individuals equal to or greater than the lesser of--
``(A) .25 percent of the voting age population of 
the State involved (as reported in the most recent 
decennial census); or
``(B) $1,500; and
``(2) a total dollar amount of qualifying contributions 
equal to or greater than $50,000.
``(b) Requirements Relating to Receipt of Qualifying 
Contribution.--Each qualifying contribution--
``(1) may be made by means of a personal check, money 
order, debit card, credit card, or electronic payment account;
``(2) shall be accompanied by a signed statement 
containing--
``(A) the contributor's name and the contributor's 
address in the State in which the primary residence of 
the contributor is located; and
``(B) an oath declaring that the contributor--
``(i) understands that the purpose of the 
qualifying contribution is to show support for 
the candidate so that the candidate may qualify 
for Fair Elections financing;
``(ii) is making the contribution in his or 
her own name and from his or her own funds;
``(iii) has made the contribution 
willingly; and
``(iv) has not received anything of value 
in return for the contribution; and
``(3) shall be acknowledged by a receipt that is sent to 
the contributor with a copy kept by the candidate for the 
Commission and a copy kept by the candidate for the election 
authorities in the State with respect to which the candidate is 
seeking election.
``(c) Verification of Qualifying Contributions.--The Commission 
shall establish procedures for the auditing and verification of 
qualifying contributions to ensure that such contributions meet the 
requirements of this section.
``(d) Prohibiting Payment on Commission Basis of Individuals 
Collecting Qualifying Contributions.--No person may be paid a 
commission on a per qualifying contribution basis for collecting 
qualifying contributions.
``(e) Qualifying Contribution Defined.--In this section, the term 
`qualifying contribution' means, with respect to a candidate, a 
contribution that--
``(1) is in an amount that is--
``(A) not less than the greater of $5 or the amount 
determined by the Commission under section 532(c)(2); 
and
``(B) not more than the greater of $100 or the 
amount determined by the Commission under section 
532(c)(2);
``(2) is made by an individual--
``(A) who has a primary residence in the State in 
which such Candidate is seeking election; and
``(B) who is not otherwise prohibited from making a 
contribution under this Act;
``(3) is made during the Fair Elections qualifying period 
described in section 511(c); and
``(4) meets the requirements of subsection (b).

``SEC. 513. CERTIFICATION.

``(a) Deadline and Notification.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 5 days after a candidate 
files an affidavit under section 511(a)(3), the Commission 
shall--
``(A) determine whether or not the candidate meets 
the requirements for certification as a participating 
candidate;
``(B) if the Commission determines that the 
candidate meets such requirements, certify the 
candidate as a participating candidate; and
``(C) notify the candidate of the Commission's 
determination.
``(2) Deemed certification for all elections in election 
cycle.--If the Commission certifies a candidate as a 
participating candidate with respect to the first election of 
the election cycle involved, the Commissioner shall be deemed 
to have certified the candidate as a participating candidate 
with respect to all subsequent elections of the election cycle.
``(b) Revocation of Certification.--
``(1) In general.--The Commission may revoke a 
certification under subsection (a) if--
``(A) a candidate fails to qualify to appear on the 
ballot at any time after the date of certification 
(other than a candidate certified as a participating 
candidate with respect to a primary election who fails 
to qualify to appear on the ballot for a subsequent 
election in that election cycle); or
``(B) a candidate otherwise fails to comply with 
the requirements of this title, including any 
regulatory requirements prescribed by the Commission.
``(2) Repayment of benefits.--If certification is revoked 
under paragraph (1), the candidate shall repay to the Fair 
Elections Fund established under section 531 an amount equal to 
the value of benefits received under this title with respect to 
the election cycle involved plus interest (at a rate determined 
by the Commission) on any such amount received.
``(c) Participating Candidate Defined.--In this title, a 
`participating candidate' means a candidate for the office of 
Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the 
Congress who is certified under this section as eligible to receive 
benefits under this title.

``Subtitle C--Requirements for Candidates Certified as Participating 
Candidates

``SEC. 521. CONTRIBUTION, EXPENDITURE, AND FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS.

``(a) Contributions.--
``(1) Permitted sources of contributions.--Except as 
provided in subsection (c), a candidate who is certified as a 
participating candidate with respect to an election shall, with 
respect to all elections occurring during the election cycle 
for the office involved, accept no contributions from any 
source (including an unexpended contribution received by the 
candidate with respect to a previous election or a contribution 
made by any political committee or multicandidate committee) 
other than--
``(A) qualifying contributions described in section 
512;
``(B) qualified small dollar contributions 
described in section 503;
``(C) allocations under section 502; and
``(D) payments under section 503.
``(2) Contributions for leadership and related pacs.--A 
political committee of a participating candidate which is not 
an authorized committee of such candidate may accept 
contributions other than contributions described in paragraph 
(1) from any person if--
``(A) the aggregate amount of the contributions 
from such person for any election during the election 
cycle does not exceed $100; and
``(B) no portion of such contributions is disbursed 
in connection with the campaign of the participating 
candidate.
``(b) Expenditures.--
``(1) Permitted sources for expenditures.--Except as 
provided in subsection (c), a candidate who is certified as a 
participating candidate with respect to an election shall, with 
respect to all elections occurring during the election cycle 
for the office involved--
``(A) make no expenditures from any amounts other 
than--
``(i) qualifying contributions described in 
section 512;
``(ii) qualified small dollar contributions 
described in section 503;
``(iii) allocations under section 502; and
``(iv) payments under section 503; and
``(B) make no expenditures from personal funds or 
the funds of any immediate family member of the 
candidate (other than funds received through qualified 
small dollar contributions and qualifying 
contributions).
``(2) Immediate family member defined.--In paragraph 
(1)(B), the term `immediate family' means, with respect to a 
candidate--
``(A) the candidate's spouse;
``(B) a child, stepchild, parent, grandparent, 
brother, half-brother, sister, or half-sister of the 
candidate or the candidate's spouse; and
``(C) the spouse of any person described in 
subparagraph (B).
``(c) Exceptions.--
``(1) Exception for contributions received prior to filing 
of statement of intent.--A candidate who has accepted 
contributions that are not qualified small dollar 
contributions, qualifying contributions, or contributions 
described in paragraph (a)(2) prior to the date the candidate 
files a statement of intent under section 511(a)(1) is not in 
violation of subsection (a), but only if all such contributions 
are--
``(A) returned to the contributor;
``(B) submitted to the Commission for deposit in 
the Fair Elections Fund established under section 531; 
or
``(C) spent in accordance with paragraph (2).
``(2) Exception for expenditures made prior to filing of 
statement of intent.--If a candidate has made expenditures 
prior to the date the candidate files a statement of intent 
under section 511(a)(1) that the candidate is prohibited from 
making under subsection (b), the candidate is not in violation 
of such subsection if the aggregate amount of the prohibited 
expenditures is less than 20 percent of the amount of an 
initial allocation to a candidate under section 502(a)(1).
``(3) Exception for campaign surpluses from a previous 
election.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), unexpended 
contributions received by the candidate or an authorized 
committee of the candidate with respect to a previous election 
may be retained, but only if the candidate places the funds in 
escrow and refrains from raising additional funds for or 
spending funds from that account during the election cycle in 
which a candidate is a participating candidate.
``(4) Exception for contributions received before the 
effective date of this title.--Contributions received and 
expenditures made by the candidate or an authorized committee 
of the candidate prior to the effective date of this title 
shall not constitute a violation of subsection (a) or (b). 
Unexpended contributions shall be treated the same as campaign 
surpluses under paragraph (3), and expenditures made shall 
count against the limit in paragraph (2).
``(d) Special Rule for Coordinated Party Expenditures.--For 
purposes of this section, a payment made by a political party in 
coordination with a participating candidate shall not be treated as a 
contribution to or as an expenditure made by the participating 
candidate.

``SEC. 522. DEBATE REQUIREMENT.

``A candidate who is certified as a participating candidate with 
respect to an election shall, during the election cycle for the office 
involved, participate in at least--
``(1) 1 public debate before the primary election with 
other participating candidates and other willing candidates 
from the same party and seeking the same nomination as such 
candidate; and
``(2) 2 public debates before the general election with 
other participating candidates and other willing candidates 
seeking the same office as such candidate.

``SEC. 523. REMITTING UNSPENT FUNDS AFTER ELECTION.

``(a) In General.--Not later than the date that is 60 days after 
the last election for which a candidate certified as a participating 
candidate qualifies to be on the ballot during the election cycle 
involved, such participating candidate shall remit to the Commission 
for deposit in the Fair Elections Fund established under section 531 an 
amount equal to the lesser of--
``(1) the amount of money in the candidate's campaign 
account; or
``(2) the sum of the allocations received by the candidate 
under section 502 and the payments received by the candidate 
under section 503.
``(b) Exception for Expenditures Incurred but Not Paid as of Date 
of Remittance.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (a), a candidate 
may withhold from the amount required to be remitted under 
paragraph (1) of such subsection the amount of any authorized 
expenditures which were incurred in connection with the 
candidate's campaign but which remain unpaid as of the deadline 
applicable to the candidate under such subsection, except that 
any amount withheld pursuant to this paragraph shall be 
remitted to the Commission not later than 120 days after the 
date of the election to which such subsection applies.
``(2) Documentation required.--A candidate may withhold an 
amount of an expenditure pursuant to paragraph (1) only if the 
candidate submits documentation of the expenditure and the 
amount to the Commission not later than the deadline applicable 
to the candidate under subsection (a).

``Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions

``SEC. 531. FAIR ELECTIONS FUND.

``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury a fund 
to be known as the `Fair Elections Fund'.
``(b) Amounts Held by Fund.--The Fund shall consist of the 
following amounts:
``(1) Appropriated amounts.--Amounts appropriated to the 
Fund, including trust fund amounts appropriated pursuant to 
applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
``(2) Voluntary contributions.--Voluntary contributions to 
the Fund.
``(3) Transfers resulting from payment of civil 
penalties.--Amounts transferred into the Fund pursuant to 
section 309(a)(13).
``(4) Other deposits.--Amounts deposited into the Fund 
under--
``(A) section 521(a)(3) (relating to exceptions to 
contribution requirements);
``(B) section 523 (relating to remittance of 
allocations from the Fund);
``(C) section 534 (relating to violations); and
``(D) any other section of this Act.
``(5) Investment returns.--Interest on, and the proceeds 
from, the sale or redemption of, any obligations held by the 
Fund under subsection (c).
``(c) Investment.--The Commission shall invest portions of the Fund 
in obligations of the United States in the same manner as provided 
under section 9602(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
``(d) Use of Fund.--
``(1) In general.--The sums in the Fund shall be used to 
provide benefits to participating candidates as provided in 
subtitle A.
``(2) Insufficient amounts.--Under regulations established 
by the Commission, rules similar to the rules of section 
9006(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall apply.

``SEC. 532. FAIR ELECTIONS OVERSIGHT BOARD.

``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Federal 
Election Commission an entity to be known as the `Fair Elections 
Oversight Board'.
``(b) Structure and Membership.--
``(1) In general.--The Board shall be composed of 5 members 
appointed by the President, of whom--
``(A) 2 shall be appointed after consultation with 
the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives;
``(B) 2 shall be appointed after consultation with 
the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; 
and
``(C) 1 shall be appointed upon the recommendation 
of the members appointed under subparagraphs (A) and 
(B).
``(2) Qualifications.--
``(A) In general.--The members shall be individuals 
who are nonpartisan and, by reason of their education, 
experience, and attainments, exceptionally qualified to 
perform the duties of members of the Board.
``(B) Prohibition.--No member of the Board may be--
``(i) an employee of the Federal 
Government;
``(ii) a registered lobbyist or an 
individual who was a registered lobbyist at any 
time during the 2-year period preceding 
appointment to the Board; or
``(iii) an officer or employee of a 
political party or political campaign.
``(3) Date.--Members of the Board shall be appointed not 
later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
``(4) Terms.--A member of the Board shall be appointed for 
a term of 5 years.
``(5) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Board shall be filled 
not later than 30 calendar days after the date on which the 
Board is given notice of the vacancy, in the same manner as the 
original appointment. The individual appointed to fill the 
vacancy shall serve only for the unexpired portion of the term 
for which the individual's predecessor was appointed.
``(6) Chairperson.--The Board shall designate a Chairperson 
from among the members of the Board.
``(c) Duties and Powers.--
``(1) Administration.--The Board shall have such duties and 
powers as the Commission may prescribe, including the power to 
administer the provisions of this title.
``(2) Review of fair elections financing.--
``(A) In general.--After each regularly scheduled 
general election for Federal office, the Board shall 
conduct a comprehensive review of the Fair Elections 
financing program under this title, including--
``(i) the maximum dollar amount of 
qualified small dollar contributions under 
section 503(f);
``(ii) the maximum and minimum dollar 
amounts for qualifying contributions under 
section 512(d);
``(iii) the number and value of qualifying 
contributions a candidate is required to obtain 
under section 512(a) to be eligible for 
certification as a participating candidate;
``(iv) the amount of allocations that 
candidates may receive under section 502;
``(v) the maximum amount of payments a 
candidate may receive under section 503;
``(vi) the overall satisfaction of 
participating candidates and the American 
public with the program; and
``(vii) such other matters relating to 
financing of the House of Representatives 
campaigns as the Board determines are 
appropriate.
``(B) Criteria for review.--In conducting the 
review under subparagraph (A), the Board shall consider 
the following:
``(i) Qualifying contributions and 
qualified small dollar contributions.--The 
Board shall consider whether the number and 
dollar amount of qualifying contributions 
required and maximum dollar amount for such 
qualifying contributions and qualified small 
dollar contributions strikes a balance 
regarding the importance of voter involvement, 
the need to assure adequate incentives for 
participating, and fiscal responsibility, 
taking into consideration the number of primary 
and general election participating candidates, 
the electoral performance of those candidates, 
program cost, and any other information the 
Board determines is appropriate.
``(ii) Review of program benefits.--The 
Board shall consider whether the totality of 
the amount of funds allowed to be raised by 
participating candidates (including through 
qualifying contributions and small dollar 
contributions), allocations under section 502, 
and payments under section 503 are sufficient 
for voters in each State to learn about the 
candidates to cast an informed vote, taking 
into account the historic amount of spending by 
winning candidates, media costs, primary 
election dates, and any other information the 
Board determines is appropriate.
``(C) Adjustment of amounts.--
``(i) In general.--Based on the review 
conducted under subparagraph (A), the Board 
shall provide for the adjustments of the 
following amounts:
``(I) the maximum dollar amount of 
qualified small dollar contributions 
under section 503(f);
``(II) the maximum and minimum 
dollar amounts for qualifying 
contributions under section 512(d);
``(III) the number and value of 
qualifying contributions a candidate is 
required to obtain under section 512(a) 
to be eligible for certification as a 
participating candidate;
``(IV) the base amount for 
candidates under section 502(b); and
``(V) the maximum amount of 
matching contributions a candidate may 
receive under section 503(b).
``(ii) Regulations.--The Commission shall 
promulgate regulations providing for the 
adjustments made by the Board under clause (i).
``(D) Report.--Not later than March 30 following 
any general election for Federal office, the Board 
shall submit a report to Congress on the review 
conducted under paragraph (1). Such report shall 
contain a detailed statement of the findings, 
conclusions, and recommendations of the Board based on 
such review.
``(d) Meetings and Hearings.--
``(1) Meetings.--The Board may hold such hearings, sit and 
act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive 
such evidence as the Board considers advisable to carry out the 
purposes of this Act.
``(2) Quorum.--Three members of the Board shall constitute 
a quorum for purposes of voting, but a quorum is not required 
for members to meet and hold hearings.
``(e) Reports.--Not later than March 30, 2027, and every 2 years 
thereafter, the Board shall submit to the Committee on House 
Administration of the House of Representatives a report documenting, 
evaluating, and making recommendations relating to the administrative 
implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this title.
``(f) Administration.--
``(1) Compensation of members.--
``(A) In general.--Each member, other than the 
Chairperson, shall be paid at a rate equal to the daily 
equivalent of the minimum annual rate of basic pay 
prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under 
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
``(B) Chairperson.--The Chairperson shall be paid 
at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the minimum 
annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level III of 
the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, 
United States Code.
``(2) Personnel.--
``(A) Director.--The Board shall have a staff 
headed by an Executive Director. The Executive Director 
shall be paid at a rate equivalent to a rate 
established for the Senior Executive Service under 
section 5382 of title 5, United States Code.
``(B) Staff appointment.--With the approval of the 
Chairperson, the Executive Director may appoint such 
personnel as the Executive Director and the Board 
determines to be appropriate.
``(C) Experts and consultants.--With the approval 
of the Chairperson, the Executive Director may procure 
temporary and intermittent services under section 
3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.
``(D) Detail of government employees.--Upon the 
request of the Chairperson, the head of any Federal 
agency may detail, without reimbursement, any of the 
personnel of such agency to the Board to assist in 
carrying out the duties of the Board. Any such detail 
shall not interrupt or otherwise affect the civil 
service status or privileges of the Federal employee.
``(E) Other resources.--The Board shall have 
reasonable access to materials, resources, statistical 
data, and other information from the Library of 
Congress and other agencies of the executive and 
legislative branches of the Federal Government. The 
Chairperson of the Board shall make requests for such 
access in writing when necessary.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of 
this subtitle.

``SEC. 533. ADMINISTRATION BY COMMISSION.

``The Commission shall prescribe regulations to carry out the 
purposes of this title, including regulations--
``(1) to establish procedures for--
``(A) verifying the amount of valid qualifying 
contributions with respect to a candidate;
``(B) effectively and efficiently monitoring and 
enforcing the limits on the raising of qualified small 
dollar contributions;
``(C) effectively and efficiently monitoring and 
enforcing the limits on the use of personal funds by 
participating candidates; and
``(D) monitoring the use of allocations from the 
Fair Elections Fund established under section 531 and 
matching contributions under this title through audits 
of not fewer than \1/3\ of all participating candidates 
or other mechanisms; and
``(2) regarding the conduct of debates in a manner 
consistent with the best practices of States that provide 
public financing for elections.

``SEC. 534. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES.

``(a) Civil Penalty for Violation of Contribution and Expenditure 
Requirements.--If a candidate who has been certified as a participating 
candidate accepts a contribution or makes an expenditure that is 
prohibited under section 521, the Commission shall assess a civil 
penalty against the candidate in an amount that is not more than 3 
times the amount of the contribution or expenditure. Any amounts 
collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the Fair 
Elections Fund established under section 531.
``(b) Repayment for Improper Use of Fair Elections Fund.--
``(1) In general.--If the Commission determines that any 
benefit made available to a participating candidate was not 
used as provided for in this title or that a participating 
candidate has violated any of the dates for remission of funds 
contained in this title, the Commission shall so notify the 
candidate and the candidate shall pay to the Fund an amount 
equal to--
``(A) the amount of benefits so used or not 
remitted, as appropriate; and
``(B) interest on any such amounts (at a rate 
determined by the Commission).
``(2) Other action not precluded.--Any action by the 
Commission in accordance with this subsection shall not 
preclude enforcement proceedings by the Commission in 
accordance with section 309(a), including a referral by the 
Commission to the Attorney General in the case of an apparent 
knowing and willful violation of this title.

``SEC. 535. ELECTION CYCLE DEFINED.

``In this title, the term `election cycle' means, with respect to 
an election for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or 
Resident Commissioner to, the Congress, the period beginning on the day 
after the date of the most recent general election for that office (or, 
if the general election resulted in a runoff election, the date of the 
runoff election) and ending on the date of the next general election 
for that office (or, if the general election resulted in a runoff 
election, the date of the runoff election).''.

SEC. 102. TRANSFER OF PORTION OF CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES INTO FAIR 
ELECTIONS FUND.

Section 309(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 
U.S.C. 437g(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(13) Upon receipt in the General Fund of the Treasury of any 
payment attributable to a civil money penalty imposed under this 
subsection, there shall be transferred to the Fair Elections Fund 
established under section 531 an amount equal to 50 percent of the 
amount of such payment.''.

SEC. 103. PROHIBITING USE OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES 
FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN CAMPAIGN FOR ELECTION.

Section 313 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 
439a) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Restrictions on Permitted Uses of Funds by Candidates 
Receiving Fair Elections Financing.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (2), 
(3), or (4) of subsection (a), if a candidate for election for the 
office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, 
the Congress is certified as a participating candidate under title V 
with respect to the election, any contribution which the candidate is 
permitted to accept under such title may be used only for authorized 
expenditures in connection with the candidate's campaign for such 
office.''.

SEC. 104. PROHIBITION ON JOINT FUNDRAISING COMMITTEES.

Section 302(e) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 
U.S.C. 432(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(6) No authorized committee of a candidate may establish 
a joint fundraising committee with a political committee other 
than an authorized committee of a candidate.''.

SEC. 105. TREATMENT OF COORDINATED EXPENDITURES BY POLITICAL PARTY 
COMMITTEES ON BEHALF OF PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES.

(a) Revision of Limitations.--Section 315(d)(3) of the Federal 
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(d)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as 
subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
(2) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as redesignated 
by paragraph (1), the following new subparagraph:
``(A) in the case of a candidate for election to 
the office of Representative in, or Delegate or 
Resident Commissioner to, the Congress who is certified 
as a participating candidate under title V, the lesser 
of--
``(i) 10 percent of the allocation that the 
participating candidate is eligible to receive 
for the general election under section 502(a); 
or
``(ii) the amount which would (but for this 
subparagraph) apply with respect to such 
candidate under subparagraph (B);''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 315(d)(3) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 
441a(d)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated by subsection 
(a)), by inserting ``who is not certified as a participating 
candidate under title V'' after ``only one Representative''; 
and
(2) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by subsection 
(a)), by inserting ``who is not certified as a participating 
candidate under title V'' after ``any other State''.

TITLE II--RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION

SEC. 201. PETITION FOR CERTIORARI.

Section 307(a)(6) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 
U.S.C. 437d(a)(6)) is amended by inserting ``(including a proceeding 
before the Supreme Court on certiorari)'' after ``appeal''.

SEC. 202. FILING BY ALL CANDIDATES WITH COMMISSION.

Section 302(g) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 
U.S.C. 432(g)) is amended to read as follows:
``(g) Filing With the Commission.--All designations, 
statements, and reports required to be filed under this Act 
shall be filed with the Commission.''.

SEC. 203. ELECTRONIC FILING OF FEC REPORTS.

Section 304(a)(11) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 
U.S.C. 434(a)(11)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``under this Act--'' 
and all that follows and inserting ``under this Act shall be 
required to maintain and file such designation, statement, or 
report in electronic form accessible by computers.'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``48 hours'' and all 
that follows through ``filed electronically)'' and inserting 
``24 hours''; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (D).

TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 301. SEVERABILITY.

If any provision of this Act or amendment made by this Act, or the 
application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance, 
is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act and 
amendments made by this Act, and the application of the provisions and 
amendment to any person or circumstance, shall not be affected by the 
holding.

SEC. 302. EFFECTIVE DATE.

Except as otherwise provided for in this Act, this Act and the 
amendments made by this Act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.
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