[Congressional Bills 104th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 116 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







104th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                 S. 116

  To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for a 
  voluntary system of spending limits and partial public financing of 
      Senate primary and general election campaigns, to prohibit 
    participation in Federal elections by multicandidate political 
 committees, to establish a $100 limit on individual contributions to 
                  candidates, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            January 4, 1995

 Mr. Wellstone introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
           referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
  To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for a 
  voluntary system of spending limits and partial public financing of 
      Senate primary and general election campaigns, to prohibit 
    participation in Federal elections by multicandidate political 
 committees, to establish a $100 limit on individual contributions to 
                  candidates, 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; AMENDMENT OF CAMPAIGN ACT; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Senate Fair 
Elections and Grassroots Democracy Act of 1995''.
    (b) Amendment of FECA.--When used in this Act, the term ``FECA'' 
means the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.).
    (c) Table of Contents.--

Sec. 1. Short title; amendment of Campaign Act; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings and declarations of the Senate.
          TITLE I--CONTROL OF CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN SPENDING

   Subtitle A--Senate Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits

Sec. 101. Senate spending limits and benefits.
Sec. 102. Ban on activities of political action committees in Federal 
                            elections.
Sec. 103. Reporting requirements.
Sec. 104. Disclosure by noneligible candidates.
Sec. 105. Free broadcast time.
                     Subtitle B--General Provisions

Sec. 131. Extension of reduced third-class mailing rates to eligible 
                            Senate committees.
Sec. 132. Reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures.
Sec. 133. Campaign advertising amendments.
Sec. 134. Definitions.
Sec. 135. Provisions relating to franked mass mailings.
                   TITLE II--INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES

Sec. 201. Clarification of definitions relating to independent 
                            expenditures.
                        TITLE III--EXPENDITURES

                   Subtitle A--Personal Loans; Credit

Sec. 301. Personal contributions and loans.
Sec. 302. Extensions of credit.
   Subtitle B--Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties

Sec. 311. Contributions to political party committees for grassroots 
                            Federal election campaign activities.
Sec. 312. Provisions relating to National, State, and local party 
                            committees.
Sec. 313. Restrictions on fundraising by candidates and officeholders.
Sec. 314. Reporting requirements.
Sec. 315. Limitations on combined political activities of political 
                            committees of political parties.
                        TITLE IV--CONTRIBUTIONS

Sec. 401. Reduction of contribution limits.
Sec. 402. Contributions through intermediaries and conduits; 
                            prohibition of certain contributions by 
                            lobbyists.
Sec. 403. Contributions by dependents not of voting age.
Sec. 404. Contributions to candidates from State and local committees 
                            of political parties to be aggregated.
Sec. 405. Limited exclusion of advances by campaign workers from the 
                            definition of the term ``contribution''.
                    TITLE V--REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 501. Change in certain reporting from a calendar year basis to an 
                            election cycle basis.
Sec. 502. Personal and consulting services.
Sec. 503. Reduction in threshold for reporting of certain information 
                            by persons other than political committees.
Sec. 504. Computerized indices of contributions.
                     TITLE VI--PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES

Sec. 601. Findings and purposes.
Sec. 602. Presidential and vice presidential candidate debates.
                        TITLE VII--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 701. Prohibition of leadership committees.
Sec. 702. Polling data contributed to candidates.
              TITLE VIII--EFFECTIVE DATES; AUTHORIZATIONS

Sec. 801. Effective date.
Sec. 802. Sense of the Senate regarding funding of Senate Election 
                            Campaign Fund.
Sec. 803. Severability.
Sec. 804. Expedited review of constitutional issues.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS OF THE SENATE.

    (a) Necessity for Spending Limits.--The Senate finds and declares 
that--
            (1) the current system of campaign finance has led to 
        public perceptions that political contributions and their 
        solicitation have unduly influenced the official conduct of 
        elected officials;
            (2) permitting candidates for Federal office to raise and 
        spend unlimited amounts of money constitutes a fundamental flaw 
        in the current system of campaign finance; it has undermined 
        public respect for the Congress as an institution and has given 
        large private contributors undue influence with respect to 
        public policymaking by the Congress;
            (3) the failure to limit campaign expenditures has driven 
        up the cost of election campaigns and made it difficult for 
        qualified candidates without personal fortunes or access to 
        large contributors to mount competitive congressional 
        campaigns;
            (4) the failure to limit campaign expenditures has caused 
        individuals elected to the Senate to spend an increasing 
        proportion of their time in office as elected officials raising 
        funds, interfering with the ability of the Senate to carry out 
        its constitutional responsibilities;
            (5) the failure to limit campaign expenditures has damaged 
        the Senate as an institution, due to the time lost to raising 
        funds for campaigns;
            (6) to prevent the appearance of corruption and to restore 
        public trust in the Senate as an institution, it is necessary 
        to limit campaign expenditures, through a system that provides 
        substantial public benefits to candidates who agree to limit 
        campaign expenditures; and
            (7) serious and thoroughgoing reform of Federal election 
        law that imposes strict new rules on spending and contributions 
        would--
                    (A) help eliminate access to wealth as a 
                determinant of a citizen's influence in the political 
                process;
                    (B) help to restore meaning to the principle of 
                ``one person, one vote'';
                    (C) produce more competitive Federal elections; and
                    (D) halt and reverse the escalating cost of Federal 
                elections.
    (b) Necessity for Prohibition of Political Action Committees.--The 
Senate finds and declares that--
            (1) contributions by political action committees to 
        individual candidates have created the perception that 
        candidates are beholden to special interests, and leave 
        candidates open to charges of corruption;
            (2) contributions by political action committees to 
        individual candidates have undermined the Senate as an 
        institution; and
            (3) to prevent the appearance of corruption and to restore 
        public trust in the Senate as an institution, it is necessary 
        to ban participation by political action committees in Federal 
        elections.
    (c) Necessity for Attributing Cooperative Expenditures to 
Candidates.--The Senate finds and declares that--
            (1) public confidence and trust in the system of campaign 
        finance would be undermined should any candidate be able to 
        circumvent a system of caps on expenditures through cooperative 
        expenditures with outside individuals, groups, or 
        organizations;
            (2) cooperative expenditures by candidates with outside 
        individuals, groups, or organizations would severely undermine 
        the effectiveness of caps on campaign expenditures, unless they 
        are included within such caps; and
            (3) to maintain the integrity of the system of campaign 
        finance, expenditures by any individual, group, or organization 
        that have been made in cooperation with any candidate, 
        authorized committee, or agent of any candidate must be 
        attributed to that candidate's cap on campaign expenditures.
    (d) Necessity For Providing Substantial Public Financing for Senate 
Elections.--The Senate finds and declares that the replacement of 
private campaign contributions with partial or complete public 
financing for Senate elections would enhance American democracy by 
eliminating real and potential conflicts of interest and increasing the 
accountability of Members of Congress, thereby helping to restore 
public confidence in the fairness of the electoral and policymaking 
processes.

          TITLE I--CONTROL OF CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN SPENDING

   Subtitle A--Senate Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits

SEC. 101. SENATE SPENDING LIMITS AND BENEFITS.

    (a) In General.--FECA is amended by adding at the end the following 
new title:

    ``TITLE V--EXPENDITURE LIMITS AND BENEFITS FOR SENATE ELECTION 
                               CAMPAIGNS

``SEC. 501. ELIGIBILITY.

    ``(a) In General.--For purposes of this title, a candidate is an 
eligible Senate candidate if--
            ``(1) the candidate and the candidate's authorized 
        committees meet the threshold contribution and ballot access 
        requirements of subsection (b);
            ``(2) the candidate and the candidate's authorized 
        committees do not make expenditures from personal funds in an 
        amount that exceeds the personal funds expenditure limit except 
        as permitted under section 502(e);
            ``(3) the candidate and the candidate's authorized 
        committees do not make expenditures in excess of the primary 
        election expenditure limit, the runoff election expenditure 
        limit, or the general election expenditure limit except as 
        permitted under section 502(e);
            ``(4) the candidate and the candidate's authorized 
        committees--
                    ``(A) do not accept contributions for the primary 
                or runoff election in an amount that exceed the primary 
                election expenditure limit or the runoff election 
                expenditure limit except as permitted under section 
                503(e); and
                    ``(B) do not accept contributions for the general 
                election except as permitted under section 503(e);
            ``(5) the candidate's authorized committees do not accept 
        contributions from multicandidate political committees for the 
        primary election or runoff election in an amount that exceeds 
        the primary election multicandidate political committee 
        contribution limit or the runoff election multicandidate 
        political committee contribution limit that may be in effect in 
        accordance with section 502(f);
            ``(6)(A) with respect to a primary election, at least one 
        other candidate has qualified for the same primary election 
        ballot under the law of the candidate's State; and
            ``(B) with respect to a general election, at least one 
        other candidate has qualified for the same general election 
        ballot under the law of the candidate's State;
            ``(7) the candidate and the candidate's authorized 
        committees do not accept any contribution in violation of 
        section 315;
            ``(8) the candidate and the candidate's authorized 
        committees deposit all payments received under this title in an 
        account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 
        from which funds may be withdrawn by check or similar means of 
        payment to third parties;
            ``(9) the candidate and the candidate's authorized 
        committees furnish campaign records, evidence of contributions, 
        and other appropriate information to the Commission;
            ``(10) the candidate and the candidate's authorized 
        committees cooperate in the case of any examination and audit 
        by the Commission under section 505;
            ``(11) the candidate and the candidate's authorized 
        committees comply with all of the requirements of this Act that 
        apply to eligible candidates; and
            ``(12) the candidate, not later than 7 days after becoming 
        a candidate, files with the Commission a declaration that the 
        candidate and the candidate's authorized committees have 
        complied with and will continue to comply with all of the 
        requirements of this Act that apply to eligible Senate 
        candidates and their authorized committees.
    ``(b) Threshold Contribution and Ballot Access Requirements.--
            ``(1) In general.--The requirements of this subsection are 
        met if--
                    ``(A) the candidate and the candidate's authorized 
                committees have received allowable contributions during 
                the applicable period in an amount at least equal to 5 
                percent of the general election expenditure limit from 
                contributors at least 60 percent of whom are residents 
                of the candidate's State; and
                    ``(B) the candidate has qualified for the ballot 
                for a primary election, runoff election, or general 
                election, respectively, under State law.
            ``(2) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
                    ``(A) the term `allowable contributions'--
                            ``(i) means contributions that are made as 
                        gifts of money by an individual pursuant to a 
                        written instrument identifying the individual 
                        as the contributor; and
                            ``(ii) does not include--
                                    ``(I) contributions made directly 
                                or indirectly through an intermediary 
                                or conduit that are treated as being 
                                made by the intermediary or conduit 
                                under section 315(a)(8)(B); or
                                    ``(II) contributions from any 
                                individual during the applicable period 
                                to the extent that such contributions 
                                exceed $100; and
                    ``(B) the term `applicable period' means--
                            ``(i) with respect to a candidate who is or 
                        who is seeking to become a candidate in a 
                        general election, the period beginning on 
                        January 1 of the calendar year preceding the 
                        calendar year of the general election and 
                        ending on the date on which a candidate submits 
                        a first request to receive benefits under 
                        section 503; or
                            ``(ii) with respect to a candidate who is 
                        or who is seeking to become a candidate in a 
                        special election, the period beginning on the 
                        date the vacancy occurs in the office for which 
                        the election is held and ending on the date of 
                        the general election.

``SEC. 502. EXPENDITURE AND CONTRIBUTION LIMITS.

    ``(a) Personal Funds Expenditure Limit.--
            ``(1) In general.--The personal funds expenditure limit 
        applicable to an eligible Senate candidate is an aggregate 
        amount of expenditures equal to $25,000 made during an election 
        cycle by an eligible Senate candidate and the candidate's 
        authorized committees from the sources described in paragraph 
        (2).
            ``(2) Sources.--A source is described in this paragraph if 
        it is--
                    ``(A) personal funds of the candidate and members 
                of the candidate's immediate family; or
                    ``(B) personal debt incurred by the candidate and 
                members of the candidate's immediate family.
    ``(b) Primary Election Expenditure Limit.--The primary election 
expenditure limit applicable to an eligible Senate candidate is an 
amount equal to the lesser of--
            ``(1) 67 percent of the general election expenditure limit; 
        or
            ``(2) $2,500,000.
    ``(c) Runoff Election Expenditure Limit.--The expenditure limit 
applicable to an eligible Senate candidate is 20 percent of the general 
election expenditure limit.
    ``(d) General Election Expenditure Limit.--
            ``(1) In general.--The general election expenditure limit 
        applicable to an eligible Senate candidate is an amount equal 
        to the lesser of--
                    ``(A) $4,500,000; or
                    ``(B) the greater of--
                            ``(i) $775,000; or
                            ``(ii) $325,500, plus--
                                    ``(I) 30 cents multiplied by the 
                                voting age population not in excess of 
                                4,000,000; and
                                    ``(II) 25 cents multiplied by the 
                                voting age population in excess of 
                                4,000,000.
            ``(2) State with one television transmitter.--In the case 
        of an eligible Senate candidate in a State that has no more 
        than 1 transmitter for a commercial Very High Frequency (VHF) 
        television station licensed to operate in the State, paragraph 
        (1)(B)(ii) shall be applied by substituting--
                    ``(A) `60 cents' for `30 cents' in subclause (I); 
                and
                    ``(B) `50 cents' for `25 cents' in subclause (II).
    ``(e) Exceptions.--
            ``(1) Legal and accounting compliance fund.--(A) An 
        eligible Senate candidate and the candidate's authorized 
        committees may accept contributions and make expenditures 
        without regard to the primary election expenditure limit, 
        runoff expenditure limit, or general election expenditure limit 
        for the purpose of maintaining a legal and accounting 
        compliance fund meeting the requirements of subparagraph (B), 
        out of which fund qualified legal and accounting expenditures 
        may be made.
            ``(B) A legal and accounting compliance fund meets the 
        requirements of this subparagraph if--
                    ``(i) the only amounts transferred to the fund are 
                amounts received in accordance with the limitations, 
                prohibitions, and reporting requirements of this Act;
                    ``(ii) the aggregate amounts transferred to, and 
                expenditures made from, the fund do not exceed the sum 
                of--
                            ``(I) the lesser of--
                                    ``(aa) 10 percent of the general 
                                election expenditure limit for the 
                                general election for which the fund was 
                                established; or
                                    ``(bb) $300,000, plus--
                            ``(II) the amount determined under 
                        subparagraph (D); and
                    ``(iii) no funds received by the candidate pursuant 
                to section 503(a)(3) are transferred to the fund.
            ``(C) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `qualified 
        legal and accounting expenditure' means the following:
                    ``(i) An expenditure for costs of a legal or 
                accounting service provided in connection with--
                            ``(I) any administrative or court 
                        proceeding initiated pursuant to this Act 
                        during the election cycle for the primary 
                        election, runoff election, or general election; 
                        or
                            ``(II) the preparation of any documents or 
                        reports required by this Act or the Commission.
                    ``(ii) An expenditure for a legal or accounting 
                service provided in connection with the primary 
                election, runoff election, or general election for 
                which the legal and accounting compliance fund was 
                established to ensure compliance with this Act with 
                respect to the election cycle for the primary election, 
                runoff election, or general election.
            ``(D)(i) If, after a general election, a candidate 
        determines that the qualified legal and accounting expenditures 
        will exceed the limitation under subparagraph (B)(ii)(I), the 
        candidate may petition the Commission by filing with the 
        Secretary of the Senate a request for an increase in such 
        limitation. The Commission shall authorize an increase in such 
        limitation in the amount (if any) by which the Commission 
        determines the qualified legal and accounting expenditures 
        exceed that limitation. The Commission's determination shall be 
        subject to judicial review under section 507.
            ``(ii) Except as provided in section 315, any contribution 
        received or expenditure made pursuant to this paragraph shall 
        not be taken into account for any contribution or expenditure 
        limit applicable to the candidate under this title.
            ``(E)(i) A candidate shall terminate a legal and accounting 
        compliance fund as of the earlier of--
                    ``(I) the date of the first primary election for 
                the office following the general election for the 
                office for which the fund was established; or
                    ``(II) the date specified by the candidate.
            ``(ii) Any amount remaining in a legal and accounting 
        compliance fund as of the date determined under clause (i) 
        shall be transferred--
                    ``(I) to a legal and accounting compliance fund for 
                the election cycle for the next primary election, 
                runoff election, or general election; or
                    ``(II) to the Senate Election Campaign Fund.
            ``(2) Payment of taxes.--An eligible Senate candidate and 
        the candidate's authorized committees may accept contributions 
        and make expenditures without regard to the primary election 
        expenditure limit, runoff expenditure limit, or general 
        election expenditure limit for the purpose of funding and 
        making expenditures for Federal, State, or local income taxes 
        with respect to the candidate's authorized committees.
            ``(3) Independent expenditure amount and excess expenditure 
        amount.--An eligible Senate candidate who receives payment of 
        an independent expenditure amount under section 503(b)(1)(B) or 
        an excess expenditure amount under section 503(b)(1)(C) may 
        make expenditures from such payments to defray expenditures for 
        the primary election, runoff election, or general election, 
        respectively, without regard to the primary expenditure limit, 
        runoff election expenditure limit, or general election 
        expenditure limit.
            ``(4) Unmatched excess expenditures.--(A) An eligible 
        Senate candidate and the candidate's authorized committees may 
        accept contributions and make expenditures without regard to 
        the personal funds expenditure limit, primary election 
        expenditure limit, runoff election expenditure limit, or 
        general election expenditure limit if any one of the eligible 
        Senate candidate's opponents who is not an eligible Senate 
        candidate raises aggregate contributions or makes or becomes 
        obligated to make aggregate expenditures that exceed 200 
        percent of the primary election expenditure limit, runoff 
        expenditure limit, or general election expenditure limit, 
        respectively, applicable to the eligible Senate candidate.
            ``(B) An eligible Senate candidate and the candidate's 
        authorized committees may accept contributions without regard 
        to the primary election expenditure limit, runoff expenditure 
        limit, or general election expenditure limit in anticipation of 
        their being needed for the purpose of making expenditures under 
        subparagraph (A) if--
                    ``(i) any opposing candidate in the primary 
                election, runoff election, or general election who is 
                not an eligible Senate candidate raises aggregate 
                contributions or makes or becomes obligated to make 
                aggregate expenditures for the primary election, runoff 
                election, or general election that exceed 75 percent of 
                the primary election expenditure limit, runoff election 
                expenditure limit, or general election expenditure 
                limit applicable to the candidate; or
                    ``(ii) any opposing candidate in the general 
                election who is the nominee of a major party is not an 
                eligible Senate candidate.
            ``(C) The amount of the contributions that may be accepted 
        and expenditures that may be made by reason of subparagraphs 
        (A) and (B) shall not exceed 100 percent of the primary 
        election expenditure limit, runoff election expenditure limit, 
        or general election expenditure limit, respectively.
    ``(f) Multicandidate Political Committee Contribution Limits.--
            ``(1) Multicandidate political committee primary election 
        contribution limit.--The multicandidate political committee 
        primary election contribution limit applicable to an eligible 
        Senate candidate is an amount equal to 10 percent of the 
        primary election spending limit.
            ``(2) Multicandidate political committee runoff election 
        contribution limit.--The multicandidate political committee 
        runoff election contribution limit applicable to an eligible 
        Senate candidate is an amount equal to 10 percent of the runoff 
        election spending limit.
            ``(3) Periods when provisions are in effect.--This 
        subsection and other provisions in this title relating to 
        multicandidate political committees shall be of no effect 
        except during any period in which the prohibition under section 
        324 is not in effect.
    ``(g) Indexing.--The $2,500,000 amount under subsection (b)(2) and 
the amount otherwise determined under subsection (d)(1) shall be 
increased as of the beginning of each calendar year based on the 
increase in the price index determined under section 315(c), except 
that, for purposes of those provisions, the base period shall be 
calendar year 1995.
    ``(h) Expenditures.--For purposes of this title, the term 
`expenditure' has the meaning stated in section 301(9), except that in 
determining any expenditures made by, or on behalf of, a candidate or a 
candidate's authorized committees, section 301(9)(B) shall be applied 
without regard to clause (ii) or (vi) thereof.

``SEC. 503. BENEFITS.

    ``(a) In General.--An eligible Senate candidate shall be entitled 
to--
            ``(1) free broadcast time under title VI;
            ``(2) the mailing rates provided in section 3626(e) of 
        title 39, United States Code; and
            ``(3) payments in the amounts determined under subsection 
        (b).
    ``(b) Amount of Payments.--
            ``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a)(3), the 
        amounts determined under this subsection are--
                    ``(A) the public financing amount;
                    ``(B) the independent expenditure amount; and
                    ``(C) the excess expenditure amount.
            ``(2) Public financing amount.--For purposes of paragraph 
        (1), the public financing amount is--
                    ``(A) in the case of an eligible Senate candidate 
                who is a major party candidate--
                            ``(i) during the primary election period, 
                        an amount equal to the amount of contributions 
                        received during that period from individuals 
                        residing in the candidate's State (other than 
                        the candidate and members of the candidate's 
                        immediate family) in the aggregate amount of 
                        $100 or less, up to 50 percent of the primary 
                        election spending limit;
                            ``(ii) during the runoff election period, 
                        an amount equal to the amount of contributions 
                        received during that period from individuals 
                        residing in the candidate's State (other than 
                        the candidate and members of the candidate's 
                        immediate family) in the aggregate amount of 
                        $100 or less, up to 50 percent of the runoff 
                        election spending limit, less the amount of any 
                        unexpended campaign funds from the primary 
                        election, which the candidate shall transfer to 
                        the runoff election; and
                            ``(iii) during the general election period, 
                        an amount equal to the general election 
                        expenditure limit applicable to the candidate, 
                        less the amount of any unexpended campaign 
                        funds from the primary election or runoff 
                        election, which the candidate shall transfer to 
                        the general election; and
                    ``(B) in the case of an eligible Senate candidate 
                who is not a major party candidate--
                            ``(i) during the primary election period, 
                        an amount equal to the amount of contributions 
                        received during that period from individuals 
                        residing in the candidate's State (other than 
                        the candidate and members of the candidate's 
                        immediate family) in the aggregate amount of 
                        $100 or less, up to 50 percent of the primary 
                        election expenditure limit;
                            ``(ii) during the runoff election period, 
                        an amount equal to the amount of contributions 
                        received during that period from individuals 
                        residing in the candidate's State (other than 
                        the candidate and members of the candidate's 
                        immediate family) in the aggregate amount of 
                        $100 or less, up to 50 percent of the runoff 
                        election expenditure limit, less the amount of 
                        any unexpended campaign funds from the primary 
                        election, which the candidate shall transfer to 
                        the runoff election; and
                            ``(iii) during the general election period, 
                        an amount equal to the amount of contributions 
                        received during that period from individuals 
                        residing in the candidate's State (other than 
                        the candidate and members of the candidate's 
                        immediate family) in the aggregate amount of 
                        $100 or less, up to 50 percent of the general 
                        election expenditure limit, less the amount of 
                        any unexpended campaign funds from the primary 
                        election or runoff election, which the 
                        candidate shall transfer to the general 
                        election.
            ``(3) Independent expenditure amount.--For purposes of 
        paragraph (1), the independent expenditure amount is the total 
        amount of independent expenditures made, or obligated to be 
        made, during the primary election period, runoff election 
        period, or general election period, respectively, by 1 or more 
        persons in opposition to, or on behalf of an opponent of, an 
        eligible Senate candidate that are required to be reported by 
        such persons under section 304(c) with respect to each such 
        period, respectively, and are certified by the Commission under 
        section 304(c).
            ``(4) Excess expenditure amount.--For purposes of paragraph 
        (1), the excess expenditure amount is the amount determined as 
        follows:
                    ``(A) In the case of an eligible Senate candidate 
                of an eligible Senate candidate of major party who has 
                an opponent in the primary election, runoff election, 
                or general election, respectively, who receives 
                contributions, or makes (or obligates to make) 
                expenditures, for such election in excess of the 
                primary election expenditure limit, the runoff election 
                expenditure limit, or the general election expenditure 
                limit, respectively, an amount equal to the sum of--
                            ``(i) if the excess is not greater than 
                        133\1/3\ percent of the primary election 
                        expenditure limit, the runoff election 
                        expenditure limit, or the general election 
                        expenditure limit, respectively, an amount 
                        equal to one-third of such limit applicable to 
                        the eligible Senate candidate for the election; 
                        plus
                            ``(ii) if the excess equals or exceeds 
                        133\1/3\ percent but is less than 166\2/3\ 
                        percent of such limit, an amount equal to one-
                        third of such limit; plus
                            ``(iii) if the excess equals or exceeds 
                        166\2/3\ percent of such limit, an amount equal 
                        to one-third of such limit.
                    ``(B) In the case of an eligible Senate candidate 
                who is not a candidate of a major party who has an 
                opponent in the primary election, runoff election, or 
                general election, respectively, who receives 
                contributions, or makes (or obligates to make) 
                expenditures, for such election in excess of the 
                primary election expenditure limit, the runoff election 
                expenditure limit, or the general election expenditure 
                limit, respectively, an amount equal to 50 percent of 
                the amount of the excess of the contributions received 
                or expenditures made or obligated to be made by an 
                opponent over the primary election expenditure limit, 
                the runoff election expenditure limit, or the general 
                election expenditure limit, respectively, but not 
                exceeding the amount of contributions received by the 
                eligible Senate candidate during the primary election 
                period, runoff election period, or general election 
                period, respectively, from individuals residing in the 
                candidate's State (other than the candidate and members 
                of the candidate's immediate family) in the aggregate 
                amount of $100 or less, up to 50 percent of the excess 
                primary election expenditure limit, the runoff election 
                expenditure limit, or the general excess expenditure 
                limit, respectively.
    ``(c) Use of Payments.--
            ``(1) Permitted use.--Payments received by an eligible 
        Senate candidate under subsection (a)(3) shall be used to 
        defray expenditures incurred with respect to the general 
        election primary election period, runoff election period, and 
        period for the candidate.
            ``(2) Prohibited use.--Payments received by an eligible 
        Senate candidate under subsection (a)(3) shall not be used--
                    ``(A) except as provided in subparagraph (D), to 
                make any payments, directly or indirectly, to such 
                candidate or to any member of the immediate family of 
                the candidate;
                    ``(B) to make any expenditure other than 
                expenditures to further the primary election, runoff 
                election, or general election of the candidate;
                    ``(C) to make any expenditures that constitute a 
                violation of any law of the United States or of the 
                State in which the expenditure is made; or
                    ``(D) subject to section 315(i), to repay any loan 
                to any person except to the extent the proceeds of such 
                loan were used to further the primary election, runoff 
                election, or general election of the candidate.

``SEC. 504. CERTIFICATION BY COMMISSION.

    ``(a) In General.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Commission shall certify to any 
        candidate that meets the eligibility requirements of section 
        501 that the candidate is an eligible Senate candidate entitled 
        to benefits under this title. The Commission shall revoke such 
        a certification if it determines that a candidate fails to 
        continue to meet those requirements.
            ``(2) Requests to receive benefits.--(A) A candidate to 
        whom a certification has been issued may from time to time file 
        with the Commission a request to receive benefits under section 
        503.
            ``(B) A request under subparagraph (A) shall--
                    ``(i) contain such information and be made in 
                accordance with such procedures as the Commission may 
                provide by regulation; and
                    ``(ii) contain a verification signed by the 
                candidate and the treasurer of the principal campaign 
                committee of the candidate stating that the information 
                furnished in support of the request, to the best of 
                their knowledge, is correct and fully satisfies the 
                requirements of this title.
            ``(C) Not later than 3 business days after a candidate 
        files a request under subparagraph (A), the Commission shall 
        certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the amount of benefits 
        to which the candidate is entitled.
    ``(b) Determinations by Commission.--All determinations (including 
certifications under subsection (a)) made by the Commission under this 
title shall be final and conclusive, except to the extent that they are 
subject to examination and audit by the Commission under section 505 
and judicial review under section 507.

``SEC. 505. EXAMINATION AND AUDITS; REPAYMENTS; CIVIL PENALTIES.

    ``(a) Examination and Audits.--
            ``(1) Random audits.--After each general election, the 
        Commission shall conduct an examination and audit of the 
        campaign accounts of 10 percent of all candidates for the 
        office of United States Senator to determine, among other 
        things, whether such candidates have complied with the 
        expenditure limits and conditions of eligibility of this title, 
        and other requirements of this Act. Such candidates shall be 
        designated by the Commission through the use of an appropriate 
        statistical method of random selection. If the Commission 
        selects a candidate, the Commission shall examine and audit the 
        campaign accounts of all other candidates in the general 
        election for the office the selected candidate is seeking.
            ``(2) Reason to investigate.--The Commission may conduct an 
        examination and audit of the campaign accounts of any candidate 
        in a general election for the office of United States Senator 
        if the Commission determines that there exists reason to 
        investigate whether the candidate may have violated any 
        provision of this title.
    ``(b) Excess Payments; Revocation of Status.--
            ``(1) Excess payments.--If the Commission determines that 
        payments were made to an eligible Senate candidate under this 
        title in excess of the aggregate amounts to which such 
        candidate was entitled, the Commission shall so notify such 
        candidate, and such candidate shall pay an amount equal to the 
        excess.
            ``(2) Revocation of status.--If the Commission revokes the 
        certification of a candidate as an eligible Senate candidate 
        under section 504(a)(1), the Commission shall notify the 
        candidate, and the candidate shall pay an amount equal to the 
        payments received under this title.
    ``(c) Misuse of Benefits.--If the Commission determines that any 
amount of any benefit made available to an eligible Senate candidate 
under this title was not used as provided for in this title, the 
Commission shall so notify such candidate and such candidate shall pay 
the amount of such benefit.
    ``(d) Excess Expenditures.--If the Commission determines that any 
eligible Senate candidate who has received benefits under this title 
has made expenditures (except as permitted under section 502(e)) that 
in the aggregate exceed--
            ``(1) the primary election expenditure limit;
            ``(2) the runoff election expenditure limit; or
            ``(3) the general election expenditure limit,
the Commission shall so notify the candidate and the candidate shall 
pay an amount equal to the amount of the excess expenditures.
    ``(e) Civil Penalties for Excess Expenditures and Contributions.--
            ``(1) In general.--If the Commission determines that a 
        candidate has committed a violation described in subsection 
        (c), the Commission may assess a civil penalty against the 
        candidate in an amount not greater than 200 percent of the 
        amount involved.
            ``(2) Low amount of excess expenditures.--An eligible 
        Senate candidate who makes expenditures that exceed the primary 
        election expenditure limit, runoff election expenditure, or 
        general election expenditure limit by 2.5 percent or less shall 
        pay an amount equal to the amount of the excess expenditures.
            ``(3) Medium amount of excess expenditures.--An eligible 
        Senate candidate who makes expenditures that exceed the primary 
        election expenditure limit, runoff election expenditure, or 
        general election expenditure limit by more than 2.5 percent and 
        less than 5 percent shall pay an amount equal to 3 times the 
        amount of the excess expenditures.
            ``(4) Large amount of excess expenditures.--Any eligible 
        Senate candidate who makes expenditures that exceed the primary 
        election expenditure limit, runoff election expenditure, or 
        general election expenditure limit by 5 percent or more shall 
        pay an amount equal to 3 times the amount of the excess 
        expenditures plus a civil penalty in an amount determined by 
        the Commission.
    ``(f) Unexpended Funds.-- Any amount received by an eligible Senate 
candidate under this title may be retained for a period not exceeding 
120 days after the date of the primary election, runoff election, or 
general election for the liquidation of all obligations to pay 
expenditures for the primary election, runoff election, or general 
election incurred during the primary election period, runoff election 
period, or general election period. At the end of such 120-day period, 
any unexpended funds received under this title, except those that are 
transferred as required by section 503(b)(2) (A) (ii) or (iii) or (B) 
(ii) or (iii), shall be promptly repaid.
    ``(g) Limit on Period for Notification.--No notification shall be 
made by the Commission under this section with respect to an election 
more than 3 years after the date of such election.
    ``(h) Deposits.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit all 
payments received under this section into the Senate Election Campaign 
Fund.

``SEC. 506. CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

    ``(a) Acceptance or Use of Benefits Expenditures in Excess of 
Limits.--
            ``(1) Offense.--No person shall knowingly and willfully--
                    ``(A) accept benefits under this title in excess of 
                the aggregate benefits to which the candidate on whose 
                behalf such benefits are accepted is entitled;
                    ``(B) use such benefits for any purpose not 
                provided for in this title; or
                    ``(C) make expenditures in excess of--
                            ``(i) the primary election expenditure 
                        limit;
                            ``(ii) the runoff election expenditure 
                        limit; or
                            ``(iii) the general election expenditure 
                        limit,
                except as permitted under section 502(e).
            ``(2) Penalty.--A person who violates paragraph (1) shall 
        be fined not more than $25,000, imprisoned not more than 5 
        years, or both. An officer, employee, or agent of a political 
        committee who knowingly consents to any expenditure in 
        violation of paragraph (1) shall be fined not more than 
        $25,000, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
    ``(b) Use of Benefits.--
            ``(1) Offense.--It is unlawful for a person who receives 
        any benefit under this title, or to whom any portion of any 
        such benefit is transferred, knowingly and willfully to use, or 
        to authorize the use of, the benefit or such portion other than 
        in the manner provided in this title.
            ``(2) Penalty.--A person who violates paragraph (1) shall 
        be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned not more than 5 
        years, or both.
    ``(c) False Information.--
            ``(1) Offense.--It is unlawful for a person knowingly and 
        willfully--
                    ``(A) to furnish any false, fictitious, or 
                fraudulent evidence, books, or information (including 
                any certification, verification, notice, or report) to 
                the Commission under this title, or to include in any 
                evidence, books, or information so furnished any 
                misrepresentation of a material fact, or to falsify or 
                conceal any evidence, books, or information relevant to 
                a certification by the Commission or an examination and 
                audit by the Commission under this title; or
                    ``(B) to fail to furnish to the Commission any 
                records, books, or information requested by it for 
                purposes of this title.
            ``(2) Penalty.--A person who violates paragraph (1) shall 
        be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned not more than 5 
        years, or both.
    ``(d) Kickbacks and Illegal Payments.--
            ``(1) Offense.--It is unlawful for a person knowingly and 
        willfully to give or to accept any kickback or any illegal 
        payment in connection with any benefits received under this 
        title by an eligible Senate candidate.
            ``(2) Penalty.--(A) A person who violates paragraph (1) 
        shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned not more than 
        5 years, or both.
            ``(B) In addition to the penalty provided by subparagraph 
        (A), a person who accepts any kickback or illegal benefit in 
        connection with any benefits received by an eligible Senate 
        candidate pursuant to the provisions of this title, or received 
        by the authorized committees of such a candidate, shall pay to 
        the Secretary, for deposit into the Senate Election Campaign 
        Fund, an amount equal to 125 percent of the kickback or benefit 
        received.

``SEC. 507. JUDICIAL REVIEW.

    ``(a) Judicial Review.--Any agency action by the Commission made 
under the provisions of this title shall be subject to review by the 
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit 
upon petition filed in such court within 30 days after the agency 
action by the Commission for which review is sought. It shall be the 
duty of the Court of Appeals to expeditiously take action on all 
petitions filed pursuant to this title.
    ``(b) Application of Title 5.--Chapter 7 of title 5, United States 
Code, shall apply to judicial review of any agency action by the 
Commission.
    ``(c) Agency Action.--For purposes of this section, the term 
`agency action' has the meaning stated in section 551(13) of title 5, 
United States Code.

``SEC. 508. PARTICIPATION BY COMMISSION IN JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS.

    ``(a) Appearances.--The Commission may appear in and defend against 
any action instituted under this section and under section 507 either 
by attorneys employed in its office or by counsel whom it may appoint 
without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, 
governing appointments in the competitive service, and whose 
compensation it may fix without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 
and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title.
    ``(b) Institution of Actions.--The Commission may, through 
attorneys and counsel described in subsection (a), institute actions in 
the district courts of the United States to seek recovery of any 
amounts determined under this title to be payable to the Secretary.
    ``(c) Injunctive Relief.--The Commission may, through attorneys and 
counsel described in subsection (a), petition the courts of the United 
States for such injunctive relief as is appropriate in order to 
implement any provision of this title.
    ``(d) Appeals.--The Commission may, on behalf of the United States, 
appeal from, and to petition the Supreme Court for certiorari to 
review, judgments, or decrees entered with respect to actions in which 
it appears pursuant to the authority provided in this section.

``SEC. 509. REPORTS TO CONGRESS; REGULATIONS.

    ``(a) Reports.--The Commission shall, as soon as practicable after 
each election, submit a full report to the Senate setting forth--
            ``(1) the expenditures (shown in such detail as the 
        Commission determines appropriate) made by each eligible Senate 
        candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate;
            ``(2) the amounts certified by the Commission under section 
        504 as benefits available to each eligible Senate candidate;
            ``(3) the amount of repayments, if any, required under 
        section 505 and the reasons for each repayment required; and
            ``(4) the balance in the Senate Election Campaign Fund, and 
        the balance in any account maintained the Fund.
Each report submitted pursuant to this section shall be printed as a 
Senate document.
    ``(b) Regulations.--The Commission may prescribe regulations, 
conduct such examinations and investigations, and require the keeping 
and submission of such books, records, and information, as it deems 
necessary to carry out its functions and duties under this title.
    ``(c) Statement to Senate.--Thirty days before prescribing a 
regulation under subsection (b), the Commission shall transmit to the 
Senate a statement setting forth the proposed regulation and containing 
a detailed explanation and justification of the regulation.

``SEC. 510. PAYMENTS RELATING TO ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES.

    ``(a) Establishment of Campaign Fund.--
            ``(1) In general.--There is established on the books of the 
        Treasury of the United States a special fund to be known as the 
        `Senate Election Campaign Fund'.
            ``(2) Appropriations.--(A) There are appropriated to the 
        Fund for each fiscal year, out of amounts in the general fund 
        of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, amounts equal to--
                    ``(i) any contributions by persons which are 
                specifically designated as being made to the Fund;
                    ``(ii) amounts collected under section 505(h); and
                    ``(iii) any other amounts that may be appropriated 
                to or deposited into the Fund under this title.
            ``(B) The Secretary of the Treasury shall, from time to 
        time, transfer to the Fund an amount not in excess of the 
        amounts described in subparagraph (A).
            ``(C) Amounts in the Fund shall remain available without 
        fiscal year limitation.
            ``(3) Availability.--Amounts in the Fund shall be available 
        only for the purposes of--
                    ``(A) making payments required under this title; 
                and
                    ``(B) making expenditures in connection with the 
                administration of the Fund.
            ``(4) Accounts.--The Secretary shall maintain such accounts 
        in the Fund as may be required by this title or which the 
        Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out the 
        provisions of this title.
    ``(b) Payments Upon Certification.--Upon receipt of a certification 
from the Commission under section 504, the Secretary shall promptly pay 
the amount certified by the Commission to the candidate out of the 
Senate Election Campaign Fund.

``SEC. 511. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    ``There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission such 
sums as are necessary for the purpose of carrying out its functions 
under this title.''.
    (b) Effective Dates.--(1) Except as provided in this subsection, 
the amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to elections occurring 
after December 31, 1995.
    (2) For purposes of any expenditure or contribution limit imposed 
by the amendment made by subsection (a)--
            (A) no expenditure made before January 1, 1994, shall be 
        taken into account, except that there shall be taken into 
        account any such expenditure for goods or services to be 
        provided after such date; and
            (B) all cash, cash items, and Government securities on hand 
        as of January 1, 1994, shall be taken into account in 
        determining whether the contribution limit is met, except that 
        there shall not be taken into account amounts used during the 
        60-day period beginning on January 1, 1994, to pay for 
        expenditures which were incurred (but unpaid) before such date.
    (c) Effect of Invalidity on Other Provisions of Act.--If section 
501, 502, or 503 of title V of FECA (as added by this section), or any 
part thereof, is held to be invalid, all provisions of, and amendments 
made by, this Act shall be treated as invalid.

SEC. 102. BAN ON ACTIVITIES OF POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES IN FEDERAL 
              ELECTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Title III of FECA (2 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:

  ``ban on federal election activities by political action committees

    ``Sec. 324. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, no 
person other than an individual or a political committee may make 
contributions, solicit or receive contributions, or make expenditures 
for the purpose of influencing an election for Federal office.
    ``(b) In the case of individuals who are executive or 
administrative personnel of an employer--
            ``(1) no contributions may be made by such individuals--
                    ``(A) to any political committees established and 
                maintained by any political party; or
                    ``(B) to any candidate for election to the office 
                of United States Senator or the candidate's authorized 
                committees,
        unless such individuals certify that such contributions are not 
        being made at the direction of, or otherwise controlled or 
        influenced by, the employer; and
            ``(2) the aggregate amount of such contributions by all 
        such individuals in any calendar year shall not exceed--
                    ``(A) $20,000 in the case of such political 
                committees; and
                    ``(B) $5,000 in the case of any such candidate and 
                the candidate's authorized committees.''.
    (b) Definition of Political Committee.--(1) Paragraph (4) of 
section 301 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(4)) is amended to read as follows:
            ``(4) The term `political committee' means--
                    ``(A) the principal campaign committee of a 
                candidate;
                    ``(B) any national or State committee of a 
                political party; and
                    ``(C) any local committee of a political party 
                which--
                            ``(i) receives contributions aggregating in 
                        excess of $5,000 during a calendar year;
                            ``(ii) makes payments exempted from the 
                        definition of contribution or expenditure under 
                        paragraph (8) or (9) aggregating in excess of 
                        $5,000 during a calendar year; or
                            ``(iii) makes contributions or expenditures 
                        aggregating in excess of $1,000 during a 
                        calendar year.''
    (2) Section 316(b)(2) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441b(b)(2)) is amended by 
striking subparagraph (C).
    (c) Candidate's Committees.--Section 315(a) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 
441a(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(9) For the purposes of the limitations provided by paragraphs 
(1) and (2), any political committee which is established or financed 
or maintained or controlled by any candidate or Federal officeholder 
shall be deemed to be an authorized committee of such candidate or 
officeholder.''.
    (d) Rules Applicable When Ban Not in Effect.--For purposes of the 
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, during any period beginning 
after the effective date in which the prohibition under section 324 of 
such Act (as added by subsection (a)) is not in effect--
            (1) the amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) 
        shall not be in effect;
            (2) in the case of a candidate for election, or nomination 
        for election, to the United States Senate (and such candidate's 
        authorized committees), section 315(a)(2)(A) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 
        441a(a)(2)(A)) shall be applied by substituting ``$250'' for 
        ``$5,000''; and
            (3) it shall be unlawful for a multicandidate political 
        committee to make a contribution to a candidate for election, 
        or nomination for election, to the United States Senate (or an 
        authorized committee) to the extent that the making of the 
        contribution will cause the amount of contributions received by 
        the candidate and the candidate's authorized committees from 
        multicandidate political committees to exceed the lesser of--
                    (A) $825,000; or
                    (B) the greater of--
                            (i) $375,000; or
                            (ii) 20 percent of the sum of the general 
                        election expenditure limit under section 502(b) 
                        of FECA plus the primary election spending 
                        limit under section 502(d)(1)(A) of FECA 
                        (without regard to whether the candidate is an 
                        eligible Senate candidate (as defined in 
                        section 301(19)) of FECA).
        In the case of an election cycle in which there is a runoff 
        election, the limit determined under paragraph (3) shall be 
        increased by an amount equal to 20 percent of the runoff 
        election expenditure limit under section 501(d)(1)(A) of FECA 
        (without regard to whether the candidate is such an eligible 
        candidate). The $825,000 and $375,000 amounts in paragraph (3) 
        shall be increased as of the beginning of each calendar year 
        based on the increase in the price index determined under 
        section 315(c) of FECA, except that for purposes of paragraph 
        (3), the base period shall be the calendar year in which the 
        first general election after the date of the enactment of 
        paragraph (3) occurs. A candidate or authorized committee that 
        receives a contribution from a multicandidate political 
        committee in excess of the amount allowed under paragraph (3) 
        shall return the amount of such excess contribution to the 
        contributor.
    (e) Effective Dates.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
amendments made by this section shall apply to elections (and the 
election cycles relating thereto) occurring after December 31, 1995.
    (2) In applying the amendments made by this section, there shall 
not be taken into account--
            (A) contributions made or received on or before the date of 
        the enactment of this Act; or
            (B) contributions made to, or received by, a candidate 
        after such date, to the extent such contributions are not 
        greater than the excess (if any) of--
                    (i) such contributions received by any opponent of 
                the candidate on or before such date, over
                    (ii) such contributions received by the candidate 
                on or before such date.

SEC. 103. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    Title III of FECA is amended by adding after section 304 the 
following new section:

             ``reporting requirements for senate candidates

    ``Sec. 304A. (a) Candidate Other Than Eligible Senate Candidate.--
(1) Each candidate for the office of United States Senator who does not 
file a certification with the Secretary of the Senate under section 
501(c) shall file with the Secretary of the Senate a declaration as to 
whether such candidate intends to make expenditures for the general 
election in excess of the general election expenditure limit applicable 
to an eligible Senate candidate under section 502(b). Such declaration 
shall be filed at the time provided in section 501(c)(2).
    ``(2) Any candidate for the United States Senate who qualifies for 
the ballot for a general election--
            ``(A) who is not an eligible Senate candidate under section 
        501; and
            ``(B) who either raises aggregate contributions, or makes 
        or obligates to make aggregate expenditures, for the general 
        election which exceed 75 percent of the general election 
        expenditure limit applicable to an eligible Senate candidate 
        under section 502(b),
shall file a report with the Secretary of the Senate within 1 business 
day after such contributions have been raised or such expenditures have 
been made or obligated to be made (or, if later, within 1 business day 
after the date of qualification for the general election ballot), 
setting forth the candidate's total contributions and total 
expenditures for such election as of such date. Thereafter, such 
candidate shall file additional reports (until such contributions or 
expenditures exceed 200 percent of such limit) with the Secretary of 
the Senate within 1 business day after each time additional 
contributions are raised, or expenditures are made or are obligated to 
be made, which in the aggregate exceed an amount equal to 10 percent of 
such limit and after the total contributions or expenditures exceed 
133\1/3\, 166\2/3\, and 200 percent of such limit.
    ``(3) The Commission--
            ``(A) shall, within 2 business days of receipt of a 
        declaration or report under paragraph (1) or (2), notify each 
        eligible Senate candidate in the election involved about such 
        declaration or report; and
            ``(B) if an opposing candidate has raised aggregate 
        contributions, or made or has obligated to make aggregate 
        expenditures, in excess of the applicable general election 
        expenditure limit under section 502(b), shall certify, pursuant 
        to the provisions of subsection (d), such eligibility for 
        payment of any amount to which such eligible Senate candidate 
        is entitled under section 503(a).
    ``(4) Notwithstanding the reporting requirements under this 
subsection, the Commission may make its own determination that a 
candidate in a general election who is not an eligible Senate candidate 
has raised aggregate contributions, or made or has obligated to make 
aggregate expenditures, in the amounts which would require a report 
under paragraph (2). The Commission shall, within 2 business days after 
making each such determination, notify each eligible Senate candidate 
in the general election involved about such determination, and shall, 
when such contributions or expenditures exceed the general election 
expenditure limit under section 502(b), certify (pursuant to the 
provisions of subsection (d)) such candidate's eligibility for payment 
of any amount under section 503(a).
    ``(b) Reports on Personal Funds.--(1) Any candidate for the United 
States Senate who during the election cycle expends more than the 
limitation under section 502(a) during the election cycle from his 
personal funds, the funds of his immediate family, and personal loans 
incurred by the candidate and the candidate's immediate family shall 
file a report with the Secretary of the Senate within 1 business day 
after such expenditures have been made or loans incurred.
    ``(2) The Commission within 2 business days after a report has been 
filed under paragraph (1) shall notify each eligible Senate candidate 
in the election involved about each such report.
    ``(3) Notwithstanding the reporting requirements under this 
subsection, the Commission may make its own determination that a 
candidate for the United States Senate has made expenditures in excess 
of the amount under paragraph (1). The Commission within 2 business 
days after making such determination shall notify each eligible Senate 
candidate in the general election involved about each such 
determination.
    ``(c) Candidates for Other Offices.--(1) Each individual--
            ``(A) who becomes a candidate for the office of United 
        States Senator;
            ``(B) who, during the election cycle for such office, held 
        any other Federal, State, or local office or was a candidate 
        for such other office; and
            ``(C) who expended any amount during such election cycle 
        before becoming a candidate for the office of United States 
        Senator which would have been treated as an expenditure if such 
        individual had been such a candidate, including amounts for 
        activities to promote the image or name recognition of such 
        individual,
shall, within 7 days of becoming a candidate for the office of United 
States Senator, report to the Secretary of the Senate the amount and 
nature of such expenditures.
    ``(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any expenditures in 
connection with a Federal, State, or local election which has been held 
before the individual becomes a candidate for the office of United 
States Senator.
    ``(3) The Commission shall, as soon as practicable, make a 
determination as to whether the amounts included in the report under 
paragraph (1) were made for purposes of influencing the election of the 
individual to the office of United States Senator.
    ``(d) Certifications.--Notwithstanding section 505(a), the 
certification required by this section shall be made by the Commission 
on the basis of reports filed in accordance with the provisions of this 
Act, or on the basis of such Commission's own investigation or 
determination.
    ``(e) Copies of Reports and Public Inspection.--The Secretary of 
the Senate shall transmit a copy of any report or filing received under 
this section or of title V as soon as possible (but no later than 4 
working hours of the Commission) after receipt of such report or 
filing, and shall make such report or filing available for public 
inspection and copying in the same manner as the Commission under 
section 311(a)(4), and shall preserve such reports and filings in the 
same manner as the Commission under section 311(a)(5).
    ``(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, any term used in 
this section which is used in title V shall have the same meaning as 
when used in title V.''.

SEC. 104. DISCLOSURE BY NONELIGIBLE CANDIDATES.

    Section 318 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441d), as amended by section 133, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) If a broadcast, cablecast, or other communication is paid for 
or authorized by a candidate in the general election for the office of 
United States Senator who is not an eligible Senate candidate, or the 
authorized committee of such candidate, such communication shall 
contain the following sentence: `This candidate has not agreed to 
voluntary campaign spending limits.'.''.

SEC. 105. FREE BROADCAST TIME.

    (a) Amendment of Communications Act.--Title III of the 
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) is amended by 
inserting after section 315 the following new section:

          ``free broadcast time for eligible senate candidates

    ``Sec. 315A. (a) In General.--In addition to broadcast time that a 
licensee makes available to a candidate under section 315(a), a 
licensee shall make available at no charge, to each eligible Senate 
candidates in each State within its broadcast area, 90 minutes of 
broadcast time during a prime time access period (as defined in section 
601 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971).
    ``(b) Appearances on News or Public Service Programs.--An 
appearance by a candidate on a news or public service program at the 
invitation of a broadcasting station or other organization that 
presents such a program shall not be counted toward time made available 
pursuant to subsection (a).''.
    (b) Amendment of FECA.--FECA, as amended by section 101, is amended 
by adding at the end the following new title:

           ``TITLE VI--DISSEMINATION OF POLITICAL INFORMATION

``SEC. 601. DEFINITIONS.

    ``In this title:
            ``(1) The term `free broadcast time' means time provided by 
        a broadcasting station during a prime time access period 
        pursuant to section 315A of the Communications Act of 1934.
            ``(2) The term `minor party' means a political party other 
        than a major party--
                    ``(A) whose candidate for the Senate in a State 
                received more than 5 percent of the popular vote in the 
                most recent general election; or
                    ``(B) which files with the Commission, not later 
                than 90 days before the date of a general or special 
                election in a State, the number of signatures of 
                registered voters in the State that is equal to 5 
                percent of the popular vote for the office of Senator 
                in the most recent general or special election in the 
                State.
            ``(3) The term `prime time access period' means the time 
        between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. of a weekday during the period 
        beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date of a 
        general election or special election for the Senate and ending 
        on the day before the date of the election.

``SEC. 602. USE OF FREE BROADCAST TIME.

    ``An eligible Senate candidate shall ensure that--
            ``(1) free broadcast time is used in a manner that promotes 
        a rational discussion and debate of issues with respect to the 
        elections involved;
            ``(2) in programs in which free broadcast time is used, not 
        more than 25 percent of the time of the broadcast consists of 
        presentations other than a candidate's own remarks;
            ``(3) free broadcast time is used in segments of not less 
        than 1 minute; and
            ``(4) not more than 15 minutes of free broadcast time is 
        used by the candidate in a 24-hour period.

``SEC. 603. REPORTS.

    ``(a) Candidate Reports to the Commission.--An eligible Senate 
candidate that uses free broadcast time under section 602 shall include 
with the candidate's post-general election report under section 
304(a)(2)(A)(ii) or, in the case of a special election, with the 
candidate's first report under section 304(a)(2) filed after the 
special election, a statement of the amount of free broadcast time that 
the candidate used during the general election period or special 
election period.
    ``(b) Commission Reports to Congress.--The Commission shall submit 
to Congress, not later than June 1 of each year that follows a year in 
which a general election for the Senate is held, a report setting forth 
the amount of free broadcast time used by eligible Senate candidates 
under section 602.

``SEC. 604. JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Commission may appear in any action filed 
under this section, either by attorneys employed in its office or by 
counsel whom it may appoint without regard to the provisions of title 
5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive 
service, and whose compensation it may fix without regard to the 
provisions of chapter 51 and title III of chapter 53 of that title.
    ``(b) Enforcement.--At its own instance or on the complaint of any 
person, and whether or not proceedings have been commenced or are 
pending under section 309, the Commission may petition a district court 
of the United States for declaratory or injunctive relief concerning 
any civil matter arising under this title, through attorneys and 
counsel described in subsection (a).
    ``(c) Appeals.--The Commission may, on behalf of the United States, 
appeal from, and petition the Supreme Court of the United States for 
certiorari to review, a judgment or decree entered with respect to an 
action in which it appeared pursuant to this section.''.

                     Subtitle B--General Provisions

SEC. 131. EXTENSION OF REDUCED THIRD-CLASS MAILING RATES TO ELIGIBLE 
              SENATE CANDIDATES.

    Section 3626(e) of title 39, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)(A)--
                    (A) by striking ``and the National'' and inserting 
                ``the National''; and
                    (B) by striking ``Committee;'' and inserting 
                ``Committee, and, subject to paragraph (3), the 
                principal campaign committee of an eligible Senate 
                candidate;'';
            (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (3) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking the period and 
        inserting ``; and'';
            (4) by adding after paragraph (2)(C) the following new 
        subparagraph:
            ``(D) The terms `eligible Senate candidate' and `principal 
        campaign committee' have the meanings given those terms in 
        section 301 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.''; 
        and
            (5) by adding after paragraph (2) the following new 
        paragraph:
    ``(3) The rate made available under this subsection with respect to 
an eligible Senate candidate shall apply only to--
            ``(A) the general election period (as defined in section 
        301 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971); and
            ``(B) that number of pieces of mail equal to the number of 
        individuals in the voting age population (as certified under 
        section 315(e) of such Act) of the State.''.

SEC. 132. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES.

    Section 304(c) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 434(c)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2), by striking out the undesignated 
        matter after subparagraph (C);
            (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (5); and
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (2), as amended by 
        paragraph (1), the following new paragraphs:
    ``(3)(A) Any independent expenditure (including those described in 
subsection (b)(6)(B)(iii) of this section) aggregating $1,000 or more 
made after the 20th day, but more than 24 hours, before any election 
shall be reported within 24 hours after such independent expenditure is 
made.
    ``(B) Any independent expenditure aggregating $5,000 or more made 
at any time up to and including the 20th day before any election shall 
be reported within 48 hours after such independent expenditure is made. 
An additional statement shall be filed each time independent 
expenditures aggregating $5,000 are made with respect to the same 
election as the initial statement filed under this section.
    ``(C) Such statement shall be filed with the Secretary of the 
Senate and the Secretary of State of the State involved and shall 
contain the information required by subsection (b)(6)(B)(iii) of this 
section, including whether the independent expenditure is in support 
of, or in opposition to, the candidate involved. The Secretary of the 
Senate shall as soon as possible (but not later than 4 working hours of 
the Commission) after receipt of a statement transmit it to the 
Commission. Not later than 48 hours after the Commission receives a 
report, the Commission shall transmit a copy of the report to each 
candidate seeking nomination or election to that office.
    ``(D) For purposes of this section, the term `made' includes any 
action taken to incur an obligation for payment.
    ``(4)(A) If any person intends to make independent expenditures 
totaling $5,000 during the 20 days before an election, such person 
shall file a statement no later than the 20th day before the election.
    ``(B) Such statement shall be filed with the Secretary of the 
Senate and the Secretary of State of the State involved, and shall 
identify each candidate whom the expenditure will support or oppose. 
The Secretary of the Senate shall as soon as possible (but not later 
than 4 working hours of the Commission) after receipt of a statement 
transmit it to the Commission. Not later than 48 hours after the 
Commission receives a statement under this paragraph, the Commission 
shall transmit a copy of the statement to each candidate identified.
    ``(5) The Commission may make its own determination that a person 
has made, or has incurred obligations to make, independent expenditures 
with respect to any Federal election which in the aggregate exceed the 
applicable amounts under paragraph (3) or (4). The Commission shall 
notify each candidate in such election of such determination within 24 
hours of making it.
    ``(6) At the same time as a candidate is notified under paragraph 
(3), (4), or (5) with respect to expenditures during a general election 
period, the Commission shall certify eligibility to receive benefits 
under section 503(a).
    ``(7) The Secretary of the Senate shall make any statement received 
under this subsection available for public inspection and copying in 
the same manner as the Commission under section 311(a)(4), and shall 
preserve such statements in the same manner as the Commission under 
section 311(a)(5).''.

SEC. 133. CAMPAIGN ADVERTISING AMENDMENTS.

    Section 318 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441d) is amended--
            (1) in the matter before paragraph (1) of subsection (a), 
        by striking ``an expenditure'' and inserting ``a 
        disbursement'';
            (2) in the matter before paragraph (1) of subsection (a), 
        by striking ``direct'';
            (3) in paragraph (3) of subsection (a), by inserting after 
        ``name'' the following ``and permanent street address''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
    ``(c) Any printed communication described in subsection (a) shall 
be--
            ``(1) of sufficient type size to be clearly readable by the 
        recipient of the communication;
            ``(2) contained in a printed box set apart from the other 
        contents of the communication; and
            ``(3) consist of a reasonable degree of color contrast 
        between the background and the printed statement.
    ``(d)(1) Any broadcast or cablecast communication described in 
subsection (a)(1) or subsection (a)(2) shall include, in addition to 
the requirements of those subsections an audio statement by the 
candidate that identifies the candidate and states that the candidate 
has approved the communication.
    ``(2) If a broadcast or cablecast communication described in 
paragraph (1) is broadcast or cablecast by means of television, the 
statement required by paragraph (1) shall--
            ``(A) appear at the end of the communication in a clearly 
        readable manner with a reasonable degree of color contrast 
        between the background and the printed statement, for a period 
        of at least 4 seconds; and
            ``(B) be accompanied by a clearly identifiable photographic 
        or similar image of the candidate.
    ``(e) Any broadcast or cablecast communication described in 
subsection (a)(3) shall include, in addition to the requirements of 
those subsections, in a clearly spoken manner, the following 
statement--
            `             is responsible for the content of this 
        advertisement.'
with the blank to be filled in with the name of the political committee 
or other person paying for the communication and the name of any 
connected organization of the payor; and, if broadcast or cablecast by 
means of television, shall also appear in a clearly readable manner 
with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and 
the printed statement, for a period of at least 4 seconds.''.

SEC. 134. DEFINITIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 301 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431) is amended by 
striking paragraph (19) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
    ``(19) The term `eligible Senate candidate' means a candidate who 
is eligible under section 502 to receive benefits under title V.
    ``(20) The term `general election' means any election which will 
directly result in the election of a person to a Federal office, but 
does not include an open primary election.
    ``(21) The term `general election period' means, with respect to 
any candidate, the period beginning on the day after the date of the 
primary or runoff election for the specific office the candidate is 
seeking, whichever is later, and ending on the earlier of--
            ``(A) the date of such general election; or
            ``(B) the date on which the candidate withdraws from the 
        campaign or otherwise ceases actively to seek election.
    ``(22) The term `immediate family' means--
            ``(A) a 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).
    ``(23) The term `major party' has the meaning given such term in 
section 9002(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, except that if a 
candidate qualified under State law for the ballot in a general 
election in an open primary in which all the candidates for the office 
participated and which resulted in the candidate and at least one other 
candidate qualifying for the ballot in the general election, such 
candidate shall be treated as a candidate of a major party for purposes 
of title V.
    ``(24) The term `primary election' means an election which may 
result in the selection of a candidate for the ballot in a general 
election for a Federal office.
    ``(25) The term `primary election period' means, with respect to 
any candidate, the period beginning on the day following the date of 
the last election for the specific office the candidate is seeking and 
ending on the earlier of--
            ``(A) the date of the first primary election for that 
        office following the last general election for that office; or
            ``(B) the date on which the candidate withdraws from the 
        election or otherwise ceases actively to seek election.
    ``(26) The term `runoff election' means an election held after a 
primary election which is prescribed by applicable State law as the 
means for deciding which candidate will be on the ballot in the general 
election for a Federal office.
    ``(27) The term `runoff election period' means, with respect to any 
candidate, the period beginning on the day following the date of the 
last primary election for the specific office such candidate is seeking 
and ending on the date of the runoff election for such office.
    ``(28) The term `voting age population' means the resident 
population, 18 years of age or older, as certified pursuant to section 
315(e).
    ``(29) The term `election cycle' means--
            ``(A) in the case of a candidate or the authorized 
        committees of a candidate, the term beginning on the day after 
        the date of the most recent general election for the specific 
        office or seat which such candidate seeks and ending on the 
        date of the next general election for such office or seat; or
            ``(B) for all other persons, the term beginning on the 
        first day following the date of the last general election and 
        ending on the date of the next general election.
    ``(30) The term `personal funds expenditure limit' means the limit 
applicable to an eligible Senate candidate under section 502(a).
    ``(31) The term `primary election expenditure limit' means the 
limit applicable to an eligible Senate candidate under section 502(b).
    ``(32) The term `runoff election expenditure limit' means the limit 
applicable to an eligible Senate candidate under section 502(c).
    ``(33) The term `general election expenditure limit' means the 
limit applicable to an eligible Senate candidate under section 502(d).
    ``(34) The term `multicandidate political committee primary 
election contribution limit' means the limit applicable to an eligible 
Senate candidate under section 502(e)(1).
    ``(35) The term `multicandidate political committee runoff election 
contribution limit' means the limit applicable to an eligible Senate 
candidate under section 502(e)(2).
    ``(36) The terms `Senate Election Campaign Fund' and `Fund' mean 
the Senate Election Campaign Fund established under section 510.''.
    (b) Identification.--Section 301(13) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(13)) is 
amended by striking ``mailing address'' and inserting ``permanent 
residence address''.

SEC. 135. PROVISIONS RELATING TO FRANKED MASS MAILINGS.

    Section 3210(a)(6) of title 39, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``It is the intent of 
        Congress that a Member of, or a Member-elect to, Congress'' and 
        inserting ``A Member of, or Member-elect to, the House''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (C)--
                    (A) by striking ``if such mass mailing is 
                postmarked fewer than 60 days immediately before the 
                date'' and inserting ``if such mass mailing is 
                postmarked during the calendar year''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``or reelection'' immediately 
                before the period.

                   TITLE II--INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES

SEC. 201. CLARIFICATION OF DEFINITIONS RELATING TO INDEPENDENT 
              EXPENDITURES.

    (a) Independent Expenditure Definition Amendment.--Section 301 of 
FECA (2 U.S.C. 431) is amended by striking paragraphs (17) and (18) and 
inserting the following:
    ``(17)(A) The term `independent expenditure' means an expenditure 
for an advertisement or other communication that--
            ``(i) contains express advocacy; and
            ``(ii) is made without the participation or cooperation of 
        a candidate or a candidate's representative.
    ``(B) The following shall not be considered an independent 
expenditure:
            ``(i) An expenditure made by a political committee of a 
        political party.
            ``(ii) An expenditure made by a person who, during the 
        election cycle, has communicated with or received information 
        from a candidate or a representative of that candidate 
        regarding activities that have the purpose of influencing that 
        candidate's election to Federal office, where the expenditure 
        is in support of that candidate or in opposition to another 
        candidate for that office.
            ``(iii) An expenditure if there is any arrangement, 
        coordination, or direction with respect to the expenditure 
        between the candidate or the candidate's agent and the person 
        making the expenditure.
            ``(iv) An expenditure if, in the same election cycle, the 
        person making the expenditure is or has been--
                    ``(I) authorized to raise or expend funds on behalf 
                of the candidate or the candidate's authorized 
                committees; or
                    ``(II) serving as a member, employee, or agent of 
                the candidate's authorized committees in an executive 
                or policymaking position.
            ``(v) An expenditure if the person making the expenditure 
        has advised or counseled the candidate or the candidate's 
        agents at any time on the candidate's plans, projects, or needs 
        relating to the candidate's pursuit of nomination for election, 
        or election, to Federal office, in the same election cycle, 
        including any advice relating to the candidate's decision to 
        seek Federal office.
            ``(vi) An expenditure if the person making the expenditure 
        retains the professional services of any individual or other 
        person also providing services in the same election cycle to 
        the candidate in connection with the candidate's pursuit of 
        nomination for election, or election, to Federal office, 
        including any services relating to the candidate's decision to 
        seek Federal office.
            ``(vii) An expenditure if the person making the expenditure 
        has consulted at any time during the same election cycle about 
        the candidate's plans, projects, or needs relating to the 
        candidate's pursuit of nomination for election, or election, to 
        Federal office, with--
                    ``(I) any officer, director, employee or agent of a 
                party committee that has made or intends to make 
                expenditures or contributions, pursuant to subsections 
                (a), (d), or (h) of section 315 in connection with the 
                candidate's campaign; or
                    ``(II) any person whose professional services have 
                been retained by a political party committee that has 
                made or intends to make expenditures or contributions 
                pursuant to subsections (a), (d), or (h) of section 315 
                in connection with the candidate's campaign.
For purposes of this subparagraph, the person making the expenditure 
shall include any officer, director, employee, or agent of such person.
    ``(18) The term `express advocacy' means, when a communication is 
taken as a whole, an expression of support for or opposition to a 
specific candidate, to a specific group of candidates, or to candidates 
of a particular political party, or a suggestion to take action with 
respect to an election, such as to vote for or against, make 
contributions to, or participate in campaign activity.''.
    (b) Contribution Definition Amendment.--Section 301(8)(A) of FECA 
(2 U.S.C. 431(8)(A)) is amended--
            (1) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' after the semicolon 
        at the end;
            (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; or''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
            ``(iii) any payment or other transaction referred to in 
        paragraph (17)(A)(i) that does not qualify as an independent 
        expenditure under paragraph (17)(A)(ii).''.

                        TITLE III--EXPENDITURES

                   Subtitle A--Personal Loans; Credit

SEC. 301. PERSONAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND LOANS.

    Section 315 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441a) is amended by adding at the end 
the following new subsection:
    ``(i) Limitations on Payments to Candidates.--(1) If a candidate or 
a member of the candidate's immediate family made any loans to the 
candidate or to the candidate's authorized committees during any 
election cycle, no contributions received after the date of the general 
election for such election cycle may be used to repay such loans.
    ``(2) No contribution by a candidate or member of the candidate's 
immediate family may be returned to the candidate or member other than 
as part of a pro rata distribution of excess contributions to all 
contributors.''.

SEC. 302. EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT.

    Section 301(8)(A) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(8)(A)), as amended by 
section 201(b), is amended--
            (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (ii);
            (2) by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and 
        inserting ``; or''; and
            (3) by inserting at the end the following new clause:
                    ``(iv) with respect to a candidate and the 
                candidate's authorized committees, any extension of 
                credit for goods or services relating to advertising on 
                broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, or 
                by mailings, or relating to other types of general 
                public political advertising, if such extension of 
                credit is--
                            ``(I) in an amount of more than $500; and
                            ``(II) for a period greater than the 
                        period, not in excess of 60 days, for which 
                        credit is generally extended in the normal 
                        course of business after the date on which such 
                        goods or services are furnished or the date of 
                        the mailing in the case of advertising by a 
                        mailing.''.

   Subtitle B--Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties

SEC. 311. CONTRIBUTIONS TO POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEES FOR GRASSROOTS 
              FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES.

    (a) In General.--Section 315(a)(1)(C) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 
441a(a)(1)(C)) is amended by striking ``$5,000.'' and inserting 
``5,000, plus an additional $5,000 that may be contributed to a 
political committee established and maintained by a State political 
party for the sole purpose of conducting grassroots Federal election 
campaign activities coordinated by the Congressional Campaign Committee 
and Senatorial Campaign Committee of the party.''.
    (b) Increase in Overall Limit.--Paragraph (3) of section 315(a) of 
FECA (2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the 
following new sentence: ``The limitation under this paragraph shall be 
increased (but not by more than $5,000) by the amount of contributions 
made by an individual during a calendar year to political committees 
which are taken into account for purposes of paragraph (1)(C).''.
    (c) Definition.--Section 301(a) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(a)), as 
amended by section 134, is amended by adding at the end the following 
new paragraph:
    ``(37) The term `grassroots Federal election campaign activity' 
means--
            ``(A) voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities;
            ``(B) campaign activities, including broadcasting, 
        newspaper, magazine, billboard, mass mail, and newsletter 
        communications, and similar kinds of communications or public 
        advertising that--
                    ``(i) are generic campaign activities; or
                    ``(ii) identify a Federal candidate regardless of 
                whether a State or local candidate is also identified;
            ``(C) the preparation and dissemination of campaign 
        materials that are part of a generic campaign activity or that 
        identify a Federal candidate, regardless of whether a State or 
        local candidate is also identified;
            ``(D) development and maintenance of voter files;
            ``(E) any other activity affecting (in whole or in part) an 
        election for Federal office; and
            ``(F) activities conducted for the purpose of raising funds 
        to pay for activities described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), 
        (D), and (E),
to the extent that any such activity is allocable to Federal elections 
under a regulation issued by the Commission.''.

SEC. 312. PROVISIONS RELATING TO NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PARTY 
              COMMITTEES.

    (a) Expenditures by State Committees in Connection With 
Presidential Campaigns.--Section 315(d) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441a(d)) is 
amended by inserting at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(4) A State committee of a political party, including subordinate 
committees of that State committee, shall not make expenditures in 
connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for 
President of the United States who is affiliated with such party which, 
in the aggregate, exceed an amount equal to 4 cents multiplied by the 
voting age population of the State, as certified under subsection (e). 
This paragraph shall not authorize a committee to make expenditures for 
audio broadcasts (including television broadcasts) in excess of the 
amount which could have been made without regard to this paragraph.''.
    (b) Contribution and Expenditure Exceptions.--(1) Section 301(8)(B) 
of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(8)(B)) is amended--
            (A) in clause (xi), by striking ``direct mail'' and 
        inserting ``mail''; and
            (B) by repealing clauses (x) and (xii).
    (2) Section 301(9)(B) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(9)(B)) is amended by 
repealing clauses (viii) and (ix).
    (c) Soft Money of Committees of Political Parties.--(1) Title III 
of FECA, as amended by section 102(a), is amended by inserting after 
section 324 the following new section:

                      ``political party committees

    ``Sec. 325. (a) Any amount solicited, received, or expended 
directly or indirectly by a national, State, district, or local 
committee of a political party (including any subordinate committee) 
with respect to an activity which, in whole or in part, is in 
connection with an election to Federal office shall be subject in its 
entirety to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements 
of this Act.
    ``(b) For purposes of subsection (a):
            ``(1) Any activity which is solely for the purpose of 
        influencing an election for Federal office is in connection 
        with an election for Federal office.
            ``(2) A grassroots Federal election campaign activity shall 
        be treated as in connection with an election for Federal 
        office.
            ``(3) The following shall not be treated as in connection 
        with a Federal election:
                    ``(A) Any amount described in section 
                301(8)(B)(viii).
                    ``(B) Any amount contributed to a candidate for 
                other than Federal office.
                    ``(C) Any amount received or expended in connection 
                with a State or local political convention.
                    ``(D) Campaign activities, including broadcasting, 
                newspaper, magazine, billboard, mass mail, and 
                newsletter communications, and similar kinds of 
                communications or public advertising that are 
                exclusively on behalf of State or local candidates and 
                are conducted in a year that is not a Presidential 
                election year.
                    ``(E) Research pertaining solely to State and local 
                candidates and issues.
                    ``(F) Any other activity which is solely for the 
                purpose of influencing, and which solely affects, an 
                election for non-Federal office.
            ``(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term `Federal 
        election period' means the period--
                    ``(A) beginning on January 1 of any even-numbered 
                calendar year; and
                    ``(B) ending on the date during such year on which 
                regularly scheduled general elections for Federal 
                office occur.
        In the case of a special election, the Federal election period 
        shall include at least the 60-day period ending on the date of 
        the election.
    ``(c) Solicitation by Committees.--A Congressional or Senatorial 
Campaign Committee of a political party may not solicit or accept 
contributions not subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and 
reporting requirements of this Act.
    ``(d) Amounts Received From State and Local Candidate Committees.--
(1) For purposes of subsection (a), any amount received by a national, 
State, district, or local committee of a political party (including any 
subordinate committee) from a State or local candidate committee shall 
be treated as meeting the requirements of subsection (a) and section 
304(d) if--
            ``(A) such amount is derived from funds which meet the 
        requirements of this Act with respect to any limitation or 
        prohibition as to source or dollar amount, and
            ``(B) the State or local candidate committee--
                    ``(i) maintains, in the account from which payment 
                is made, records of the sources and amounts of funds 
                for purposes of determining whether such requirements 
                are met, and
                    ``(ii) certifies to the other committee that such 
                requirements were met.
    ``(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), any committee receiving any 
contribution described in paragraph (1) from a State or local candidate 
committee shall be required to meet the reporting requirements of this 
Act with respect to receipt of the contribution from such candidate 
committee.
    ``(3) For purposes of this subsection, a State or local candidate 
committee is a committee established, financed, maintained, or 
controlled by a candidate for other than Federal office.''.
    (2) Section 315(d) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441a(d)), as amended by 
subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
            ``(5)(A) The national committee of a political party, the 
        congressional campaign committees of a political party, and a 
        State or local committee of a political party, including a 
        subordinate committee of any of the preceding committees, shall 
        not make expenditures during any calendar year for activities 
        described in section 325(b)(2) with respect to such State 
        which, in the aggregate, exceed an amount equal to 30 cents 
        multiplied by the voting age population of the State (as 
        certified under subsection (e)).
            ``(B) Expenditures authorized under this paragraph shall be 
        in addition to other expenditures allowed under this 
        subsection, except that this paragraph shall not authorize a 
        committee to make expenditures to which paragraph (3) or (4) 
        applies in excess of the limit applicable to such expenditures 
        under paragraph (3) or (4).
            ``(C) No adjustment to the limitation under this paragraph 
        shall be made under subsection (c) before 1992 and the base 
        period for purposes of any such adjustment shall be 1990.
            ``(D) For purposes of this paragraph--
                    ``(i) a local committee of a political party shall 
                only include a committee that is a political committee 
                (as defined in section 301(4)); and
                    ``(ii) a State committee shall not be required to 
                record or report under this Act the expenditures of any 
                other committee which are made independently from the 
                State committee.''.
    (3) Section 301(4) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(4)) is amended by adding 
at the end the following new sentence:
                ``For purposes of subparagraph (C), any payments for 
                get-out-the-vote activities on behalf of candidates for 
                office other than Federal office shall be treated as 
                payments exempted from the definition of expenditure 
                under paragraph (9) of this section.''.
    (d) Generic Activities.--Section 301 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431), as 
amended by section 311(c), is amended by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph:
    ``(38) The term `generic campaign activity' means a campaign 
activity the purpose or effect of which is to promote a political party 
rather than any particular Federal or non-Federal candidate.''.

SEC. 313. RESTRICTIONS ON FUNDRAISING BY CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS.

    (a) State Fundraising Activities.--Section 315 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 
441a), as amended by section 301, is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection:
    ``(k) Limitations on Fundraising Activities of Federal Candidates 
and Officeholders and Certain Political Committees.--(1) For purposes 
of this Act, a candidate for Federal office (or an individual holding 
Federal office) may not solicit funds to, or receive funds on behalf 
of, any Federal or non-Federal candidate or political committee--
            ``(A) which are to be expended in connection with any 
        election for Federal office unless such funds are subject to 
        the limitations, prohibitions, and requirements of this Act; or
            ``(B) which are to be expended in connection with any 
        election for other than Federal office unless such funds are 
        not in excess of amounts permitted with respect to Federal 
        candidates and political committees under this Act, and are not 
        from sources prohibited by this Act with respect to elections 
        to Federal office.
    ``(2)(A) The aggregate amount which a person described in 
subparagraph (B) may solicit from a multicandidate political committee 
for State committees described in subsection (a)(1)(C) (including 
subordinate committees) for any calendar year shall not exceed the 
dollar amount in effect under subsection (a)(2)(B) for the calendar 
year.
    ``(B) A person is described in this subparagraph if such person is 
a candidate for Federal office, an individual holding Federal office, 
or any national, State, district, or local committee of a political 
party (including subordinate committees).
    ``(3) The appearance or participation by a candidate or individual 
in any activity (including fundraising) conducted by a committee of a 
political party or a candidate for other than Federal office shall not 
be treated as a solicitation for purposes of paragraph (1) if--
            ``(A) such appearance or participation is otherwise 
        permitted by law; and
            ``(B) such candidate or individual does not solicit or 
        receive, or make expenditures from, any funds resulting from 
        such activity.
    ``(4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the solicitation or receipt 
of funds, or disbursements, by an individual who is a candidate for 
other than Federal office if such activity is permitted under State 
law.
    ``(5) For purposes of this subsection, an individual shall be 
treated as holding Federal office if such individual--
            ``(A) holds a Federal office; or
            ``(B) holds a position described in level I of the 
        Executive Schedule under section 5312 of title 5, United States 
        Code.''.
    (b) Tax-Exempt Organizations.--Section 315 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441a), 
as amended by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection:
    ``(l) Tax-Exempt Organizations.--(1) If during any period an 
individual is a candidate for, or holds, Federal office, such 
individual may not during such period solicit contributions to, or on 
behalf of, any organization which is described in section 501(c) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if a significant portion of the 
activities of such organization include voter registration or get-out-
the-vote campaigns.
    ``(2) For purposes of this subsection, an individual shall be 
treated as holding Federal office if such individual--
            ``(A) holds a Federal office; or
            ``(B) holds a position described in level I of the 
        Executive Schedule under section 5312 of title 5, United States 
        Code.''.

SEC. 314. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) Reporting Requirements.--Section 304 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 434) is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(d) Political Committees.--(1) The national committee of a 
political party and any congressional campaign committee, and any 
subordinate committee of either, shall report all receipts and 
disbursements during the reporting period, whether or not in connection 
with an election for Federal office.
    ``(2) A political committee (not described in paragraph (1)) to 
which section 325 applies shall report all receipts and disbursements 
in connection with a Federal election (as determined under section 325) 
and all payments for combined activities under 326;
    ``(3) Any political committee to which paragraph (1) or (2) does 
not apply shall report any receipts or disbursements which are used in 
connection with a Federal election or for combined activities.
    ``(4) If any receipt or disbursement to which this subsection 
applies exceeds $50, the political committee shall include 
identification of the person from whom, or to whom, such receipt or 
disbursement was made.
    ``(5) Reports required to be filed by this subsection shall be 
filed for the same time periods required for political committees under 
subsection (a).''.
    (b) Report of Exempt Contributions.--Section 301(8) of the Federal 
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431(8)) is amended by inserting 
at the end the following:
                    ``(C) The exclusions provided in clauses (v) and 
                (viii) of subparagraph (B) shall not apply for purposes 
                of any requirement to report contributions under this 
                Act, and all such contributions in excess of $50 shall 
                be reported.''.
     (c) Reporting of Exempt Expenditures.--Section 301(9) of the 
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431(9)) is amended by 
inserting at the end the following:
                    ``(C) The exclusions provided in clause (iv) of 
                subparagraph (B) shall not apply for purposes of any 
                requirement to report expenditures under this Act, and 
                all such expenditures in excess of $50 shall be 
                reported.''.
    (d) Contributions and Expenditures of Political Committees.--
Section 301(4) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(4)) is amended by adding at the 
end the following: ``For purposes of this paragraph, the receipt of 
contributions or the making of, or obligating to make, expenditures 
shall be determined by the Commission on the basis of facts and 
circumstances, in whatever combination, demonstrating a purpose of 
influencing any election for Federal office, including, but not limited 
to, the representations made by any person soliciting funds about their 
intended uses; the identification by name of individuals who are 
candidates for Federal office or of any political party, in general 
public political advertising; and the proximity to any primary, runoff, 
or general election of general public political advertising designed or 
reasonably calculated to influence voter choice in that election.''.
    (e) Reports by State Committees.--Section 304 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 
434), as amended by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the 
following new subsection:
    ``(e) Filing of State Reports.--In lieu of any report required to 
be filed by this Act, the Commission may allow a State committee of a 
political party to file with the Commission a report required to be 
filed under State law if the Commission determines such reports contain 
substantially the same information.''.

SEC. 315. LIMITATIONS ON COMBINED POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF POLITICAL 
              COMMITTEES OF POLITICAL PARTIES.

    Title III of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.), as amended by section 
312(c), is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``limitations on combined political activities of political committees 
                          of political parties

    ``Sec. 326.  (a)(1) Political party committees that make payments 
for combined political activity shall allocate a portion of such 
payments to Federal accounts containing contributions subject to the 
limitations and prohibitions of this Act, as provided for in this 
section.
    ``(2) National party committees shall allocate as follows:
            ``(A) At least 65 percent of the costs of voter 
        registration drives, development and maintenance of voter 
        files, get-out-the-vote activities, and administrative expenses 
        shall be paid from a Federal account in Presidential election 
        years. At least 60 percent of the costs of voter drives and 
        administrative expenses shall be paid from a Federal account in 
        all other years.
            ``(B) The costs of fundraising activities which shall be 
        paid from a Federal account shall equal the ratio of funds 
        received into the Federal account to the total receipts from 
        each fundraising program or event.
            ``(C) The costs of activities subject to limitation under 
        section 315(d) which involve both Federal and non-Federal 
        candidates, shall be paid from a Federal account according to 
        the time or space devoted to Federal candidates.
    ``(3) State and local party committees shall allocate as follows:
            ``(A) At least 50 percent of the costs of voter 
        registration drives, development and maintenance of voter 
        files, get-out-the-vote activities, and administrative expenses 
        shall be paid from a Federal account in Presidential election 
        years. In all other years, the costs of voter drives and 
        administrative expenses which shall be paid from a Federal 
        account shall be determined by the ballot composition for the 
        election cycle, but, in no event, shall the amount paid from 
        the Federal account be less than 33 percent.
            ``(B) The costs of fundraising activities which shall be 
        paid from a Federal account shall equal the ratio of funds 
        received into the Federal account to the total receipts from 
        each fundraising program or event.
            ``(C) The costs of activities exempt from the definition of 
        `contribution' or `expenditure' under section 301, when 
        conducted in conjunction with both Federal and non-Federal 
        elections, shall be paid from a Federal account according to 
the time or space devoted to Federal candidates or elections.
            ``(D) The costs of activities subject to limitation under 
        section 315 (a) or (d) which involve both Federal and non-
        Federal candidates, shall be paid from a Federal account 
        according to the time or space devoted to Federal candidates.
    ``(b) For purposes of this subsection:
            ``(1) The term `combined political activity' means any 
        activity that is both--
                    ``(A) in connection with an election for Federal 
                office; and
                    ``(B) in connection with an election for any non-
                Federal office.
            ``(2) Any activity which is undertaken solely in connection 
        with a Federal election is not combined political activity.
            ``(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), combined 
        political activity shall include--
                    ``(A) State and local party activities exempt from 
                the definitions of `contribution' and `expenditure' 
                under section 301 and activities subject to limitation 
                under section 315 which involve both Federal and non-
                Federal candidates, except that payments for activities 
                subject to limitation under section 315 are not subject 
                to the limitation of subsection (a)(1);
                    ``(B) voter drives including voter registration, 
                voter identification and get-out-the-vote drives or any 
                other activities that urge the general public to 
                register, vote for or support non-Federal candidates, 
                candidates of a particular party, or candidates 
                associated with a particular issue, without mentioning 
                a specific Federal candidate;
                    ``(C) fundraising activities where both Federal and 
                non-Federal funds are collected through such 
                activities; and
                    ``(D) administrative expenses not directly 
                attributable to a clearly identified Federal or non-
                Federal candidate, except that payments for 
                administrative expenses are not subject to the 
                limitation of subsection (a)(1).
            ``(4) The following payments are exempt from the definition 
        of combined political activity:
                    ``(A) Any amount described in section 
                301(8)(B)(viii).
                    ``(B) Any payments for legal or accounting 
                services, if such services are for the purpose of 
                ensuring compliance with this Act.
            ``(5) The term `ballot composition' means the number of 
        Federal offices on the ballot compared to the total number of 
        offices on the ballot during the next election cycle for the 
        State. In calculating the number of offices for purposes of 
        this paragraph, the following offices shall be counted, if on 
        the ballot during the next election cycle: President, United 
        States Senator, United States Representative, Governor, State 
        Senator, and State Representative. No more than three 
        additional statewide partisan candidates shall be counted, if 
        on the ballot during the next election cycle. No more than 
        three additional local partisan candidates shall be counted, if 
        such offices are on the ballot in the majority of the State's 
        counties during the next election cycle.
            ``(6) The term `time or space devoted to Federal 
        candidates' means with respect to a particular communication, 
        the portion of the communication devoted to Federal candidates 
        compared to the entire communication, except that no less than 
        one-third of any communication shall be considered devoted to a 
        Federal candidate.''.

                        TITLE IV--CONTRIBUTIONS

SEC. 401. REDUCTION OF CONTRIBUTION LIMITS.

    Section 315(a)(1)(A) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(1)(A)) is amended by 
striking ``$1,000'' and inserting ``$100''.

SEC. 402. CONTRIBUTIONS THROUGH INTERMEDIARIES AND CONDUITS; 
              PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN CONTRIBUTIONS BY LOBBYISTS.

    (a) In General.--Section 315(a)(8) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(8)) is 
amended to read as follows:
    ``(8) For the purposes of this subsection:
            ``(A) Contributions made by a person, either directly or 
        indirectly, to or on behalf of a particular candidate, 
        including contributions that are in any way earmarked or 
        otherwise directed through an intermediary or conduit to a 
        candidate, shall be treated as contributions from the person to 
        the candidate.
            ``(B) Contributions made directly or indirectly by a person 
        to or on behalf of a particular candidate through an 
        intermediary or conduit, including contributions made or 
        arranged to be made by an intermediary or conduit, shall be 
        treated as contributions from the intermediary or conduit to 
        the candidate if--
                    ``(i) the contributions made through the 
                intermediary or conduit are in the form of a check or 
                other negotiable instrument made payable to the 
                intermediary or conduit rather than the intended 
                recipient; or
                    ``(ii) the intermediary or conduit is--
                            ``(I) a political committee;
                            ``(II) an officer, employee, or agent of 
                        such a political committee;
                            ``(III) a political party;
                            ``(IV) a partnership or sole 
                        proprietorship;
                            ``(V) a lobbyist; or
                            ``(VI) an organization prohibited from 
                        making contributions under section 316, or an 
                        officer, employee, or agent of such an 
                        organization acting on the organization's 
                        behalf.
            ``(C)(i) The term `intermediary or conduit' does not 
        include--
                    ``(I) a candidate or representative of a candidate 
                receiving contributions to the candidate's principal 
                campaign committee or authorized committee;
                    ``(II) a professional fundraiser compensated for 
                fundraising services at the usual and customary rate;
                    ``(III) a volunteer hosting a fundraising event at 
                the volunteer's home, in accordance with section 
                301(8)(B); or
                    ``(IV) an individual who transmits a contribution 
                from the individual's spouse.
            ``(ii) The term `representative' means an individual who is 
        expressly authorized by the candidate to engage in fundraising, 
        and who occupies a significant position within the candidate's 
        campaign organization, provided that the individual is not 
        described in subparagraph (B)(ii).
            ``(iii) The term `contributions made or arranged to be 
        made' includes--
                    ``(I) contributions delivered to a particular 
                candidate or the candidate's authorized committee or 
                agent; and
                    ``(II) contributions directly or indirectly 
                arranged to be made to a particular candidate or the 
                candidate's authorized committee or agent, in a manner 
                that identifies directly or indirectly to the candidate 
                or authorized committee or agent the person who 
                arranged the making of the contributions or the person 
                on whose behalf such person was acting.
            ``(iv) The term `acting on the organization's behalf' 
        includes the following activities by an officer, employee or 
        agent of a person described in subparagraph (B)(ii)(IV):
                    ``(I) Soliciting or directly or indirectly 
                arranging the making of a contribution to a particular 
                candidate in the name of, or by using the name of, such 
                a person.
                    ``(II) Soliciting or directly or indirectly 
                arranging the making of a contribution to a particular 
                candidate using other than incidental resources of such 
                a person.
                    ``(III) Soliciting contributions for a particular 
                candidate by substantially directing the solicitations 
                to other officers, employees, or agents of such a 
                person.
            ``(D) Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit--
                    ``(i) bona fide joint fundraising efforts conducted 
                solely for the purpose of sponsorship of a fundraising 
                reception, dinner, or other similar event, in 
                accordance with rules prescribed by the Commission, 
                by--
                            ``(I) 2 or more candidates;
                            ``(II) 2 or more national, State, or local 
                        committees of a political party within the 
                        meaning of section 301(4) acting on their own 
                        behalf; or
                            ``(III) a special committee formed by 2 or 
                        more candidates, or a candidate and a national, 
                        State, or local committee of a political party 
                        acting on their own behalf;
                    ``(ii) fundraising efforts for the benefit of a 
                candidate that are conducted by another candidate; or
                    ``(iii) bona fide fundraising efforts conducted by 
                and solely on behalf of an individual for the purpose 
                of sponsorship of a fundraising reception, dinner, or 
                other similar event, but only if all contributions are 
                made directly to a candidate or a representative of a 
                candidate.
When a contribution is made to a candidate through an intermediary or 
conduit, the intermediary or conduit shall report the original source 
and the intended recipient of the contribution to the Commission and to 
the intended recipient.''.
    (b) Prohibition of Certain Contributions by Lobbyists.--Section 315 
of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441a), as amended by section 313(b), is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(m)(1) A lobbyist shall not make a contribution to or solicit a 
contribution on behalf of a legislative branch official before whom the 
lobbyist has appeared or with whom the lobbyist has made a lobbying 
contact, in the lobbyist's representational capacity, during the 12-
month period preceding the date on which the contribution is made or 
solicited.
    ``(2) A lobbyist who makes a contribution to or solicits a 
contribution on behalf of a legislative branch official shall not 
appear before or make a lobbying contact with that legislative branch 
official, in the lobbyist's representational capacity, during the 12-
month period after the date on which the contribution is made or 
solicited.''.
    (c) Definitions.--Section 301(a) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(a)), as 
amended by section 312(d), is amended by adding at the end the 
following new paragraphs:
    ``(39) The term `lobbyist' means--
            ``(A) a person required to register under section 308 of 
        the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (2 U.S.C. 267) or the 
        Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (22 U.S.C. 611 et 
        seq.);
            ``(B) a person required under any other law to register as 
        a lobbyist (as the term `lobbyist' may be defined in any such 
        law); and
            ``(C) any other person that receives compensation in return 
        for making a lobbying contact with Congress on any legislative 
        matter, including a member, officer, or employee of any 
        organization that receives such compensation.
    ``(40)(A) The term `lobbying contact'--
            ``(i) means an oral or written communication with a 
        legislative branch official made by a lobbyist on behalf of 
        another person with regard to--
                    ``(I) the formulation, modification, or adoption of 
                Federal legislation (including a legislative proposal);
                    ``(II) the formulation, modification, or adoption 
                of a Federal rule, regulation, Executive order, or any 
                other program, policy or position of the United States 
                Government; or
                    ``(III) the administration or execution of a 
                Federal program or policy (including the negotiation, 
                award, or administration of a Federal contract, grant, 
                loan, permit, or license) but--
            ``(ii) does not include a communication that is--
                    ``(I) made by a public official acting in an 
                official capacity;
                    ``(II) made by a representative of a media 
                organization who is primarily engaged in gathering and 
                disseminating news and information to the public;
                    ``(III) made in a speech, article, publication, or 
                other material that is widely distributed to the public 
                or through the media;
                    ``(IV) a request for an appointment, a request for 
                the status of a Federal action, or another similar 
                ministerial contact, if there is no attempt to 
                influence a legislative branch official at the time of 
                the contact;
                    ``(V) made in the course of participation in an 
                advisory committee subject to the Federal Advisory 
                Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.);
                    ``(VI) testimony given before a committee, 
                subcommittee, or office of Congress, or submitted for 
                inclusion in the public record of a hearing conducted 
                by the committee, subcommittee, or office;
                    ``(VII) information provided in writing in response 
                to a specific written request from a legislative branch 
                official;
                    ``(VIII) required by subpoena, civil investigative 
                demand, or otherwise compelled by statute, regulation, 
                or other action of Congress or a Federal agency;
                    ``(IX) made to an agency official with regard to a 
                judicial proceeding, criminal or civil law enforcement 
                inquiry, investigation, or proceeding, or filing 
                required by law;
                    ``(X) made in compliance with written agency 
                procedures regarding an adjudication conducted by the 
                agency under section 554 of title 5, United States 
                Code, or substantially similar provisions;
                    ``(XI) a written comment filed in a public docket 
                and other communication that is made on the record in a 
                public proceeding;
                    ``(XII) a formal petition for agency action, made 
                in writing pursuant to established agency procedures; 
                or
                    ``(XIII) made on behalf of a person with regard to 
                the person's benefits, employment, other personal 
                matters involving only that person, or disclosures 
                pursuant to a whistleblower statute.
    ``(41) The term `legislative branch official' means--
            ``(A) a member of Congress;
            ``(B) an elected officer of Congress;
            ``(C) an employee of a member of the House of 
        Representatives, of a committee of the House of 
        Representatives, or on the leadership staff of the House of 
        Representatives, other than a clerical or secretarial employee;
            ``(D) an employee of a Senator, of a Senate committee, or 
        on the leadership staff of the Senate, other than a clerical or 
        secretarial employee; and
            ``(E) an employee of a joint committee of the Congress, 
        other than a clerical or secretarial employee.''.

SEC. 403. CONTRIBUTIONS BY DEPENDENTS NOT OF VOTING AGE.

    (a) In General.--Section 315 of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441a), as amended by 
section 402(b), is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subsection:
    ``(n) For purposes of this section, any contribution by an 
individual who--
            ``(1) is a dependent of another individual; and
            ``(2) has not, as of the time of such contribution, 
        attained the legal age for voting for elections to Federal 
        office in the State in which such individual resides,
shall be treated as having been made by such other individual. If such 
individual is the dependent of another individual and such other 
individual's spouse, the contribution shall be allocated among such 
individuals in the manner determined by them.''.

SEC. 404. CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANDIDATES FROM STATE AND LOCAL COMMITTEES 
              OF POLITICAL PARTIES TO BE AGGREGATED.

    (a) In General.--Section 315(a) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 441a(a)) is 
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(9) A candidate for Federal office may not accept, with respect 
to an election, any contribution from a State or local committee of a 
political party (including any subordinate committee of such 
committee), if such contribution, when added to the total of 
contributions previously accepted from all such committees of that 
political party, exceeds a limitation on contributions to a candidate 
under this section.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 315(a)(5) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 
441a(a)(5)) is amended--
            (1) by adding ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
            (2) by striking subparagraph (B); and
            (3) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B).

SEC. 405. LIMITED EXCLUSION OF ADVANCES BY CAMPAIGN WORKERS FROM THE 
              DEFINITION OF THE TERM ``CONTRIBUTION''.

    Section 301(8)(B) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(8)(B)) is amended--
            (1) in clause (xiii), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon at the end;
            (2) in clause (xiv), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting: ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
            ``(xv) any advance voluntarily made on behalf of an 
        authorized committee of a candidate by an individual in the 
        normal course of such individual's responsibilities as a 
        volunteer for, or employee of, the committee, if the advance is 
        reimbursed by the committee within 10 days after the date on 
        which the advance is made, and the aggregate value of advances 
        on behalf of a committee does not exceed $500 with respect to 
        an election.''.

                    TITLE V--REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 501. CHANGE IN CERTAIN REPORTING FROM A CALENDAR YEAR BASIS TO AN 
              ELECTION CYCLE BASIS.

    Paragraphs (2) through (7) of section 304(b) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 
434(b)(2)-(7)) are amended by inserting after ``calendar year'' each 
place it appears the following: ``(election cycle, in the case of an 
authorized committee of a candidate for Federal office)''.

SEC. 502. PERSONAL AND CONSULTING SERVICES.

    Section 304(b)(5)(A) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 434(b)(5)(A)) is amended by 
adding before the semicolon at the end the following: ``, except that 
if a person to whom an expenditure is made is merely providing personal 
or consulting services and is in turn making expenditures to other 
persons (not including employees) who provide goods or services to the 
candidate or his or her authorized committees, the name and address of 
such other person, together with the date, amount and purpose of such 
expenditure shall also be disclosed''.

SEC. 503. REDUCTION IN THRESHOLD FOR REPORTING OF CERTAIN INFORMATION 
              BY PERSONS OTHER THAN POLITICAL COMMITTEES.

    Section 304(b)(3)(A) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 434(b)(3)(A)) is amended by 
striking ``$200'' and inserting ``$50''.

SEC. 504. COMPUTERIZED INDICES OF CONTRIBUTIONS.

    Section 311(a) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 438(a)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (9);
            (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (10) and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(11) maintain computerized indices of contributions of 
        $50 or more.''.

                     TITLE VI--PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES

SEC. 601. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

    (a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
            (1) American voters are increasingly frustrated with the 
        lack of significant political debate in presidential elections 
        in the United States, and voting participation in the United 
        States is lower than in any other advanced industrialized 
        country, due in part to such frustration;
            (2) the right of eligible citizens to participate in the 
        election process as informed voters, provided in and derived 
        from the first and fourteenth amendments to the Constitution, 
        has consistently been protected and promoted by the Federal 
        Government;
            (3) United States presidential debates sponsored by 
        nonpartisan organizations offer important fora for free, open, 
        and substantive exchanges of candidates' ideas, and should 
        include all significant candidates, including non-major and 
        independent candidates; and
            (4) throughout United States history, significant minor 
        party and independent candidates have often been a source for 
        new ideas and new programs, offering American voters an 
        opportunity to engage in a diverse and open political discourse 
        on critical issues of the day.
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this title are to make participation 
in presidential debates a requirement for receipt of Federal general 
election campaign funds and to allow all candidates who meet the 
criteria outlined in this Act to participate in such debates.

SEC. 602. PRESIDENTIAL AND VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DEBATES.

    Section 9003 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by 
adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e) Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidate Debates.--
            ``(1) Agreement to debate.--In addition to meeting the 
        requirements of subsection (a), (b), or (c), in order to be 
        eligible to receive any payments under section 9006, the 
        candidates for the office of President and Vice President in a 
        Presidential election shall agree in writing that--
                    ``(A) the Presidential candidate, if eligible under 
                paragraph (3), will participate in not less than 3 
                Presidential candidate debates, which shall be held in 
                the September and October preceding a Presidential 
                general election at least 2 weeks before the election; 
                and
                    ``(B) the Vice Presidential candidate, if eligible 
                under paragraph (3), will participate in not less than 
                1 Vice Presidential candidate debate, which shall be 
                held prior to the third Presidential candidate debate.
            ``(2) Debate requirements.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Each debate under paragraph (1) 
                shall--
                            ``(i) be sponsored by a nonpartisan 
                        organization that has no affiliation with any 
                        political party;
                            ``(ii) include all candidates that meet the 
                        criteria stated in paragraph (3) (except any 
                        such candidate who elects not to receive 
                        payments under section 9006), who shall appear 
                        and participate in a regulated exchange of 
                        questions and answers on political, social, 
                        economic, and other issues; and
                            ``(iii) be of at least 90 minutes' 
                        duration, of which not less than 30 minutes are 
                        devoted to questions and answers or discussion 
                        directly between the candidates, as determined 
                        by the sponsor of the debate.
                    ``(B) Announcement of time, location, and format.--
                The sponsor of debates shall announce the time, 
                location, and format of the debate prior to the first 
                Monday in September before the Presidential election.
            ``(3) Criteria for participation in presidential candidate 
        debates.--A candidate is eligible to participate in a debate 
        under paragraph (1) if--
                    ``(A) the candidate has qualified for the election 
                ballot as the candidate of a political party or as an 
                independent candidate to the office of President or 
                Vice President in not less than 40 States;
                    ``(B) the candidate met the requirements of section 
                9033(b) (3) and (4); or
                    ``(C) the candidate raised not less than $500,000 
                on or after January 1 of the calendar year immediately 
                preceding the calendar year of the Presidential 
                election, as disclosed in a report filed pursuant to 
                section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 
                1971 (2 U.S.C. 434).
            ``(4) Enforcement.--If the Commission, acting on its own or 
        at the complaint of any person, determines that a Presidential 
        or Vice Presidential candidate that has received payments under 
        section 9006 failed to participate in a debate under paragraph 
        (1) and was responsible at least in part for that failure, the 
        candidate shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the 
        amount of the payments made to the candidate under section 
        9006.''.

                        TITLE VII--MISCELLANEOUS

SEC. 701. PROHIBITION OF LEADERSHIP COMMITTEES.

    Section 302(e) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 432(e)) is amended--
            (1) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
    ``(3)(A) No political committee that supports or has supported more 
than one candidate may be designated as an authorized committee, except 
that--
            ``(i) a candidate for the office of President nominated by 
        a political party may designate the national committee of such 
        political party as the candidate's principal campaign 
        committee, but only if that national committee maintains 
        separate books of account with respect to its functions as a 
        principal campaign committee; and
            ``(ii) a candidate may designate a political committee 
        established solely for the purpose of joint fundraising by such 
        candidates as an authorized committee.
    ``(B) As used in this paragraph, the term `support' does not 
include a contribution by any authorized committee in amounts of $1,000 
or less to an authorized committee of any other candidate.''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(6)(A) A candidate for Federal office or any individual holding 
Federal office may not establish, maintain, or control any political 
committee other than a principal campaign committee of the candidate, 
authorized committee, party committee, or other political committee 
designated in accordance with paragraph (3). A candidate for more than 
one Federal office may designate a separate principal campaign 
committee for each Federal office.
    ``(B) For one year after the effective date of this paragraph, any 
such political committee may continue to make contributions. At the end 
of that period such political committee shall disburse all funds by one 
or more of the following means: making contributions to an entity 
qualified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; 
making a contribution to the treasury of the United States; 
contributing to the national, State or local committees of a political 
party; or making contributions not to exceed $250 to candidates for 
elective office.''.

SEC. 702. POLLING DATA CONTRIBUTED TO CANDIDATES.

    Section 301(8) of FECA (2 U.S.C. 431(8)), as amended by section 
314(b), is amended by inserting at the end the following new 
subparagraph:
            ``(D) A contribution of polling data to a candidate shall 
        be valued at the fair market value of the data on the date the 
        poll was completed, depreciated at a rate not more than 1 
        percent per day from such date to the date on which the 
        contribution was made.''.

              TITLE VIII--EFFECTIVE DATES; AUTHORIZATIONS

SEC. 801. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the amendments made by, 
and the provisions of, this Act shall take effect on the date of the 
enactment of this Act but shall not apply with respect to activities in 
connection with any election occurring before January 1, 1994.

SEC. 802. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING FUNDING OF SENATE ELECTION 
              CAMPAIGN FUND.

    It is the sense of the Senate that--
            (1) the current Presidential checkoff should be increased 
        to $5.00, its designation changed to the ``Federal Election 
        Campaign Checkoff'', and individuals should be permitted to 
        contribute an additional $5.00 to the fund in additional taxes 
        if they so desire;
            (2) the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Election 
        Commission should be required to develop and implement a plan 
        to publicize the fund and the checkoff to increase citizen 
        participation; and
            (3) funds to pay for the increase in the checkoff to $5.00 
        should come from the repeal of the tax deduction for business 
        lobbying activity.

SEC. 803. SEVERABILITY.

    Except as provided in sections 101(c) and 121(b), if any provision 
of this Act (including any amendment made by this Act), or the 
application of any such provision to any person or circumstance, is 
held invalid, the validity of any other provision of this Act, or the 
application of such provision to other persons and circumstances, shall 
not be affected thereby.

SEC. 804. EXPEDITED REVIEW OF CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES.

    (a) Direct Appeal to Supreme Court.--An appeal may be taken 
directly to the Supreme Court of the United States from any 
interlocutory order or final judgment, decree, or order issued by any 
court ruling on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act or 
amendment made by this Act.
    (b) Acceptance and Expedition.--The Supreme Court shall, if it has 
not previously ruled on the question addressed in the ruling below, 
accept jurisdiction over, advance on the docket, and expedite the 
appeal to the greatest extent possible.
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