[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1612 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1612
To ensure election security, enhance Americans' access to the ballot
box, reduce the influence of big money in politics through
transparency, establish accountability and integrity measures for
Congress, and strengthen ethics rules for public servants, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 7, 2019
Mr. Fitzpatrick introduced the following bill; which was referred to
the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the
Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, the Judiciary, Homeland
Security, Intelligence (Permanent Select), Ways and Means, Financial
Services, Oversight and Reform, and Ethics, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To ensure election security, enhance Americans' access to the ballot
box, reduce the influence of big money in politics through
transparency, establish accountability and integrity measures for
Congress, and strengthen ethics rules for public servants, 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.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nonpartisan Bill For the People Act
of 2019''.
SEC. 2. ORGANIZATION OF ACT INTO DIVISIONS; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Divisions.--This Act is organized into 3 divisions as follows:
(1) Division A--Voting and Elections.
(2) Division B--Campaign Finance.
(3) Division C--Ethics.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents.
DIVISION A--VOTING AND ELECTIONS
TITLE I--ELECTION ACCESS
Subtitle A--Voter Registration Modernization
Sec. 1001. Short title; findings and purpose.
Sec. 1002. Automatic registration of eligible individuals.
Sec. 1003. Contributing agency assistance in registration.
Sec. 1004. One-time contributing agency assistance in registration of
eligible voters in existing records.
Sec. 1005. Voter protection and security in automatic registration.
Sec. 1006. Registration portability and correction.
Sec. 1007. Payments and grants.
Sec. 1008. Treatment of exempt States.
Sec. 1009. Miscellaneous provisions.
Sec. 1010. Definitions.
Sec. 1011. Effective date.
Subtitle B--Access to Voting for Individuals With Disabilities
Sec. 1101. Requirements for States to promote access to voter
registration and voting for individuals
with disabilities.
Sec. 1102. Pilot programs for enabling individuals with disabilities to
register to vote and vote privately and
independently at residences.
Sec. 1103. Expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure
voting access for individuals with
disabilities.
Subtitle C--CLEAN Elections
Sec. 1201. Short title.
Sec. 1202. Requiring open primaries.
Sec. 1203. Sense of Congress on need for term limits for Members.
Subtitle D--Election Integrity
Sec. 1301. Requiring voters to provide photo identification.
TITLE II--REDISTRICTING REFORM
Sec. 2001. Short title; finding of constitutional authority.
Subtitle A--Requirements for Congressional Redistricting
Sec. 2101. Limit on congressional redistricting after an apportionment.
Sec. 2102. Requiring congressional redistricting to be conducted
through plan of independent State
commission.
Subtitle B--Independent Redistricting Commissions
Sec. 2201. Independent redistricting commission.
Sec. 2202. Establishment of selection pool of individuals eligible to
serve as members of commission.
Sec. 2203. Criteria for redistricting plan by independent commission;
public notice and input.
Sec. 2204. Establishment of related entities.
Subtitle C--Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 2301. Payments to States for carrying out redistricting.
Sec. 2302. State apportionment notice defined.
Sec. 2303. No effect on elections for State and local office.
Sec. 2304. Effective date.
Subtitle D--Severability
Sec. 2401. Severability.
TITLE III--ELECTION SECURITY
Sec. 3000. Short title; sense of Congress.
Subtitle A--Financial Support for Election Infrastructure
Part 1--Grants for Risk-Limiting Audits of Results of Elections
Sec. 3001. Grants to States for conducting risk-limiting audits of
results of elections.
Sec. 3002. GAO analysis of effects of audits.
Part 2--Election Infrastructure Innovation Grant Program
Sec. 3011. Election infrastructure innovation grant program.
Subtitle B--Security Measures
Sec. 3101. Election infrastructure designation.
Sec. 3102. Timely threat information.
Sec. 3103. Security clearance assistance for election officials.
Sec. 3104. Security risk and vulnerability assessments.
Sec. 3105. Annual reports.
Subtitle C--Enhancing Protections for United States Democratic
Institutions
Sec. 3201. National strategy to protect United States democratic
institutions.
Sec. 3202. National Commission to Protect United States Democratic
Institutions.
Subtitle D--Promoting Cybersecurity Through Improvements in Election
Administration
Sec. 3301. Testing of existing voting systems to ensure compliance with
election cybersecurity guidelines and other
guidelines.
Sec. 3302. Treatment of electronic poll books as part of voting
systems.
Sec. 3303. Pre-election reports on voting system usage.
Sec. 3304. Streamlining collection of election information.
Subtitle E--Preventing Election Hacking
Sec. 3401. Short title.
Sec. 3402. Election Security Bug Bounty Program.
Sec. 3403. Definitions.
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 3501. Definitions.
Sec. 3502. Initial report on adequacy of resources available for
implementation.
Subtitle G--Severability
Sec. 3601. Severability.
DIVISION B--CAMPAIGN FINANCE
TITLE IV--CAMPAIGN FINANCE TRANSPARENCY
Subtitle A--Findings Relating to Illicit Money Undermining Our
Democracy
Sec. 4001. Findings relating to illicit money undermining our
democracy.
Subtitle B--DISCLOSE Act
Sec. 4100. Short title.
Part 1--Regulation of Certain Political Spending
Sec. 4101. Application of ban on contributions and expenditures by
foreign nationals to domestic corporations,
limited liability corporations, and
partnerships that are foreign-controlled,
foreign-influenced, and foreign-owned.
Sec. 4102. Clarification of application of foreign money ban to certain
disbursements and activities.
Part 2--Reporting of Campaign-Related Disbursements
Sec. 4111. Reporting of campaign-related disbursements.
Sec. 4112. Application of foreign money ban to disbursements for
campaign-related disbursements consisting
of covered transfers.
Sec. 4113. Effective date.
Part 3--Other Administrative Reforms
Sec. 4121. Petition for certiorari.
Sec. 4122. Judicial review of actions related to campaign finance laws.
Subtitle C--Honest Ads
Sec. 4201. Short title.
Sec. 4202. Purpose.
Sec. 4203. Findings.
Sec. 4204. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 4205. Expansion of definition of public communication.
Sec. 4206. Expansion of definition of electioneering communication.
Sec. 4207. Application of disclaimer statements to online
communications.
Sec. 4208. Political record requirements for online platforms.
Sec. 4209. Preventing contributions, expenditures, independent
expenditures, and disbursements for
electioneering communications by foreign
nationals in the form of online
advertising.
Subtitle D--Stand By Every Ad
Sec. 4301. Short title.
Sec. 4302. Stand By Every Ad.
Sec. 4303. Disclaimer requirements for communications made through
prerecorded telephone calls.
Sec. 4304. No expansion of persons subject to disclaimer requirements
on internet communications.
Sec. 4305. Effective date.
Subtitle E--Secret Money Transparency
Sec. 4401. Repeal of restriction of use of funds by Internal Revenue
Service to bring transparency to political
activity of certain nonprofit
organizations.
Subtitle F--Shareholder Right-To-Know
Sec. 4501. Repeal of restriction on use of funds by Securities and
Exchange Commission to ensure shareholders
of corporations have knowledge of
corporation political activity.
Subtitle G--Disclosure of Political Spending by Government Contractors
Sec. 4601. Repeal of restriction on use of funds to require disclosure
of political spending by government
contractors.
Subtitle H--Limitation and Disclosure Requirements for Presidential
Inaugural Committees
Sec. 4701. Short title.
Sec. 4702. Limitations and disclosure of certain donations to, and
disbursements by, inaugural committees.
Subtitle I--Severability
Sec. 4801. Severability.
TITLE V--CAMPAIGN FINANCE OVERSIGHT
Subtitle A--Restoring Integrity to America's Elections
Sec. 5001. Short title.
Sec. 5002. Membership of Federal Election Commission.
Sec. 5003. Assignment of powers to Chair of Federal Election
Commission.
Sec. 5004. Revision to enforcement process.
Sec. 5005. Permitting appearance at hearings on requests for advisory
opinions by persons opposing the requests.
Sec. 5006. Permanent extension of administrative penalty authority.
Sec. 5007. Effective date; transition.
Subtitle B--Stopping Super PAC-Candidate Coordination
Sec. 5101. Short title.
Sec. 5102. Clarification of treatment of coordinated expenditures as
contributions to candidates.
Sec. 5103. Clarification of ban on fundraising for super PACs by
Federal candidates and officeholders.
Subtitle C--Severability
Sec. 5201. Severability.
DIVISION C--ETHICS
TITLE VI--ETHICAL STANDARDS
Subtitle A--Supreme Court Ethics
Sec. 6001. Code of conduct for Federal judges.
Subtitle B--Foreign Agents Registration
Sec. 6101. Establishment of FARA investigation and enforcement unit
within Department of Justice.
Sec. 6102. Authority to impose civil money penalties.
Sec. 6103. Disclosure of transactions involving things of financial
value conferred on officeholders.
Subtitle C--Lobbying Disclosure Reform
Sec. 6201. Expanding scope of individuals and activities subject to
requirements of Lobbying Disclosure Act of
1995.
Subtitle D--Recusal of Presidential Appointees
Sec. 6301. Recusal of appointees.
Subtitle E--Severability
Sec. 6401. Severability.
TITLE VII--ETHICS REFORMS FOR THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, AND
FEDERAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
Subtitle A--Executive Branch Conflict of Interest
Sec. 7001. Short title.
Sec. 7002. Restrictions on private sector payment for Government
service.
Sec. 7003. Requirements relating to slowing the revolving door.
Sec. 7004. Prohibition of procurement officers accepting employment
from Government contractors.
Sec. 7005. Revolving door restrictions on employees moving into the
private sector.
Subtitle B--Presidential Conflicts of Interest
Sec. 7011. Short title.
Sec. 7012. Divestiture of personal financial interests of the President
and Vice President that pose a potential
conflict of interest.
Sec. 7013. Initial financial disclosure.
Sec. 7014. Contracts by the President or Vice President.
Subtitle C--White House Ethics Transparency
Sec. 7021. Short title.
Sec. 7022. Procedure for waivers and authorizations relating to ethics
requirements.
Subtitle D--Executive Branch Ethics Enforcement
Sec. 7031. Short title.
Sec. 7032. Reauthorization of the Office of Government Ethics.
Sec. 7033. Tenure of the Director of the Office of Government Ethics.
Sec. 7034. Duties of Director of the Office of Government Ethics.
Sec. 7035. Agency ethics officials training and duties.
Subtitle E--Conflicts From Political Fundraising
Sec. 7041. Short title.
Sec. 7042. Disclosure of certain types of contributions.
Subtitle F--Transition Team Ethics
Sec. 7051. Short title.
Sec. 7052. Presidential transition ethics programs.
Subtitle G--Ethics Pledge for Senior Executive Branch Employees
Sec. 7061. Short title.
Sec. 7062. Ethics pledge requirement for senior executive branch
employees.
Subtitle H--Severability
Sec. 7071. Severability.
TITLE VIII--CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS REFORM
Subtitle A--Requiring Members of Congress To Reimburse Treasury for
Amounts Paid as Settlements and Awards Under Congressional
Accountability Act of 1995
Sec. 8001. Requiring Members of Congress to reimburse Treasury for
amounts paid as settlements and awards
under Congressional Accountability Act of
1995 in all cases of employment
discrimination acts by Members.
Subtitle B--Conflicts of Interests
Sec. 8101. Prohibiting Members of House of Representatives from serving
on boards of for-profit entities.
Sec. 8102. Conflict of interest rules for Members of Congress and
congressional staff.
Sec. 8103. Exercise of rulemaking powers.
Subtitle C--Campaign Finance and Lobbying Disclosure
Sec. 8201. Short title.
Sec. 8202. Requiring disclosure in certain reports filed with Federal
Election Commission of persons who are
registered lobbyists.
Sec. 8203. Effective date.
Subtitle D--Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports
Sec. 8301. Short title.
Sec. 8302. Definitions.
Sec. 8303. Establishment of online portal for congressionally mandated
reports.
Sec. 8304. Federal agency responsibilities.
Sec. 8305. Removing and altering reports.
Sec. 8306. Relationship to the Freedom of Information Act.
Sec. 8307. Implementation.
Subtitle E--CLEAN Congress
Sec. 8401. Short title.
Sec. 8402. Prohibiting multiple subjects in single bill.
Sec. 8403. Requiring equal application of laws to Members of Congress.
Subtitle F--CLEAN Public Service
Sec. 8501. Short title.
Sec. 8502. Termination of further retirement benefits for Members of
Congress.
Subtitle G--No Budget, No Pay
Sec. 8601. Short title.
Sec. 8602. Definition.
Sec. 8603. Timely approval of concurrent resolution on the budget and
the appropriations bills.
Sec. 8604. No pay without concurrent resolution on the budget and the
appropriations bills.
Sec. 8605. Determinations.
Sec. 8606. Effective date.
Subtitle H--No Work, No Pay
Sec. 8701. Short title.
Sec. 8702. Prohibiting paying Members of Congress during Government
shutdowns.
Sec. 8703. Definitions.
Subtitle I--Severability
Sec. 8801. Severability.
TITLE IX--PRESIDENTIAL, VICE PRESIDENTIAL, AND CONGRESSIONAL TAX
TRANSPARENCY
Sec. 9001. Presidential, Vice Presidential, and congressional tax
transparency.
DIVISION A--VOTING AND ELECTIONS
TITLE I--ELECTION ACCESS
Subtitle A--Voter Registration Modernization
Sec. 1001. Short title; findings and purpose.
Sec. 1002. Automatic registration of eligible individuals.
Sec. 1003. Contributing agency assistance in registration.
Sec. 1004. One-time contributing agency assistance in registration of
eligible voters in existing records.
Sec. 1005. Voter protection and security in automatic registration.
Sec. 1006. Registration portability and correction.
Sec. 1007. Payments and grants.
Sec. 1008. Treatment of exempt States.
Sec. 1009. Miscellaneous provisions.
Sec. 1010. Definitions.
Sec. 1011. Effective date.
Subtitle B--Access to Voting for Individuals With Disabilities
Sec. 1101. Requirements for States to promote access to voter
registration and voting for individuals
with disabilities.
Sec. 1102. Pilot programs for enabling individuals with disabilities to
register to vote and vote privately and
independently at residences.
Sec. 1103. Expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure
voting access for individuals with
disabilities.
Subtitle C--CLEAN Elections
Sec. 1201. Short title.
Sec. 1202. Requiring open primaries.
Sec. 1203. Sense of Congress on need for term limits for Members.
Subtitle D--Election Integrity
Sec. 1301. Requiring voters to provide photo identification.
Subtitle A--Voter Registration Modernization
SEC. 1001. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Short Title.--This subtitle may be cited as the ``Automatic
Voter Registration Act of 2019''.
(b) Findings and Purpose.--
(1) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(A) the right to vote is a fundamental right of
citizens of the United States;
(B) it is the responsibility of the State and
Federal governments to ensure that every eligible
citizen is registered to vote;
(C) existing voter registration systems can be
inaccurate, costly, inaccessible and confusing, with
damaging effects on voter participation in elections
and disproportionate impacts on young people, persons
with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities;
and
(D) voter registration systems must be updated with
21st-century technologies and procedures to maintain
their security.
(2) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this subtitle--
(A) to establish that it is the responsibility of
government at every level to ensure that all eligible
citizens are registered to vote;
(B) to enable the State and Federal governments to
register all eligible citizens to vote with accurate,
cost-efficient, and up-to-date procedures;
(C) to modernize voter registration and list
maintenance procedures with electronic and internet
capabilities; and
(D) to protect and enhance the integrity, accuracy,
efficiency, and accessibility of the electoral process
for all eligible citizens.
SEC. 1002. AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION OF ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
(a) Requiring States To Establish and Operate Automatic
Registration System.--
(1) In general.--The chief State election official of each
State shall establish and operate a system of automatic
registration for the registration of eligible individuals to
vote for elections for Federal office in the State, in
accordance with the provisions of this subtitle.
(2) Definition.--The term ``automatic registration'' means
a system that registers an individual to vote in elections for
Federal office in a State, if eligible, by electronically
transferring the information necessary for registration from
government agencies to election officials of the State so that,
unless the individual affirmatively declines to be registered,
the individual will be registered to vote in such elections.
(b) Registration of Voters Based on New Agency Records.--The chief
State election official shall--
(1) not later than 15 days after a contributing agency has
transmitted information with respect to an individual pursuant
to section 1003, ensure that the individual is registered to
vote in elections for Federal office in the State if the
individual is eligible to be registered to vote in such
elections; and
(2) send written notice to the individual, in addition to
other means of notice established by this part, of the
individual's voter registration status.
(c) One-Time Registration of Voters Based on Existing Contributing
Agency Records.--The chief State election official shall--
(1) identify all individuals whose information is
transmitted by a contributing agency pursuant to section 1004
and who are eligible to be, but are not currently, registered
to vote in that State;
(2) promptly send each such individual written notice, in
addition to other means of notice established by this part,
which shall not identify the contributing agency that
transmitted the information but shall include--
(A) an explanation that voter registration is
voluntary, but if the individual does not decline
registration, the individual will be registered to
vote;
(B) a statement offering the opportunity to decline
voter registration through means consistent with the
requirements of this part;
(C) in the case of a State in which affiliation or
enrollment with a political party is required in order
to participate in an election to select the party's
candidate in an election for Federal office, a
statement offering the individual the opportunity to
affiliate or enroll with a political party or to
decline to affiliate or enroll with a political party,
through means consistent with the requirements of this
part;
(D) the substantive qualifications of an elector in
the State as listed in the mail voter registration
application form for elections for Federal office
prescribed pursuant to section 9 of the National Voter
Registration Act of 1993, the consequences of false
registration, and a statement that the individual
should decline to register if the individual does not
meet all those qualifications;
(E) instructions for correcting any erroneous
information; and
(F) instructions for providing any additional
information which is listed in the mail voter
registration application form for elections for Federal
office prescribed pursuant to section 9 of the National
Voter Registration Act of 1993;
(3) ensure that each such individual who is eligible to
register to vote in elections for Federal office in the State
is promptly registered to vote not later than 45 days after the
official sends the individual the written notice under
paragraph (2), unless, during the 30-day period which begins on
the date the election official sends the individual such
written notice, the individual declines registration in
writing, through a communication made over the internet, or by
an officially logged telephone communication; and
(4) send written notice to each such individual, in
addition to other means of notice established by this part, of
the individual's voter registration status.
(d) Treatment of Individuals Under 18 Years of Age.--A State may
not refuse to treat an individual as an eligible individual for
purposes of this subtitle on the grounds that the individual is less
than 18 years of age at the time a contributing agency receives
information with respect to the individual, so long as the individual
is at least 16 years of age at such time.
(e) Contributing Agency Defined.--In this part, the term
``contributing agency'' means, with respect to a State, an agency
listed in section 1003(e).
SEC. 1003. CONTRIBUTING AGENCY ASSISTANCE IN REGISTRATION.
(a) In General.--In accordance with this part, each contributing
agency in a State shall assist the State's chief election official in
registering to vote all eligible individuals served by that agency.
(b) Requirements for Contributing Agencies.--
(1) Instructions on automatic registration.--With each
application for service or assistance, and with each related
recertification, renewal, or change of address, or, in the case
of an institution of higher education, with each registration
of a student for enrollment in a course of study, each
contributing agency that (in the normal course of its
operations) requests individuals to affirm United States
citizenship (either directly or as part of the overall
application for service or assistance) shall inform each such
individual who is a citizen of the United States of the
following:
(A) Unless that individual declines to register to
vote, or is found ineligible to vote, the individual
will be registered to vote or, if applicable, the
individual's registration will be updated.
(B) The substantive qualifications of an elector in
the State as listed in the mail voter registration
application form for elections for Federal office
prescribed pursuant to section 9 of the National Voter
Registration Act of 1993, the consequences of false
registration, and the individual should decline to
register if the individual does not meet all those
qualifications.
(C) In the case of a State in which affiliation or
enrollment with a political party is required in order
to participate in an election to select the party's
candidate in an election for Federal office, the
requirement that the individual must affiliate or
enroll with a political party in order to participate
in such an election.
(D) Voter registration is voluntary, and neither
registering nor declining to register to vote will in
any way affect the availability of services or
benefits, nor be used for other purposes.
(2) Opportunity to decline registration required.--Each
contributing agency shall ensure that each application for
service or assistance, and each related recertification,
renewal, or change of address, or, in the case of an
institution of higher education, each registration of a student
for enrollment in a course of study, cannot be completed until
the individual is given the opportunity to decline to be
registered to vote.
(3) Information transmittal.--Upon the expiration of the
30-day period which begins on the date the contributing agency
informs the individual of the information described in
paragraph (1), each contributing agency shall electronically
transmit to the appropriate State election official, in a
format compatible with the statewide voter database maintained
under section 303 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52
U.S.C. 21083), the following information, unless during such
30-day period the individual declined to be registered to vote:
(A) The individual's given name(s) and surname(s).
(B) The individual's date of birth.
(C) The individual's residential address.
(D) Information showing that the individual is a
citizen of the United States.
(E) The date on which information pertaining to
that individual was collected or last updated.
(F) If available, the individual's signature in
electronic form.
(G) Information regarding the individual's
affiliation or enrollment with a political party, if
the individual provides such information.
(H) Any additional information listed in the mail
voter registration application form for elections for
Federal office prescribed pursuant to section 9 of the
National Voter Registration Act of 1993, including any
valid driver's license number or the last 4 digits of
the individual's social security number, if the
individual provided such information.
(c) Alternate Procedure for Certain Contributing Agencies.--With
each application for service or assistance, and with each related
recertification, renewal, or change of address, or in the case of an
institution of higher education, with each registration of a student
for enrollment in a course of study, any contributing agency that in
the normal course of its operations does not request individuals
applying for service or assistance to affirm United States citizenship
(either directly or as part of the overall application for service or
assistance) shall--
(1) complete the requirements of section 7(a)(6) of the
National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C.
20506(a)(6));
(2) ensure that each applicant's transaction with the
agency cannot be completed until the applicant has indicated
whether the applicant wishes to register to vote or declines to
register to vote in elections for Federal office held in the
State; and
(3) for each individual who wishes to register to vote,
transmit that individual's information in accordance with
subsection (b)(3).
(d) Required Availability of Automatic Registration Opportunity
With Each Application for Service or Assistance.--Each contributing
agency shall offer each individual, with each application for service
or assistance, and with each related recertification, renewal, or
change of address, or in the case of an institution of higher
education, with each registration of a student for enrollment in a
course of study, the opportunity to register to vote as prescribed by
this section without regard to whether the individual previously
declined a registration opportunity.
(e) Contributing Agencies.--
(1) State agencies.--In each State, each of the following
agencies shall be treated as a contributing agency:
(A) Each agency in a State that is required by
Federal law to provide voter registration services,
including the State motor vehicle authority and other
voter registration agencies under the National Voter
Registration Act of 1993.
(B) Each agency in a State that administers a
program pursuant to title III of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 501 et seq.), title XIX of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), or the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-
148).
(C) Each State agency primarily responsible for
regulating the private possession of firearms.
(D) Each State agency primarily responsible for
maintaining identifying information for students
enrolled at public secondary schools, including, where
applicable, the State agency responsible for
maintaining the education data system described in
section 6201(e)(2) of the America COMPETES Act (20
U.S.C. 9871(e)(2)).
(E) In the case of a State in which an individual
disenfranchised by a criminal conviction may become
eligible to vote upon completion of a criminal sentence
or any part thereof, or upon formal restoration of
rights, the State agency responsible for administering
that sentence, or part thereof, or that restoration of
rights.
(F) Any other agency of the State which is
designated by the State as a contributing agency.
(2) Federal agencies.--In each State, each of the following
agencies of the Federal Government shall be treated as a
contributing agency with respect to individuals who are
residents of that State (except as provided in subparagraph
(C)):
(A) The Social Security Administration, the
Department of Veterans Affairs, the Defense Manpower
Data Center of the Department of Defense, the Employee
and Training Administration of the Department of Labor,
and the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the
Department of Health and Human Services.
(B) The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration
Services, but only with respect to individuals who have
completed the naturalization process.
(C) In the case of an individual who is a resident
of a State in which an individual disenfranchised by a
criminal conviction under Federal law may become
eligible to vote upon completion of a criminal sentence
or any part thereof, or upon formal restoration of
rights, the Federal agency responsible for
administering that sentence or part thereof (without
regard to whether the agency is located in the same
State in which the individual is a resident), but only
with respect to individuals who have completed the
criminal sentence or any part thereof.
(D) Any other agency of the Federal Government
which the State designates as a contributing agency,
but only if the State and the head of the agency
determine that the agency collects information
sufficient to carry out the responsibilities of a
contributing agency under this section.
(3) Institutions of higher education.--Each institution of
higher education that receives Federal funds shall be treated
as a contributing agency in the State in which it is located,
but only with respect to students of the institution (including
students who attend classes online) who reside in the State. An
institution of higher education described in the previous
sentence shall be exempt from the voter registration
requirements of section 487(a)(23) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1094(a)(23)) if the institution is in
compliance with the applicable requirements of this part.
(4) Publication.--Not later than 180 days prior to the date
of each election for Federal office held in the State, the
chief State election official shall publish on the public
website of the official an updated list of all contributing
agencies in that State.
(5) Public education.--The chief State election official of
each State, in collaboration with each contributing agency,
shall take appropriate measures to educate the public about
voter registration under this section.
SEC. 1004. ONE-TIME CONTRIBUTING AGENCY ASSISTANCE IN REGISTRATION OF
ELIGIBLE VOTERS IN EXISTING RECORDS.
(a) Initial Transmittal of Information.--For each individual
already listed in a contributing agency's records as of the date of
enactment of this Act, and for whom the agency has the information
listed in section 1003(b)(3), the agency shall promptly transmit that
information to the appropriate State election official in accordance
with section 1003(b)(3) not later than the effective date described in
section 1001(a).
(b) Transition.--For each individual listed in a contributing
agency's records as of the effective date described in section 1001(a)
(but who was not listed in a contributing agency's records as of the
date of enactment of this Act), and for whom the agency has the
information listed in section 1003(b)(3), the Agency shall promptly
transmit that information to the appropriate State election official in
accordance with section 1003(b)(3) not later than 6 months after the
effective date described in section 1001(a).
SEC. 1005. VOTER PROTECTION AND SECURITY IN AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION.
(a) Protections for Errors in Registration.--An individual shall
not be prosecuted under any Federal law, adversely affected in any
civil adjudication concerning immigration status or naturalization, or
subject to an allegation in any legal proceeding that the individual is
not a citizen of the United States on any of the following grounds:
(1) The individual notified an election office of the
individual's automatic registration to vote under this part.
(2) The individual is not eligible to vote in elections for
Federal office but was automatically registered to vote under
this part.
(3) The individual was automatically registered to vote
under this subtitle at an incorrect address.
(4) The individual declined the opportunity to register to
vote or did not make an affirmation of citizenship, including
through automatic registration, under this part.
(b) Limits on Use of Automatic Registration.--The automatic
registration of any individual or the fact that an individual declined
the opportunity to register to vote or did not make an affirmation of
citizenship (including through automatic registration) under this
subtitle may not be used as evidence against that individual in any
State or Federal law enforcement proceeding, and an individual's lack
of knowledge or willfulness of such registration may be demonstrated by
the individual's testimony alone.
(c) Protection of Election Integrity.--Nothing in subsection (a) or
(b) may be construed to prohibit or restrict any action under color of
law against an individual who--
(1) knowingly and willfully makes a false statement to
effectuate or perpetuate automatic voter registration by any
individual; or
(2) casts a ballot knowingly and willfully in violation of
State law or the laws of the United States.
(d) Contributing Agencies' Protection of Information.--Nothing in
this subtitle authorizes a contributing agency to collect, retain,
transmit, or publicly disclose any of the following:
(1) An individual's decision to decline to register to vote
or not to register to vote.
(2) An individual's decision not to affirm his or her
citizenship.
(3) Any information that a contributing agency transmits
pursuant to section 1003(b)(3), except in pursuing the agency's
ordinary course of business.
(e) Election Officials' Protection of Information.--
(1) Public disclosure prohibited.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), with
respect to any individual for whom any State election
official receives information from a contributing
agency, the State election officials shall not publicly
disclose any of the following:
(i) The identity of the contributing
agency.
(ii) Any information not necessary to voter
registration.
(iii) Any voter information otherwise
shielded from disclosure under State law or
section 8(a) of the National Voter Registration
Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20507(a)).
(iv) Any portion of the individual's social
security number.
(v) Any portion of the individual's motor
vehicle driver's license number.
(vi) The individual's signature.
(vii) The individual's telephone number.
(viii) The individual's email address.
(B) Special rule for individuals registered to
vote.--With respect to any individual for whom any
State election official receives information from a
contributing agency and who, on the basis of such
information, is registered to vote in the State under
this part, the State election officials shall not
publicly disclose any of the following:
(i) The identity of the contributing
agency.
(ii) Any information not necessary to voter
registration.
(iii) Any voter information otherwise
shielded from disclosure under State law or
section 8(a) of the National Voter Registration
Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20507(a)).
(iv) Any portion of the individual's social
security number.
(v) Any portion of the individual's motor
vehicle driver's license number.
(vi) The individual's signature.
(2) Voter record changes.--Each State shall maintain for at
least 2 years and shall make available for public inspection
and, where available, photocopying at a reasonable cost, all
records of changes to voter records, including removals and
updates.
(3) Database management standards.--The Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology shall, after
providing the public with notice and the opportunity to
comment--
(A) establish standards governing the comparison of
data for voter registration list maintenance purposes,
identifying as part of such standards the specific data
elements, the matching rules used, and how a State may
use the data to determine and deem that an individual
is ineligible under State law to vote in an election,
or to deem a record to be a duplicate or outdated;
(B) ensure that the standards developed pursuant to
this paragraph are uniform and nondiscriminatory and
are applied in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner;
and
(C) publish the standards developed pursuant to
this paragraph on the Director's website and make those
standards available in written form upon request.
(4) Security policy.--The Director of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology shall, after providing
the public with notice and the opportunity to comment, publish
privacy and security standards for voter registration
information. The standards shall require the chief State
election official of each State to adopt a policy that shall
specify--
(A) each class of users who shall have authorized
access to the computerized statewide voter registration
list, specifying for each class the permission and
levels of access to be granted, and setting forth other
safeguards to protect the privacy, security, and
accuracy of the information on the list; and
(B) security safeguards to protect personal
information transmitted through the information
transmittal processes of section 1003 or section 1004,
the online system used pursuant to section 1007, any
telephone interface, the maintenance of the voter
registration database, and any audit procedure to track
access to the system.
(5) State compliance with national standards.--
(A) Certification.--The chief executive officer of
the State shall annually file with the Election
Assistance Commission a statement certifying to the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology that the State is in compliance with the
standards referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5). A
State may meet the requirement of the previous sentence
by filing with the Commission a statement which reads
as follows: ``_____ hereby certifies that it is in
compliance with the standards referred to in paragraphs
(4) and (5) of section 1015(e) of the Automatic Voter
Registration Act of 2019.'' (with the blank to be
filled in with the name of the State involved).
(B) Publication of policies and procedures.--The
chief State election official of a State shall publish
on the official's website the policies and procedures
established under this section, and shall make those
policies and procedures available in written form upon
public request.
(C) Funding dependent on certification.--If a State
does not timely file the certification required under
this paragraph, it shall not receive any payment under
this subtitle for the upcoming fiscal year.
(D) Compliance of states that require changes to
state law.--In the case of a State that requires State
legislation to carry out an activity covered by any
certification submitted under this paragraph, for a
period of not more than 2 years the State shall be
permitted to make the certification notwithstanding
that the legislation has not been enacted at the time
the certification is submitted, and such State shall
submit an additional certification once such
legislation is enacted.
(f) Restrictions on Use of Information.--No person acting under
color of law may discriminate against any individual based on, or use
for any purpose other than voter registration, election administration,
or enforcement relating to election crimes, any of the following:
(1) Voter registration records.
(2) An individual's declination to register to vote or
complete an affirmation of citizenship under section 1003(b).
(3) An individual's voter registration status.
(g) Prohibition on the Use of Voter Registration Information for
Commercial Purposes.--Information collected under this subtitle shall
not be used for commercial purposes. Nothing in this subsection may be
construed to prohibit the transmission, exchange, or dissemination of
information for political purposes, including the support of campaigns
for election for Federal, State, or local public office or the
activities of political committees (including committees of political
parties) under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
SEC. 1006. REGISTRATION PORTABILITY AND CORRECTION.
(a) Correcting Registration Information at Polling Place.--
Notwithstanding section 302(a) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52
U.S.C. 21082(a)), if an individual is registered to vote in elections
for Federal office held in a State, the appropriate election official
at the polling place for any such election (including a location used
as a polling place on a date other than the date of the election) shall
permit the individual to--
(1) update the individual's address for purposes of the
records of the election official;
(2) correct any incorrect information relating to the
individual, including the individual's name and political party
affiliation, in the records of the election official; and
(3) cast a ballot in the election on the basis of the
updated address or corrected information, and to have the
ballot treated as a regular ballot and not as a provisional
ballot under section 302(a) of such Act.
(b) Updates to Computerized Statewide Voter Registration Lists.--If
an election official at the polling place receives an updated address
or corrected information from an individual under subsection (a), the
official shall ensure that the address or information is promptly
entered into the computerized statewide voter registration list in
accordance with section 303(a)(1)(A)(vi) of the Help America Vote Act
of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21083(a)(1)(A)(vi)).
SEC. 1007. PAYMENTS AND GRANTS.
(a) In General.--The Election Assistance Commission shall make
grants to each eligible State to assist the State in implementing the
requirements of this subtitle (or, in the case of an exempt State, in
implementing its existing automatic voter registration program).
(b) Eligibility; Application.--A State is eligible to receive a
grant under this section if the State submits to the Commission, at
such time and in such form as the Commission may require, an
application containing--
(1) a description of the activities the State will carry
out with the grant;
(2) an assurance that the State shall carry out such
activities without partisan bias and without promoting any
particular point of view regarding any issue; and
(3) such other information and assurances as the Commission
may require.
(c) Amount of Grant; Priorities.--The Commission shall determine
the amount of a grant made to an eligible State under this section. In
determining the amounts of the grants, the Commission shall give
priority to providing funds for those activities which are most likely
to accelerate compliance with the requirements of this subtitle (or, in
the case of an exempt State, which are most likely to enhance the
ability of the State to automatically register individuals to vote
through its existing automatic voter registration program), including--
(1) investments supporting electronic information transfer,
including electronic collection and transfer of signatures,
between contributing agencies and the appropriate State
election officials;
(2) updates to online or electronic voter registration
systems already operating as of the date of the enactment of
this Act;
(3) introduction of online voter registration systems in
jurisdictions in which those systems did not previously exist;
and
(4) public education on the availability of new methods of
registering to vote, updating registration, and correcting
registration.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this section--
(A) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2019; and
(B) such sums as may be necessary for each
succeeding fiscal year.
(2) Continuing availability of funds.--Any amounts
appropriated pursuant to the authority of this subsection shall
remain available without fiscal year limitation until expended.
SEC. 1008. TREATMENT OF EXEMPT STATES.
(a) Waiver of Requirements.--Except as provided in subsection (b),
this subtitle does not apply with respect to an exempt State.
(b) Exceptions.--The following provisions of this subtitle apply
with respect to an exempt State:
(1) Section 1006 (relating to registration portability and
correction).
(2) Section 1007 (relating to payments and grants).
(3) Section 1009(e) (relating to enforcement).
(4) Section 1009(f) (relating to relation to other laws).
SEC. 1009. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
(a) Accessibility of Registration Services.--Each contributing
agency shall ensure that the services it provides under this subtitle
are made available to individuals with disabilities to the same extent
as services are made available to all other individuals.
(b) Transmission Through Secure Third Party Permitted.--Nothing in
this subtitle shall be construed to prevent a contributing agency from
contracting with a third party to assist the agency in meeting the
information transmittal requirements of this part, so long as the data
transmittal complies with the applicable requirements of this part,
including the privacy and security provisions of section 1005.
(c) Nonpartisan, Nondiscriminatory Provision of Services.--The
services made available by contributing agencies under this subtitle
and by the State under sections 1005 and 1006 shall be made in a manner
consistent with paragraphs (4), (5), and (6)(C) of section 7(a) of the
National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20506(a)).
(d) Notices.--Each State may send notices under this subtitle via
electronic mail if the individual has provided an electronic mail
address and consented to electronic mail communications for election-
related materials. All notices sent pursuant to this subtitle that
require a response must offer the individual notified the opportunity
to respond at no cost to the individual.
(e) Enforcement.--Section 11 of the National Voter Registration Act
of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20510), relating to civil enforcement and the
availability of private rights of action, shall apply with respect to
this subtitle in the same manner as such section applies to such Act.
(f) Relation to Other Laws.--Except as provided, nothing in this
subtitle may be construed to authorize or require conduct prohibited
under, or to supersede, restrict, or limit the application of any of
the following:
(1) The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. 10301 et
seq.).
(2) The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act
(52 U.S.C. 20301 et seq.).
(3) The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C.
20501 et seq.).
(4) The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 20901 et
seq.).
SEC. 1010. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle, the following definitions apply:
(1) The term ``chief State election official'' means, with
respect to a State, the individual designated by the State
under section 10 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993
(52 U.S.C. 20509) to be responsible for coordination of the
State's responsibilities under such Act.
(2) The term ``Commission'' means the Election Assistance
Commission.
(3) The term ``exempt State'' means a State which, under
law which is in effect continuously on and after the date of
the enactment of this Act, operates an automatic voter
registration program under which an individual is automatically
registered to vote in elections for Federal office in the State
if the individual provides the motor vehicle authority of the
State with such identifying information as the State may
require.
(4) The term ``State'' means each of the several States and
the District of Columbia.
SEC. 1011. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this
subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with
respect to a State beginning January 1, 2021.
(b) Waiver.--Subject to the approval of the Commission, if a State
certifies to the Commission that the State will not meet the deadline
referred to in subsection (a) because of extraordinary circumstances
and includes in the certification the reasons for the failure to meet
the deadline, subsection (a) shall apply to the State as if the
reference in such subsection to ``January 1, 2021'' were a reference to
``January 1, 2023''.
Subtitle B--Access to Voting for Individuals With Disabilities
SEC. 1101. REQUIREMENTS FOR STATES TO PROMOTE ACCESS TO VOTER
REGISTRATION AND VOTING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH
DISABILITIES.
(a) Requirements.--Subtitle A of title III of the Help America Vote
Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21081 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating sections 304 and 305 as sections 305
and 306; and
(2) by inserting after section 303 the following new
section:
``SEC. 304. ACCESS TO VOTER REGISTRATION AND VOTING FOR INDIVIDUALS
WITH DISABILITIES.
``(a) Treatment of Applications and Ballots.--Each State shall--
``(1) permit individuals with disabilities to use absentee
registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in
elections for Federal office;
``(2) accept and process, with respect to any election for
Federal office, any otherwise valid voter registration
application and absentee ballot application from an individual
with a disability if the application is received by the
appropriate State election official not less than 30 days
before the election;
``(3) in addition to any other method of registering to
vote or applying for an absentee ballot in the State, establish
procedures--
``(A) for individuals with disabilities to request
by mail and electronically voter registration
applications and absentee ballot applications with
respect to elections for Federal office in accordance
with subsection (c);
``(B) for States to send by mail and electronically
(in accordance with the preferred method of
transmission designated by the individual under
subparagraph (C)) voter registration applications and
absentee ballot applications requested under
subparagraph (A) in accordance with subsection (c); and
``(C) by which such an individual can designate
whether the individual prefers that such voter
registration application or absentee ballot application
be transmitted by mail or electronically;
``(4) in addition to any other method of transmitting blank
absentee ballots in the State, establish procedures for
transmitting by mail and electronically blank absentee ballots
to individuals with disabilities with respect to elections for
Federal office in accordance with subsection (d);
``(5) transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to an
individual with a disability--
``(A) except as provided in subsection (e), in the
case in which the request is received at least 45 days
before an election for Federal office, not later than
45 days before the election; and
``(B) in the case in which the request is received
less than 45 days before an election for Federal
office--
``(i) in accordance with State law; and
``(ii) if practicable and as determined
appropriate by the State, in a manner that
expedites the transmission of such absentee
ballot; and
``(6) if the State declares or otherwise holds a runoff
election for Federal office, establish a written plan that
provides absentee ballots are made available to individuals
with disabilities in a manner that gives them sufficient time
to vote in the runoff election.
``(b) Designation of Single State Office To Provide Information on
Registration and Absentee Ballot Procedures for All Disabled Voters in
State.--Each State shall designate a single office which shall be
responsible for providing information regarding voter registration
procedures and absentee ballot procedures to be used by individuals
with disabilities with respect to elections for Federal office to all
individuals with disabilities who wish to register to vote or vote in
any jurisdiction in the State.
``(c) Designation of Means of Electronic Communication for
Individuals With Disabilities To Request and for States To Send Voter
Registration Applications and Absentee Ballot Applications, and for
Other Purposes Related to Voting Information.--
``(1) In general.--Each State shall, in addition to the
designation of a single State office under subsection (b),
designate not less than 1 means of electronic communication--
``(A) for use by individuals with disabilities who
wish to register to vote or vote in any jurisdiction in
the State to request voter registration applications
and absentee ballot applications under subsection
(a)(3);
``(B) for use by States to send voter registration
applications and absentee ballot applications requested
under such subsection; and
``(C) for the purpose of providing related voting,
balloting, and election information to individuals with
disabilities.
``(2) Clarification regarding provision of multiple means
of electronic communication.--A State may, in addition to the
means of electronic communication so designated, provide
multiple means of electronic communication to individuals with
disabilities, including a means of electronic communication for
the appropriate jurisdiction of the State.
``(3) Inclusion of designated means of electronic
communication with informational and instructional materials
that accompany balloting materials.--Each State shall include a
means of electronic communication so designated with all
informational and instructional materials that accompany
balloting materials sent by the State to individuals with
disabilities.
``(4) Transmission if no preference indicated.--In the case
where an individual with a disability does not designate a
preference under subsection (a)(3)(C), the State shall transmit
the voter registration application or absentee ballot
application by any delivery method allowable in accordance with
applicable State law, or if there is no applicable State law,
by mail.
``(d) Transmission of Blank Absentee Ballots by Mail and
Electronically.--
``(1) In general.--Each State shall establish procedures--
``(A) to securely transmit blank absentee ballots
by mail and electronically (in accordance with the
preferred method of transmission designated by the
individual with a disability under subparagraph (B)) to
individuals with disabilities for an election for
Federal office; and
``(B) by which the individual with a disability can
designate whether the individual prefers that such
blank absentee ballot be transmitted by mail or
electronically.
``(2) Transmission if no preference indicated.--In the case
where an individual with a disability does not designate a
preference under paragraph (1)(B), the State shall transmit the
ballot by any delivery method allowable in accordance with
applicable State law, or if there is no applicable State law,
by mail.
``(3) Application of methods to track delivery to and
return of ballot by individual requesting ballot.--Under the
procedures established under paragraph (1), the State shall
apply such methods as the State considers appropriate, such as
assigning a unique identifier to the ballot, to ensure that if
an individual with a disability requests the State to transmit
a blank absentee ballot to the individual in accordance with
this subsection, the voted absentee ballot which is returned by
the individual is the same blank absentee ballot which the
State transmitted to the individual.
``(e) Hardship Exemption.--
``(1) In general.--If the chief State election official
determines that the State is unable to meet the requirement
under subsection (a)(5)(A) with respect to an election for
Federal office due to an undue hardship described in paragraph
(2)(B), the chief State election official shall request that
the Attorney General grant a waiver to the State of the
application of such subsection. Such request shall include--
``(A) a recognition that the purpose of such
subsection is to individuals with disabilities enough
time to vote in an election for Federal office;
``(B) an explanation of the hardship that indicates
why the State is unable to transmit such individuals an
absentee ballot in accordance with such subsection;
``(C) the number of days prior to the election for
Federal office that the State requires absentee ballots
be transmitted to such individuals; and
``(D) a comprehensive plan to ensure that such
individuals are able to receive absentee ballots which
they have requested and submit marked absentee ballots
to the appropriate State election official in time to
have that ballot counted in the election for Federal
office, which includes--
``(i) the steps the State will undertake to
ensure that such individuals have time to
receive, mark, and submit their ballots in time
to have those ballots counted in the election;
``(ii) why the plan provides such
individuals sufficient time to vote as a
substitute for the requirements under such
subsection; and
``(iii) the underlying factual information
which explains how the plan provides such
sufficient time to vote as a substitute for
such requirements.
``(2) Approval of waiver request.--The Attorney General
shall approve a waiver request under paragraph (1) if the
Attorney General determines each of the following requirements
are met:
``(A) The comprehensive plan under subparagraph (D)
of such paragraph provides individuals with
disabilities sufficient time to receive absentee
ballots they have requested and submit marked absentee
ballots to the appropriate State election official in
time to have that ballot counted in the election for
Federal office.
``(B) One or more of the following issues creates
an undue hardship for the State:
``(i) The State's primary election date
prohibits the State from complying with
subsection (a)(5)(A).
``(ii) The State has suffered a delay in
generating ballots due to a legal contest.
``(iii) The State Constitution prohibits
the State from complying with such subsection.
``(3) Timing of waiver.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided under
subparagraph (B), a State that requests a waiver under
paragraph (1) shall submit to the Attorney General the
written waiver request not later than 90 days before
the election for Federal office with respect to which
the request is submitted. The Attorney General shall
approve or deny the waiver request not later than 65
days before such election.
``(B) Exception.--If a State requests a waiver
under paragraph (1) as the result of an undue hardship
described in paragraph (2)(B)(ii), the State shall
submit to the Attorney General the written waiver
request as soon as practicable. The Attorney General
shall approve or deny the waiver request not later than
5 business days after the date on which the request is
received.
``(4) Application of waiver.--A waiver approved under
paragraph (2) shall only apply with respect to the election for
Federal office for which the request was submitted. For each
subsequent election for Federal office, the Attorney General
shall only approve a waiver if the State has submitted a
request under paragraph (1) with respect to such election.
``(f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be
construed to allow the marking or casting of ballots over the internet.
``(g) Individual With a Disability Defined.--In this section, an
`individual with a disability' means an individual with an impairment
that substantially limits any major life activities and who is
otherwise qualified to vote in elections for Federal office.
``(h) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect to
elections for Federal office held on or after January 1, 2020.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment Relating to Issuance of Voluntary Guidance
by Election Assistance Commission.--Section 311(b) of such Act (52
U.S.C. 21101(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (3) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) in the case of the recommendations with respect to
section 304, January 1, 2020.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act is
amended--
(1) by redesignating the items relating to sections 304 and
305 as relating to sections 305 and 306; and
(2) by inserting after the item relating to section 303 the
following new item:
``Sec. 304. Access to voter registration and voting for individuals
with disabilities.''.
SEC. 1102. PILOT PROGRAMS FOR ENABLING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO
REGISTER TO VOTE AND VOTE PRIVATELY AND INDEPENDENTLY AT
RESIDENCES.
(a) Establishment of Pilot Programs.--The Election Assistance
Commission (hereafter referred to as the ``Commission'') shall make
grants to eligible States to conduct pilot programs under which--
(1) individuals with disabilities may use electronic means
(including the internet and telephones utilizing assistive
devices) to register to vote and to request and receive
absentee ballots, in a manner which permits such individuals to
do so privately and independently at their own residences; and
(2) individuals with disabilities may use the telephone to
cast ballots electronically from their own residences, but only
if the telephone used is not connected to the internet.
(b) Reports.--
(1) In general.--A State receiving a grant for a year under
this section shall submit a report to the Commission on the
pilot programs the State carried out with the grant with
respect to elections for public office held in the State during
the year.
(2) Deadline.--A State shall submit a report under
paragraph (1) not later than 90 days after the last election
for public office held in the State during the year.
(c) Eligibility.--A State is eligible to receive a grant under this
section if the State submits to the Commission, at such time and in
such form as the Commission may require, an application containing such
information and assurances as the Commission may require.
(d) Timing.--The Commission shall make the first grants under this
section for pilot programs which will be in effect with respect to
elections for Federal office held in 2020, or, at the option of a
State, with respect to other elections for public office held in the
State in 2020.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated for grants for pilot programs under this section
$30,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 and each succeeding fiscal year.
(f) State Defined.--In this section, the term ``State'' includes
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam,
American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands.
SEC. 1103. EXPANSION AND REAUTHORIZATION OF GRANT PROGRAM TO ASSURE
VOTING ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.
(a) Purposes of Payments.--Section 261(b) of the Help America Vote
Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21021(b)) is amended by striking paragraphs (1)
and (2) and inserting the following:
``(1) making absentee voting and voting at home accessible
to individuals with the full range of disabilities (including
impairments involving vision, hearing, mobility, or dexterity)
through the implementation of accessible absentee voting
systems that work in conjunction with assistive technologies
for which individuals have access at their homes, independent
living centers, or other facilities;
``(2) making polling places, including the path of travel,
entrances, exits, and voting areas of each polling facility,
accessible to individuals with disabilities, including the
blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the same
opportunity for access and participation (including privacy and
independence) as for other voters; and
``(3) providing solutions to problems of access to voting
and elections for individuals with disabilities that are
universally designed and provide the same opportunities for
individuals with and without disabilities.''.
(b) Reauthorization.--Section 264(a) of such Act (52 U.S.C.
21024(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) For fiscal year 2020 and each succeeding fiscal year,
such sums as may be necessary to carry out this part.''.
(c) Period of Availability of Funds.--Section 264 of such Act (52
U.S.C. 21024) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ``Any amounts'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (b), any
amounts''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Return and Transfer of Certain Funds.--
``(1) Deadline for obligation and expenditure.--In the case
of any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of
subsection (a) for a payment to a State or unit of local
government for fiscal year 2020 or any succeeding fiscal year,
any portion of such amounts which have not been obligated or
expended by the State or unit of local government prior to the
expiration of the 4-year period which begins on the date the
State or unit of local government first received the amounts
shall be transferred to the Commission.
``(2) Reallocation of transferred amounts.--
``(A) In general.--The Commission shall use the
amounts transferred under paragraph (1) to make
payments on a pro rata basis to each covered payment
recipient described in subparagraph (B), which may
obligate and expend such payment for the purposes
described in section 261(b) during the 1-year period
which begins on the date of receipt.
``(B) Covered payment recipients described.--In
subparagraph (A), a `covered payment recipient' is a
State or unit of local government with respect to
which--
``(i) amounts were appropriated pursuant to
the authority of subsection (a); and
``(ii) no amounts were transferred to the
Commission under paragraph (1).''.
Subtitle C--CLEAN Elections
SEC. 1201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Citizen Legislature Anti-
Corruption Reform of Elections Act'' or the ``CLEAN Elections Act''.
SEC. 1202. REQUIRING OPEN PRIMARIES.
(a) In General.--
(1) Elections for federal office.--Each State shall hold
open primaries for elections for Federal office held in the
State.
(2) Elections for state and local office.--Notwithstanding
any other provision of law, a State may not use any funds
provided by the Federal Government directly for election
administration purposes unless the State certifies to the
Election Assistance Commission that the State holds open
primaries for elections for State and local office.
(b) Open Primaries Described.--For purposes of this section, a
State holds open primaries for an election for an office if any
individual who is registered to vote in a general election for such
office in the State may cast a ballot in any primary election
(including a primary election held for the selection of delegates to a
national nominating convention of a political party and a primary
election held for the expression of a preference for the nomination of
individuals for election to the office of President) held by any
political party to nominate candidates for election for that office,
including a convention or caucus of a political party which has
authority to nominate a candidate.
(c) State Defined.--In this section, the term ``State'' has the
meaning given such term in section 901 of the Help America Vote Act of
2002 (52 U.S.C. 21141).
(d) Effective Date.--Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to
elections held after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1203. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON NEED FOR TERM LIMITS FOR MEMBERS.
It is the sense of Congress that, in order to root out the culture
of corruption in Washington, DC, Congress should pass and send to the
States for ratification an amendment to the Constitution of the United
States which would limit the number of terms an individual may serve as
a Member of Congress.
Subtitle D--Election Integrity
SEC. 1301. REQUIRING VOTERS TO PROVIDE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION.
(a) Requirement To Provide Photo Identification as Condition of
Casting Ballot.--
(1) In general.--Title III of the Help America Vote Act of
2002 (52 U.S.C. 15481 et seq.) is amended by inserting after
section 303 the following new section:
``SEC. 303A. PHOTO IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) Provision of Identification Required as Condition of Casting
Ballot.--
``(1) Individuals voting in person.--
``(A) Requirement to provide identification.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except
as provided in subparagraph (B), the appropriate State
or local election official may not provide a ballot for
an election for Federal office to an individual who
desires to vote in person unless the individual
presents to the official a valid photo identification.
``(B) Availability of provisional ballot.--
``(i) In general.--If an individual does
not present the identification required under
subparagraph (A), the individual shall be
permitted to cast a provisional ballot with
respect to the election under section 302(a),
except that the appropriate State or local
election official may not make a determination
under section 302(a)(4) that the individual is
eligible under State law to vote in the
election unless, not later than 10 days after
casting the provisional ballot, the individual
presents to the official--
``(I) the identification required
under subparagraph (A); or
``(II) an affidavit attesting that
the individual does not possess the
identification required under
subparagraph (A) because the individual
has a religious objection to being
photographed.
``(ii) No effect on other provisional
balloting rules.--Nothing in clause (i) may be
construed to apply to the casting of a
provisional ballot pursuant to section 302(a)
or any State law for reasons other than the
failure to present the identification required
under subparagraph (A).
``(2) Individuals voting other than in person.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law and except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the appropriate State or local election official
may not accept any ballot for an election for Federal
office provided by an individual who votes other than
in person unless the individual submits with the ballot
a copy of a valid photo identification.
``(B) Exception for overseas military voters.--
Subparagraph (A) does not apply with respect to a
ballot provided by an absent uniformed services voter
who, by reason of active duty or service, is absent
from the United States on the date of the election
involved. In this subparagraph, the term `absent
uniformed services voter' has the meaning given such
term in section 107(1) of the Uniformed and Overseas
Citizens Absentee Voting Act (52 U.S.C. 20310(1)),
other than an individual described in section 107(1)(C)
of such Act.
``(b) Provision of Identifications Without Charge to Individuals
Unable To Pay Costs of Obtaining Identification or Otherwise Unable To
Obtain Identification.--If an individual presents a State or local
election official with an affidavit attesting that the individual is
unable to pay the costs associated with obtaining a valid photo
identification under this section, or attesting that the individual is
otherwise unable to obtain a valid photo identification under this
section after making reasonable efforts to obtain such an
identification, the official shall provide the individual with a valid
photo identification under this subsection without charge to the
individual.
``(c) Valid Photo Identifications Described.--For purposes of this
section, a `valid photo identification' means, with respect to an
individual who seeks to vote in a State, any of the following:
``(1) A valid State-issued motor vehicle driver's license
that includes a photo of the individual and an expiration date.
``(2) A valid State-issued identification card that
includes a photo of the individual and an expiration date.
``(3) A valid United States passport for the individual.
``(4) A valid military identification for the individual.
``(5) Any other form of government-issued identification
that the State may specify as a valid photo identification for
purposes of this subsection.
``(d) Notification of Identification Requirement to Applicants for
Voter Registration.--
``(1) In general.--Each State shall ensure that, at the
time an individual applies to register to vote in elections for
Federal office in the State, the appropriate State or local
election official notifies the individual of the photo
identification requirements of this section.
``(2) Special rule for individuals applying to register to
vote online.--Each State shall ensure that, in the case of an
individual who applies to register to vote in elections for
Federal office in the State online, the online voter
registration system notifies the individual of the photo
identification requirements of this section before the
individual completes the online registration process.
``(e) Treatment of States With Photo Identification Requirements in
Effect as of Date of Enactment.--If, as of the date of the enactment of
this section, a State has in effect a law requiring an individual to
provide a photo identification as a condition of casting a ballot in
elections for Federal office held in the State and the law remains in
effect on and after the effective date of this section, the State shall
be considered to meet the requirements of this section if--
``(1) the State submits a request to the Attorney General
and provides such information as the Attorney General may
consider necessary to determine that the State has in effect
such a law and that the law remains in effect; and
``(2) the Attorney General approves the request.
``(f) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect to
elections for Federal office held in 2020 or any succeeding year.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents of such Act
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 303
the following new item:
``Sec. 303A. Photo identification requirements.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment Relating to Voluntary Guidance by Election
Assistance Commission.--Section 311(b) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 21101(b))
is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (3) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) in the case of the recommendations with respect to
section 303A, October 1, 2018.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment Relating to Enforcement.--Section 401 of
such Act (52 U.S.C. 21111) is amended by striking ``and 303'' and
inserting ``303, and 303A''.
(d) Conforming Amendments Relating to Repeal of Existing Photo
Identification Requirements for Certain Voters.--
(1) In general.--Section 303 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 15483)
is amended--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``and requirements
for voters who register by mail'';
(B) in the heading of subsection (b), by striking
``for Voters Who Register by Mail'' and inserting ``for
Mail-In Registration Forms'';
(C) in subsection (b), by striking paragraphs (1)
through (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as
paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively; and
(D) in subsection (c), by striking ``subsections
(a)(5)(A)(i)(II) and (b)(3)(B)(i)(II)'' and inserting
``subsection (a)(5)(A)(i)(II)''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents of such Act
is amended by amending the item relating to section 303 to read
as follows:
``Sec. 303. Computerized statewide voter registration list
requirements.''.
(e) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made by this
section shall apply with respect to elections for Federal office held
in 2020 or any succeeding year.
TITLE II--REDISTRICTING REFORM
Sec. 2001. Short title; finding of constitutional authority.
Subtitle A--Requirements for Congressional Redistricting
Sec. 2101. Limit on congressional redistricting after an apportionment.
Sec. 2102. Requiring congressional redistricting to be conducted
through plan of independent State
commission.
Subtitle B--Independent Redistricting Commissions
Sec. 2201. Independent redistricting commission.
Sec. 2202. Establishment of selection pool of individuals eligible to
serve as members of commission.
Sec. 2203. Criteria for redistricting plan by independent commission;
public notice and input.
Sec. 2204. Establishment of related entities.
Subtitle C--Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 2301. Payments to States for carrying out redistricting.
Sec. 2302. State apportionment notice defined.
Sec. 2303. No effect on elections for State and local office.
Sec. 2304. Effective date.
Subtitle D--Severability
Sec. 2401. Severability.
SEC. 2001. SHORT TITLE; FINDING OF CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY.
(a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the ``Redistricting
Reform Act of 2019''.
(b) Finding of Constitutional Authority.--Congress finds that it
has the authority to establish the terms and conditions States must
follow in carrying out congressional redistricting after an
apportionment of Members of the House of Representatives because--
(1) the authority granted to Congress under article I,
section 4 of the Constitution of the United States gives
Congress the power to enact laws governing the time, place, and
manner of elections for Members of the House of
Representatives; and
(2) the authority granted to Congress under section 5 of
the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution gives Congress the
power to enact laws to enforce section 2 of such amendment,
which requires Representatives to be apportioned among the
several States according to their number.
Subtitle A--Requirements for Congressional Redistricting
SEC. 2101. LIMIT ON CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AFTER AN APPORTIONMENT.
The Act entitled ``An Act for the relief of Doctor Ricardo Vallejo
Samala and to provide for congressional redistricting'', approved
December 14, 1967 (2 U.S.C. 2c), is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``A State which has been redistricted in the manner provided
by law after an apportionment under section 22(a) of the Act entitled
`An Act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses
and to provide for an apportionment of Representatives in Congress',
approved June 18, 1929 (2 U.S.C. 2a), may not be redistricted again
until after the next apportionment of Representatives under such
section, unless a court requires the State to conduct such subsequent
redistricting to comply with the Constitution or to enforce the Voting
Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq.).''.
SEC. 2102. REQUIRING CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING TO BE CONDUCTED
THROUGH PLAN OF INDEPENDENT STATE COMMISSION.
(a) Use of Plan Required.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, any congressional redistricting conducted by a State shall be
conducted in accordance with the redistricting plan developed and
enacted into law by the independent redistricting commission
established in the State, in accordance with subtitle B.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 22(c) of the Act entitled ``An
Act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and
to provide for an apportionment of Representatives in Congress'',
approved June 18, 1929 (2 U.S.C. 2a(c)), is amended by striking ``in
the manner provided by the law thereof'' and inserting: ``in the manner
provided by the Redistricting Reform Act of 2019''.
Subtitle B--Independent Redistricting Commissions
SEC. 2201. INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION.
(a) Appointment of Members.--
(1) In general.--The nonpartisan agency established or
designated by a State under section 2204(a) shall establish an
independent redistricting commission for the State, which shall
consist of 15 members appointed by the agency as follows:
(A) The agency shall first appoint 6 members as
follows:
(i) The agency shall appoint 2 members on a
random basis from the majority category of the
approved selection pool (as described in
section 2202(b)(1)(A)).
(ii) The agency shall appoint 2 members on
a random basis from the minority category of
the approved selection pool (as described in
section 2202(b)(1)(B)).
(iii) The agency shall appoint 2 members on
a random basis from the independent category of
the approved selection pool (as described in
section 2202(b)(1)(C)).
(B) The members appointed by the agency under
subparagraph (A) shall then appoint 9 members as
follows:
(i) The members shall appoint 3 members on
a random basis from the majority category of
the approved selection pool (as described in
section 2202(b)(1)(A)).
(ii) The members shall appoint 3 members on
a random basis from the minority category of
the approved selection pool (as described in
section 2202(b)(1)(B)).
(iii) The members shall appoint 3 members
on a random basis from the independent category
of the approved selection pool (as described in
section 2202(b)(1)(C)).
(2) Appointment of alternates to serve in case of
vacancies.--
(A) Members appointed by agency.--At the time the
agency appoints the members of the independent
redistricting commission under subparagraph (A) of
paragraph (1) from each of the categories referred to
in such subparagraph, the agency shall, on a random
basis, designate 2 other individuals from such category
to serve as alternate members who may be appointed to
fill vacancies in the commission in accordance with
paragraph (3).
(B) Members appointed by first members.--At the
time the members appointed by the agency appoint the
other members of the independent redistricting
commission under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) from
each of the categories referred to in such
subparagraph, the members shall, on a random basis,
designate 2 other individuals from such category to
serve as alternate members who may be appointed to fill
vacancies in the commission in accordance with
paragraph (3).
(3) Vacancy.--
(A) Members appointed by agency.--If a vacancy
occurs in the commission with respect to a member who
was appointed by the nonpartisan agency under
subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) from one of the
categories referred to in such subparagraph, the agency
shall fill the vacancy by appointing, on a random
basis, one of the 2 alternates from such category who
was designated under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2).
At the time the agency appoints an alternate to fill a
vacancy under the previous sentence, the agency shall
designate, on a random basis, another individual from
the same category to serve as an alternate member, in
accordance with subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2).
(B) Members appointed by first members.--If a
vacancy occurs in the commission with respect to a
member who was appointed by the first members of the
commission under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) from
one of the categories referred to in such subparagraph,
the first members shall fill the vacancy by appointing,
on a random basis, one of the 2 alternates from such
category who was designated under subparagraph (B) of
paragraph (2). At the time the first members appoint an
alternate to fill a vacancy under the previous
sentence, the first members shall designate, on a
random basis, another individual from the same category
to serve as an alternate member, in accordance with
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2).
(4) Special rules for appointment of members appointed by
first members.--The appointment of any of the 9 members of the
independent redistricting commission who are appointed by the
first members of the commission pursuant to subparagraph (B) of
paragraph (1), as well as the appointment of alternates for
such members pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) and
the appointment of members to fill vacancies with respect to
such members pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3),
shall require the affirmative vote of at least 4 of the members
appointed by the nonpartisan agency under subparagraph (A) of
paragraph (1), including at least one member from each of the
categories referred to in such subparagraph. The 9 members
appointed pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), as
well as the alternates appointed pursuant to subparagraph (B)
of paragraph (2) and the members appointed to fill vacancies
pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3), shall be
selected, if necessary, to ensure that the commission as a
whole reflects the demographic and geographic diversity of the
State, including racial and language minorities protected under
the Voting Rights Act, and that such minorities are provided
with a meaningful opportunity to participate in the development
and enactment of the State's redistricting plan.
(b) Procedures for Conducting Commission Business.--
(1) Chair.--Members of an independent redistricting
commission established under this section shall select by
majority vote one member who was appointed from the independent
category of the approved selection pool described in section
2202(b)(1)(C) to serve as chair of the commission. The
commission may not take any action to develop a redistricting
plan for the State under section 2203 until the appointment of
the commission's chair.
(2) Requiring majority approval for actions.--The
independent redistricting commission of a State may not publish
and disseminate any draft or final redistricting plan, or take
any other action, without the approval of at least--
(A) a majority of the whole membership of the
commission; and
(B) at least one member of the commission appointed
from each of the categories of the approved selection
pool described in section 2202(b)(1).
(3) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the commission
shall constitute a quorum.
(c) Staff; Contractors.--
(1) Staff.--The independent redistricting commission of a
State may appoint and set the pay of such staff as it considers
appropriate, subject to State law.
(2) Contractors.--The independent redistricting commission
of a State may enter into such contracts with vendors as it
considers appropriate, subject to State law, except that any
such contract shall be valid only if approved by the vote of a
majority of the members of the commission, including at least
one member appointed from each of the categories of the
approved selection pool described in section 2202(b)(1).
(3) Goal of impartiality.--The commission shall take such
steps as it considers appropriate to ensure that any staff
appointed under this subsection, and any vendor with whom the
commission enters into a contract under this subsection, will
work in an impartial manner, and may require any person who
applies for an appointment to a staff position or for a
vendor's contract with the commission to provide information on
the person's history of political activity (including donations
to candidates, political committees, and political parties) as
a condition of the appointment or the contract.
(d) Termination.--
(1) In general.--The independent redistricting commission
of a State shall terminate on the earlier of--
(A) June 14 of the following year ending in the
numeral zero; or
(B) the day on which the nonpartisan agency
established or designated by a State under section
2204(a) has, in accordance with section 2202(b)(1),
submitted a selection pool to the Select Committee on
Redistricting for the State established under section
2204(b).
(2) Preservation of records.--The State shall ensure that
the records of the independent redistricting commission are
retained in the appropriate State archive in such manner as may
be necessary to enable the State to respond to any civil action
brought with respect to congressional redistricting in the
State.
SEC. 2202. ESTABLISHMENT OF SELECTION POOL OF INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO
SERVE AS MEMBERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Criteria for Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--An individual is eligible to serve as a
member of an independent redistricting commission if the
individual meets each of the following criteria:
(A) As of the date of appointment, the individual
is registered to vote in elections for Federal office
held in the State.
(B) During the 3-year period ending on the date of
the individual's appointment, the individual has been
continuously registered to vote with the same political
party, or has not been registered to vote with any
political party.
(C) The individual submits to the nonpartisan
agency established or designated by a State under
section 2203, at such time and in such form as the
agency may require, an application for inclusion in the
selection pool under this section, and includes with
the application a written statement containing the
following information and assurances:
(i) A statement of the political party with
which the individual is affiliated, if any.
(ii) An assurance that the individual shall
commit to carrying out the individual's duties
under this subtitle in an honest, independent,
and impartial fashion, and to upholding public
confidence in the integrity of the
redistricting process.
(iii) An assurance that, during the covered
periods described in paragraph (3), the
individual has not taken and will not take any
action which would disqualify the individual
from serving as a member of the commission
under paragraph (2).
(2) Disqualifications.--An individual is not eligible to
serve as a member of the commission if any of the following
applies during any of the covered periods described in
paragraph (3):
(A) The individual or (in the case of the covered
periods described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
paragraph (3)) an immediate family member of the
individual holds public office or is a candidate for
election for public office.
(B) The individual or (in the case of the covered
periods described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
paragraph (3)) an immediate family member of the
individual serves as an officer of a political party or
as an officer, employee, or paid consultant of a
campaign committee of a candidate for public office.
(C) The individual or (in the case of the covered
periods described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
paragraph (3)) an immediate family member of the
individual holds a position as a registered lobbyist
under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
1601 et seq.) or an equivalent State or local law.
(D) The individual or (in the case of the covered
periods described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
paragraph (3)) an immediate family member of the
individual is an employee of an elected public
official, a contractor with the legislature of the
State, or a donor to the campaign of any candidate for
public office (other than a donor who, during any of
such covered periods, gives an aggregate amount of
$20,000 or less to the campaigns of all candidates for
all public offices).
(3) Covered periods described.--In this subsection, the
term ``covered period'' means, with respect to the appointment
of an individual to the commission, any of the following:
(A) The 5-year period ending on the date of the
individual's appointment.
(B) The period beginning on the date of the
individual's appointment and ending on August 14 of the
next year ending in the numeral one.
(C) The 5-year period beginning on the day after
the last day of the period described in subparagraph
(B).
(4) Immediate family member defined.--In this subsection,
the term ``immediate family member'' means, with respect to an
individual, a father, stepfather, mother, stepmother, son,
stepson, daughter, stepdaughter, brother, stepbrother, sister,
stepsister, husband, wife, father-in-law, or mother-in-law.
(b) Development and Submission of Selection Pool.--
(1) In general.--Not later than June 15 of each year ending
in the numeral zero, the nonpartisan agency established or
designated by a State under section 2204(a) shall develop and
submit to the Select Committee on Redistricting for the State
established under section 2204(b) a selection pool of 36
individuals who are eligible to serve as members of the
independent redistricting commission of the State under this
subtitle, consisting of individuals in the following
categories:
(A) A majority category, consisting of 12
individuals who are affiliated with the political party
with the largest percentage of the registered voters in
the State who are affiliated with a political party (as
determined with respect to the most recent statewide
election for Federal office held in the State for which
such information is available).
(B) A minority category, consisting of 12
individuals who are affiliated with the political party
with the second largest percentage of the registered
voters in the State who are affiliated with a political
party (as so determined).
(C) An independent category, consisting of 12
individuals who are not affiliated with either of the
political parties described in subparagraph (A) or
subparagraph (B).
(2) Factors taken into account in developing pool.--In
selecting individuals for the selection pool under this
subsection, the nonpartisan agency shall--
(A) to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that
the pool reflects the representative demographic groups
(including races, ethnicities, and genders) and
geographic regions of the State; and
(B) take into consideration the analytical skills
of the individuals selected in relevant fields
(including mapping, data management, law, community
outreach, demography, and the geography of the State)
and their ability to work on an impartial basis.
(3) Determination of political party affiliation of
individuals in selection pool.--For purposes of this section,
an individual shall be considered to be affiliated with a
political party on the basis of the information the individual
provides in the application submitted under subsection
(a)(1)(D).
(4) Encouraging residents to apply for inclusion in pool.--
The nonpartisan agency shall take such steps as may be
necessary to ensure that residents of the State across various
geographic regions and demographic groups are aware of the
opportunity to serve on the independent redistricting
commission, including publicizing the role of the panel and
using newspapers, broadcast media, and online sources,
including ethnic media, to encourage individuals to apply for
inclusion in the selection pool developed under this
subsection.
(5) Report on establishment of selection pool.--At the time
the nonpartisan agency submits the selection pool to the Select
Committee on Redistricting under paragraph (1), it shall
publish a report describing the process by which the pool was
developed, and shall include in the report a description of how
the individuals in the pool meet the eligibility criteria of
subsection (a) and of how the pool reflects the factors the
agency is required to take into consideration under paragraph
(2).
(6) Action by select committee.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 14 days after
receiving the selection pool from the nonpartisan
agency under paragraph (1), the Select Committee on
Redistricting shall--
(i) approve the pool as submitted by the
nonpartisan agency, in which case the pool
shall be considered the approved selection pool
for purposes of section 2201(a)(1); or
(ii) reject the pool, in which case the
nonpartisan agency shall develop and submit a
replacement selection pool in accordance with
subsection (c).
(B) Inaction deemed rejection.--If the Select
Committee on Redistricting fails to approve or reject
the pool within the deadline set forth in subparagraph
(A), the Select Committee shall be deemed to have
rejected the pool for purposes of such subparagraph.
(c) Development of Replacement Selection Pool.--
(1) In general.--If the Select Committee on Redistricting
rejects the selection pool submitted by the nonpartisan agency
under subsection (b), not later than 14 days after the
rejection, the nonpartisan agency shall develop and submit to
the Select Committee a replacement selection pool, under the
same terms and conditions that applied to the development and
submission of the selection pool under paragraphs (1) through
(5) of subsection (b). The replacement pool submitted under
this paragraph may include individuals who were included in the
rejected selection pool submitted under subsection (b), so long
as at least one of the individuals in the replacement pool was
not included in such rejected pool.
(2) Action by select committee.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 14 days after
receiving the replacement selection pool from the
nonpartisan agency under paragraph (1), the Select
Committee on Redistricting shall--
(i) approve the pool as submitted by the
nonpartisan agency, in which case the pool
shall be considered the approved selection pool
for purposes of section 2201(a)(1); or
(ii) reject the pool, in which case the
nonpartisan agency shall develop and submit a
second replacement selection pool in accordance
with subsection (d).
(B) Inaction deemed rejection.--If the Select
Committee on Redistricting fails to approve or reject
the pool within the deadline set forth in subparagraph
(A), the Select Committee shall be deemed to have
rejected the pool for purposes of such subparagraph.
(d) Development of Second Replacement Selection Pool.--
(1) In general.--If the Select Committee on Redistricting
rejects the replacement selection pool submitted by the
nonpartisan agency under subsection (c), not later than 14 days
after the rejection, the nonpartisan agency shall develop and
submit to the Select Committee a second replacement selection
pool, under the same terms and conditions that applied to the
development and submission of the selection pool under
paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (b). The second
replacement selection pool submitted under this paragraph may
include individuals who were included in the rejected selection
pool submitted under subsection (b) or the rejected replacement
selection pool submitted under subsection (c), so long as at
least one of the individuals in the replacement pool was not
included in either such rejected pool.
(2) Action by select committee.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 14 days after
receiving the second replacement selection pool from
the nonpartisan agency under paragraph (1), the Select
Committee on Redistricting shall--
(i) approve the pool as submitted by the
nonpartisan agency, in which case the pool
shall be considered the approved selection pool
for purposes of section 2201(a)(1); or
(ii) reject the pool, in which case the
nonpartisan agency shall not develop or submit
any other selection pool for purposes of this
subtitle.
(B) Inaction deemed rejection.--If the Select
Committee on Redistricting fails to approve or reject
the pool within the deadline set forth in subparagraph
(A), the Select Committee shall be deemed to have
rejected the pool for purposes of such subparagraph.
SEC. 2203. CRITERIA FOR REDISTRICTING PLAN BY INDEPENDENT COMMISSION;
PUBLIC NOTICE AND INPUT.
(a) Development of Redistricting Plan.--
(1) Criteria.--In developing a redistricting plan of a
State, the independent redistricting commission of a State
shall establish single-member congressional districts using the
following criteria as set forth in the following order of
priority:
(A) Districts shall comply with the United States
Constitution, including the requirement that they
equalize total population.
(B) Districts shall comply with the Voting Rights
Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq.) and all
applicable Federal laws.
(C) Districts shall provide racial, ethnic, and
language minorities with an equal opportunity to
participate in the political process and to elect
candidates of choice and shall not dilute or diminish
their ability to elect candidates of choice whether
alone or in coalition with others.
(D) Districts shall minimize the division of
communities of interest, neighborhoods, and political
subdivisions to the extent practicable. A community of
interest is defined as an area with recognized
similarities of interests, including but not limited to
ethnic, economic, social, cultural, geographic or
historic identities. The term communities of interest
may, in circumstances, include political subdivisions
such as counties, municipalities, or school districts,
but shall not include common relationships with
political parties, officeholders, or political
candidates.
(2) No favoring or disfavoring of political parties.--The
redistricting plan developed by the independent redistricting
commission shall not, when considered on a statewide basis,
unduly favor or disfavor any political party.
(3) Factors prohibited from consideration.--In developing
the redistricting plan for the State, the independent
redistricting commission may not take into consideration any of
the following factors, except to the extent necessary to comply
with the Voting Rights Act of 1965:
(A) The political party affiliation or voting
history of the population of a district.
(B) The residence of any Member of the House of
Representatives or candidate.
(b) Public Notice and Input.--
(1) Use of open and transparent process.--The independent
redistricting commission of a State shall hold each of its
meetings in public, shall solicit and take into consideration
comments from the public throughout the process of developing
the redistricting plan for the State, and shall carry out its
duties in an open and transparent manner which provides for the
widest public dissemination reasonably possible of its proposed
and final redistricting plans.
(2) Website.--The commission shall maintain a public
internet site which is not affiliated with or maintained by the
office of any elected official and which includes the following
features:
(A) General information on the commission and its
members, including contact information.
(B) An updated schedule of commission hearings and
activities, including deadlines for the submission of
comments.
(C) All draft redistricting plans developed by the
commission under subsection (c) and the final
redistricting plan developed under subsection (d).
(D) Live streaming of commission hearings and an
archive of previous meetings and other commission
records.
(E) A method by which members of the public may
submit comments directly to the commission.
(F) Access to the demographic data used by the
commission to develop the proposed redistricting plans,
together with any software used to draw maps of
proposed districts.
(3) Public comment period.--The commission shall solicit,
accept, and consider comments from the public with respect to
its duties, activities, and procedures at any time during the
period--
(A) which begins on January 1 of the year ending in
the numeral one; and
(B) which ends 7 days before the date of the
meeting at which the commission shall vote on approving
the final redistricting plan for enactment into law
under subsection (d)(2).
(4) Meetings and hearings in various geographic
locations.--To the greatest extent practicable, the commission
shall hold its meetings and hearings in various geographic
regions and locations throughout the State.
(c) Development and Publication of Preliminary Redistricting
Plan.--
(1) In general.--Prior to developing and publishing a final
redistricting plan under subsection (d), the independent
redistricting commission of a State shall develop and publish a
preliminary redistricting plan.
(2) Minimum public hearings prior to development.--
(A) 3 hearings required.--Prior to developing a
preliminary redistricting plan under this subsection,
the commission shall hold not fewer than 3 public
hearings at which members of the public may provide
input and comments regarding the potential contents of
redistricting plans for the State and the process by
which the commission will develop the preliminary plan
under this subsection.
(B) Minimum period for notice prior to hearings.--
The commission shall notify the public through the
website maintained under subsection (b)(2), as well as
through publication of notice in newspapers of general
circulation throughout the State, of the date, time,
and location of each of the hearings held under this
paragraph not fewer than 14 days prior to the date of
the hearing.
(3) Publication of preliminary plan.--
(A) In general.--The commission shall post the
preliminary redistricting plan developed under this
subsection, together with a report that includes the
commission's responses to any public comments received
under subsection (b)(3), on the website maintained
under subsection (b)(2), and shall provide for the
publication of each such plan in newspapers of general
circulation throughout the State.
(B) Minimum period for notice prior to
publication.--Not fewer than 14 days prior to the date
on which the commission posts and publishes the
preliminary plan under this paragraph, the commission
shall notify the public through the website maintained
under subsection (b)(2), as well as through publication
of notice in newspapers of general circulation
throughout the State, of the pending publication of the
plan.
(4) Minimum period for public comment after publication of
plan.--The commission shall accept and consider comments from
the public with respect to the preliminary redistricting plan
published under paragraph (3) for not fewer than 30 days after
the date on which the plan is published.
(5) Post-publication hearings.--
(A) 3 hearings required.--After posting and
publishing the preliminary redistricting plan under
paragraph (3), the commission shall hold not fewer than
3 public hearings at which members of the public may
provide input and comments regarding the preliminary
plan.
(B) Minimum period for notice prior to hearings.--
The commission shall notify the public through the
website maintained under subsection (b)(2), as well as
through publication of notice in newspapers of general
circulation throughout the State, of the date, time,
and location of each of the hearings held under this
paragraph not fewer than 14 days prior to the date of
the hearing.
(6) Permitting multiple preliminary plans.--At the option
of the commission, after developing and publishing the
preliminary redistricting plan under this subsection, the
commission may develop and publish subsequent preliminary
redistricting plans, so long as the process for the development
and publication of each such subsequent plan meets the
requirements set forth in this subsection for the development
and publication of the first preliminary redistricting plan.
(d) Process for Enactment of Final Redistricting Plan.--
(1) In general.--After taking into consideration comments
from the public on any preliminary redistricting plan developed
and published under subsection (c), the independent
redistricting commission of a State shall develop and publish a
final redistricting plan for the State.
(2) Meeting; final vote.--Not later than August 15 of each
year ending in the numeral one, the commission shall hold a
public hearing at which the members of the commission shall
vote on approving the final plan for enactment into law.
(3) Publication of plan and accompanying materials.--Not
fewer than 14 days before the date of the meeting under
paragraph (2), the commission shall provide the following
information to the public through the website maintained under
subsection (b)(2), as well as through newspapers of general
circulation throughout the State:
(A) The final redistricting plan, including all
relevant maps.
(B) A report by the commission to accompany the
plan which provides the background for the plan and the
commission's reasons for selecting the plan as the
final redistricting plan, including responses to the
public comments received on any preliminary
redistricting plan developed and published under
subsection (c).
(C) Any dissenting or additional views with respect
to the plan of individual members of the commission.
(4) Enactment.--The final redistricting plan developed and
published under this subsection shall be deemed to be enacted
into law if--
(A) the plan is approved by a majority of the whole
membership of the commission; and
(B) at least one member of the commission appointed
from each of the categories of the approved selection
pool described in section 2202(b)(1) approves the plan.
(e) Deadline.--The independent redistricting commission of a State
shall approve a final redistricting plan for the State not later than
August 15 of each year ending in the numeral one.
SEC. 2204. ESTABLISHMENT OF RELATED ENTITIES.
(a) Establishment or Designation of Nonpartisan Agency of State
Legislature.--
(1) In general.--Each State shall establish a nonpartisan
agency in the legislative branch of the State government to
appoint the members of the independent redistricting commission
for the State in accordance with section 2201.
(2) Nonpartisanship described.--For purposes of this
subsection, an agency shall be considered to be nonpartisan if
under law the agency--
(A) is required to provide services on a
nonpartisan basis;
(B) is required to maintain impartiality; and
(C) is prohibited from advocating for the adoption
or rejection of any legislative proposal.
(3) Designation of existing agency.--At its option, a State
may designate an existing agency in the legislative branch of
its government to appoint the members of the independent
redistricting commission plan for the State under this
subtitle, so long as the agency meets the requirements for
nonpartisanship under this subsection.
(4) Termination of agency specifically established for
redistricting.--If a State does not designate an existing
agency under paragraph (3) but instead establishes a new agency
to serve as the nonpartisan agency under this section, the new
agency shall terminate upon the enactment into law of the
redistricting plan for the State.
(5) Deadline.--The State shall meet the requirements of
this subsection not later than each August 15 of a year ending
in the numeral nine.
(b) Establishment of Select Committee on Redistricting.--
(1) In general.--Each State shall appoint a Select
Committee on Redistricting to approve or disapprove a selection
pool developed by the independent redistricting commission for
the State under section 2202.
(2) Appointment.--The Select Committee on Redistricting for
a State under this subsection shall consist of the following
members:
(A) 1 member of the upper house of the State
legislature, who shall be appointed by the leader of
the party with the greatest number of seats in the
upper house.
(B) 1 member of the upper house of the State
legislature, who shall be appointed by the leader of
the party with the second greatest number of seats in
the upper house.
(C) 1 member of the lower house of the State
legislature, who shall be appointed by the leader of
the party with the greatest number of seats in the
lower house.
(D) 1 member of the lower house of the State
legislature, who shall be appointed by the leader of
the party with the second greatest number of seats in
the lower house.
(3) Special rule for states with unicameral legislature.--
In the case of a State with a unicameral legislature, the
Select Committee on Redistricting for the State under this
subsection shall consist of the following members:
(A) 2 members of the State legislature appointed by
the leader of the party with the greatest number of
seats in the legislature.
(B) 2 members of the State legislature appointed by
the leader of the party with the second greatest number
of seats in legislature.
(4) Deadline.--The State shall meet the requirements of
this subsection not later than each January 15 of a year ending
in the numeral zero.
Subtitle C--Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions
SEC. 2301. PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR CARRYING OUT REDISTRICTING.
(a) Authorization of Payments.--Subject to subsection (d), not
later than 30 days after a State receives a State apportionment notice,
the Election Assistance Commission shall make a payment to the State in
an amount equal to the product of--
(1) the number of Representatives to which the State is
entitled, as provided under the notice; and
(2) $150,000.
(b) Use of Funds.--A State shall use the payment made under this
section to establish and operate the State's independent redistricting
commission, to implement the State redistricting plan, and to otherwise
carry out congressional redistricting in the State.
(c) No Payment to States With Single Member.--The Election
Assistance Commission shall not make a payment under this section to
any State which is not entitled to more than one Representative under
its State apportionment notice.
(d) Requiring Submission of Selection Pool as Condition of
Payment.--The Election Assistance Commission may not make a payment to
a State under this section until the State certifies to the Commission
that the nonpartisan agency established or designated by a State under
section 2204(a) has, in accordance with section 2202(b)(1), submitted a
selection pool to the Select Committee on Redistricting for the State
established under section 2204(b).
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary for payments under this
section.
SEC. 2302. STATE APPORTIONMENT NOTICE DEFINED.
In this subtitle, the ``State apportionment notice'' means, with
respect to a State, the notice sent to the State from the Clerk of the
House of Representatives under section 22(b) of the Act entitled ``An
Act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and
to provide for an apportionment of Representatives in Congress'',
approved June 18, 1929 (2 U.S.C. 2a), of the number of Representatives
to which the State is entitled.
SEC. 2303. NO EFFECT ON ELECTIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL OFFICE.
Nothing in this title or in any amendment made by this title may be
construed to affect the manner in which a State carries out elections
for State or local office, including the process by which a State
establishes the districts used in such elections.
SEC. 2304. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This title and the amendments made by this title shall apply with
respect to redistricting carried out pursuant to the decennial census
conducted during 2020 or any succeeding decennial census.
Subtitle D--Severability
SEC. 2401. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this title or amendment made by this title, or
the application of a provision or amendment to any person or
circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this
title and amendments made by this title, and the application of the
provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance, shall not be
affected by the holding.
TITLE III--ELECTION SECURITY
Sec. 3000. Short title; sense of Congress.
Subtitle A--Financial Support for Election Infrastructure
Part 1--Grants for Risk-Limiting Audits of Results of Elections
Sec. 3001. Grants to States for conducting risk-limiting audits of
results of elections.
Sec. 3002. GAO analysis of effects of audits.
Part 2--Election Infrastructure Innovation Grant Program
Sec. 3011. Election infrastructure innovation grant program.
Subtitle B--Security Measures
Sec. 3101. Election infrastructure designation.
Sec. 3102. Timely threat information.
Sec. 3103. Security clearance assistance for election officials.
Sec. 3104. Security risk and vulnerability assessments.
Sec. 3105. Annual reports.
Subtitle C--Enhancing Protections for United States Democratic
Institutions
Sec. 3201. National strategy to protect United States democratic
institutions.
Sec. 3202. National Commission to Protect United States Democratic
Institutions.
Subtitle D--Promoting Cybersecurity Through Improvements in Election
Administration
Sec. 3301. Testing of existing voting systems to ensure compliance with
election cybersecurity guidelines and other
guidelines.
Sec. 3302. Treatment of electronic poll books as part of voting
systems.
Sec. 3303. Pre-election reports on voting system usage.
Sec. 3304. Streamlining collection of election information.
Subtitle E--Preventing Election Hacking
Sec. 3401. Short title.
Sec. 3402. Election Security Bug Bounty Program.
Sec. 3403. Definitions.
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 3501. Definitions.
Sec. 3502. Initial report on adequacy of resources available for
implementation.
Subtitle G--Severability
Sec. 3601. Severability.
SEC. 3000. SHORT TITLE; SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the ``Election
Security Act''.
(b) Sense of Congress on Need To Improve Election Infrastructure
Security.--It is the sense of Congress that, in light of the lessons
learned from Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential election,
the Federal Government should intensify its efforts to improve the
security of election infrastructure in the United States, including
through the use of individual, durable, paper ballots marked by the
voter by hand.
Subtitle A--Financial Support for Election Infrastructure
PART 1--GRANTS FOR RISK-LIMITING AUDITS OF RESULTS OF ELECTIONS
SEC. 3001. GRANTS TO STATES FOR CONDUCTING RISK-LIMITING AUDITS OF
RESULTS OF ELECTIONS.
(a) Availability of Grants.--Subtitle D of title II of the Help
America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21001 et seq.) is amended by adding
at the end the following new part:
``PART 7--GRANTS FOR CONDUCTING RISK-LIMITING AUDITS OF RESULTS OF
ELECTIONS
``SEC. 297. GRANTS FOR CONDUCTING RISK-LIMITING AUDITS OF RESULTS OF
ELECTIONS.
``(a) Availability of Grants.--The Commission shall make a grant to
each eligible State to conduct risk-limiting audits as described in
subsection (b) with respect to the regularly scheduled general
elections for Federal office held in November 2020 and each succeeding
election for Federal office.
``(b) Risk-Limiting Audits Described.--In this part, a `risk-
limiting audit' is a post-election process--
``(1) which is conducted in accordance with rules and
procedures established by the chief State election official of
the State which meet the requirements of subsection (c); and
``(2) under which, if the reported outcome of the election
is incorrect, there is at least a predetermined percentage
chance that the audit will replace the incorrect outcome with
the correct outcome as determined by a full, hand-to-eye
tabulation of all votes validly cast in that election that
ascertains voter intent manually and directly from voter-
verifiable paper records.
``(c) Requirements for Rules and Procedures.--The rules and
procedures established for conducting a risk-limiting audit shall
include the following elements:
``(1) Rules for ensuring the security of ballots and
documenting that prescribed procedures were followed.
``(2) Rules and procedures for ensuring the accuracy of
ballot manifests produced by election agencies.
``(3) Rules and procedures for governing the format of
ballot manifests, cast vote records, and other data involved in
the audit.
``(4) Methods to ensure that any cast vote records used in
the audit are those used by the voting system to tally the
election results sent to the chief State election official and
made public.
``(5) Procedures for the random selection of ballots to be
inspected manually during each audit.
``(6) Rules for the calculations and other methods to be
used in the audit and to determine whether and when the audit
of an election is complete.
``(7) Procedures and requirements for testing any software
used to conduct risk-limiting audits.
``(d) Definitions.--In this part, the following definitions apply:
``(1) The term `ballot manifest' means a record maintained
by each election agency that meets each of the following
requirements:
``(A) The record is created without reliance on any
part of the voting system used to tabulate votes.
``(B) The record functions as a sampling frame for
conducting a risk-limiting audit.
``(C) The record contains the following information
with respect to the ballots cast and counted in the
election:
``(i) The total number of ballots cast and
counted by the agency (including undervotes,
overvotes, and other invalid votes).
``(ii) The total number of ballots cast in
each election administered by the agency
(including undervotes, overvotes, and other
invalid votes).
``(iii) A precise description of the manner
in which the ballots are physically stored,
including the total number of physical groups
of ballots, the numbering system for each
group, a unique label for each group, and the
number of ballots in each such group.
``(2) The term `incorrect outcome' means an outcome that
differs from the outcome that would be determined by a full
tabulation of all votes validly cast in the election,
determining voter intent manually, directly from voter-
verifiable paper records.
``(3) The term `outcome' means the winner of an election,
whether a candidate or a position.
``(4) The term `reported outcome' means the outcome of an
election which is determined according to the canvass and which
will become the official, certified outcome unless it is
revised by an audit, recount, or other legal process.
``SEC. 297A. ELIGIBILITY OF STATES.
``A State is eligible to receive a grant under this part if the
State submits to the Commission, at such time and in such form as the
Commission may require, an application containing--
``(1) a certification that, not later than 5 years after
receiving the grant, the State will conduct risk-limiting
audits of the results of elections for Federal office held in
the State as described in section 297;
``(2) a certification that, not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of this section, the chief State
election official of the State has established or will
establish the rules and procedures for conducting the audits
which meet the requirements of section 297(c);
``(3) a certification that the audit shall be completed not
later than the date on which the State certifies the results of
the election;
``(4) a certification that, after completing the audit, the
State shall publish a report on the results of the audit,
together with such information as necessary to confirm that the
audit was conducted properly;
``(5) a certification that, if a risk-limiting audit
conducted under this part leads to a full manual tally of an
election, State law requires that the State or election agency
shall use the results of the full manual tally as the official
results of the election; and
``(6) such other information and assurances as the
Commission may require.
``SEC. 297B. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this
part $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, to remain available until
expended.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act is
amended by adding at the end of the items relating to subtitle D of
title II the following:
``Part 7--Grants for Conducting Risk-Limiting Audits of Results of
Elections
``Sec. 297. Grants for conducting risk-limiting audits of
results of elections.
``Sec. 297A. Eligibility of States.
``Sec. 297B. Authorization of appropriations.
SEC. 3002. GAO ANALYSIS OF EFFECTS OF AUDITS.
(a) Analysis.--Not later than 6 months after the first election for
Federal office is held after grants are first awarded to States for
conducting risk-limiting audits under part 7 of subtitle D of title II
of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (as added by section 3001) for
conducting risk-limiting audits of elections for Federal office, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an analysis of
the extent to which such audits have improved the administration of
such elections and the security of election infrastructure in the
States receiving such grants.
(b) Report.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
submit a report on the analysis conducted under subsection (a) to the
appropriate congressional committees.
PART 2--ELECTION INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM
SEC. 3011. ELECTION INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 181 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating the second section 319 (relating to
EMP and GMD mitigation research and development) as section
320; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 321. ELECTION INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the Under
Secretary for Science and Technology, in coordination with the Chairman
of the Election Assistance Commission (established pursuant to the Help
America Vote Act of 2002) and in consultation with the Director of the
National Science Foundation, shall establish a competitive grant
program to award grants to eligible entities, on a competitive basis,
for purposes of research and development that are determined to have
the potential to significantly to improve the security (including
cybersecurity), quality, reliability, accuracy, accessibility, and
affordability of election infrastructure.
``(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the
conclusion of each fiscal year for which grants are awarded under this
section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland
Security and the Committee on House Administration of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate a
report describing such grants and analyzing the impact, if any, of such
grants on the security and operation of election infrastructure.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $6,250,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
through 2027 for purposes of carrying out this section.
``(d) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term `eligible
entity' means--
``(1) an institution of higher education (as defined in
section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001(a))), including an institution of higher education that is
a historically Black college or university (which has the
meaning given the term `part B institution' in section 322 of
such Act (20 U.S.C. 1061)) or other minority-serving
institution listed in section 371(a) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
1067q(a));
``(2) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section
501(a) of such Code; or
``(3) an organization, association, or a for-profit
company, including a small business concern (as such term is
defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
632)), including a small business concern owned and controlled
by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as
defined under section 8(d)(3)(C) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 637(d)(3)(C)).''.
(b) Definition.--Section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 101) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (20) as
paragraphs (7) through (21), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new
paragraph:
``(6) Election infrastructure.--The term `election
infrastructure' means storage facilities, polling places, and
centralized vote tabulation locations used to support the
administration of elections for public office, as well as
related information and communications technology, including
voter registration databases, voting machines, electronic mail
and other communications systems (including electronic mail and
other systems of vendors who have entered into contracts with
election agencies to support the administration of elections,
manage the election process, and report and display election
results), and other systems used to manage the election process
and to report and display election results on behalf of an
election agency.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by striking both items
relating to section 319 and the item relating to section 318 and
inserting the following new items:
``Sec. 318. Social media working group.
``Sec. 319. Transparency in research and development.
``Sec. 320. EMP and GMD mitigation research and development.
``Sec. 321. Election infrastructure innovation grant program.''.
Subtitle B--Security Measures
SEC. 3101. ELECTION INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGNATION.
Subparagraph (J) of section 2001(3) of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 601(3)) is amended by inserting ``, including election
infrastructure'' before the period at the end.
SEC. 3102. TIMELY THREAT INFORMATION.
Subsection (d) of section 201 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(6 U.S.C. 121) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(24) To provide timely threat information regarding
election infrastructure to the chief State election official of
the State with respect to which such information pertains.''.
SEC. 3103. SECURITY CLEARANCE ASSISTANCE FOR ELECTION OFFICIALS.
In order to promote the timely sharing of information on threats to
election infrastructure, the Secretary may--
(1) help expedite a security clearance for the chief State
election official and other appropriate State personnel
involved in the administration of elections, as designated by
the chief State election official;
(2) sponsor a security clearance for the chief State
election official and other appropriate State personnel
involved in the administration of elections, as designated by
the chief State election official; and
(3) facilitate the issuance of a temporary clearance to the
chief State election official and other appropriate State
personnel involved in the administration of elections, as
designated by the chief State election official, if the
Secretary determines classified information to be timely and
relevant to the election infrastructure of the State at issue.
SEC. 3104. SECURITY RISK AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (6) of section 2209(c) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 659(c)) is amended by inserting
``(including by carrying out a security risk and vulnerability
assessment)'' after ``risk management support''.
(b) Prioritization To Enhance Election Security.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after receiving a
written request from a chief State election official, the
Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, commence a security
risk and vulnerability assessment (pursuant to paragraph (6) of
section 2209(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as
amended by subsection (a)) on election infrastructure in the
State at issue.
(2) Notification.--If the Secretary, upon receipt of a
request described in paragraph (1), determines that a security
risk and vulnerability assessment cannot be commenced within 90
days, the Secretary shall expeditiously notify the chief State
election official who submitted such request.
SEC. 3105. ANNUAL REPORTS.
(a) Reports on Assistance and Assessments.--Not later than one year
after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter
through 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees--
(1) efforts to carry out section 203 during the prior year,
including specific information on which States were helped, how
many officials have been helped in each State, how many
security clearances have been sponsored in each State, and how
many temporary clearances have been issued in each State; and
(2) efforts to carry out section 205 during the prior year,
including specific information on which States were helped, the
dates on which the Secretary received a request for a security
risk and vulnerability assessment pursuant to such section, the
dates on which the Secretary commenced each such request, and
the dates on which the Secretary transmitted a notification in
accordance with subsection (b)(2) of such section.
(b) Reports on Foreign Threats.--Not later than 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 2019), the
Secretary and the Director of National Intelligence, in coordination
with the heads of appropriate offices of the Federal Government, shall
submit a joint report to the appropriate congressional committees on
foreign threats to elections in the United States, including physical
and cybersecurity threats.
(c) Information From States.--For purposes of preparing the reports
required under this section, the Secretary shall solicit and consider
information and comments from States and election agencies, except that
the provision of such information and comments by a State or election
agency shall be voluntary and at the discretion of the State or agency.
Subtitle C--Enhancing Protections for United States Democratic
Institutions
SEC. 3201. NATIONAL STRATEGY TO PROTECT UNITED STATES DEMOCRATIC
INSTITUTIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the President, acting through the Secretary, in
consultation with the Chairman, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary
of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Education, the
Director of National Intelligence, the Chairman of the Federal Election
Commission, and the heads of any other appropriate Federal agencies,
shall issue a national strategy to protect against cyber attacks,
influence operations, disinformation campaigns, and other activities
that could undermine the security and integrity of United States
democratic institutions.
(b) Considerations.--The national strategy required under
subsection (a) shall include consideration of the following:
(1) The threat of a foreign state actor, foreign terrorist
organization (as designated pursuant to section 219 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189)), or a domestic
actor carrying out a cyber attack, influence operation,
disinformation campaign, or other activity aimed at undermining
the security and integrity of United States democratic
institutions.
(2) The extent to which United States democratic
institutions are vulnerable to a cyber attack, influence
operation, disinformation campaign, or other activity aimed at
undermining the security and integrity of such democratic
institutions.
(3) Potential consequences, such as an erosion of public
trust or an undermining of the rule of law, that could result
from a successful cyber attack, influence operation,
disinformation campaign, or other activity aimed at undermining
the security and integrity of United States democratic
institutions.
(4) Lessons learned from other Western governments the
institutions of which were subject to a cyber attack, influence
operation, disinformation campaign, or other activity aimed at
undermining the security and integrity of such institutions, as
well as actions that could be taken by the United States
Government to bolster collaboration with foreign partners to
detect, deter, prevent, and counter such activities.
(5) Potential impacts such as an erosion of public trust in
democratic institutions as could be associated with a
successful cyber breach or other activity negatively affecting
election infrastructure.
(6) Roles and responsibilities of the Secretary, the
Chairman, and the heads of other Federal entities and non-
Federal entities, including chief State election officials and
representatives of multistate information sharing and analysis
center.
(7) Any findings, conclusions, and recommendations to
strengthen protections for United States democratic
institutions that have been agreed to by a majority of
Commission members on the National Commission to Protect United
States Democratic Institutions, authorized pursuant to section
3202.
(c) Implementation Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the issuance
of the national strategy required under subsection (a), the President,
acting through the Secretary, in coordination with the Chairman, shall
issue an implementation plan for Federal efforts to implement such
strategy that includes the following:
(1) Strategic objectives and corresponding tasks.
(2) Projected timelines and costs for the tasks referred to
in paragraph (1).
(3) Metrics to evaluate performance of such tasks.
(d) Classification.--The national strategy required under
subsection (a) shall be in unclassified form but may contain a
classified annex.
SEC. 3202. NATIONAL COMMISSION TO PROTECT UNITED STATES DEMOCRATIC
INSTITUTIONS.
(a) Establishment.--There is established within the legislative
branch the National Commission to Protect United States Democratic
Institutions (hereafter in this section referred to as the
``Commission'').
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Commission is to counter efforts
to undermine democratic institutions within the United States.
(c) Composition.--
(1) Membership.--The Commission shall be composed of 10
members appointed for the life of the Commission as follows:
(A) One member shall be appointed by the Secretary.
(B) One member shall be appointed by the Chairman.
(C) 2 members shall be appointed by the majority
leader of the Senate, in consultation with the Chairman
of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs, the Chairman of the Committee on the
Judiciary, and the Chairman of the Committee on Rules
and Administration.
(D) 2 members shall be appointed by the minority
leader of the Senate, in consultation with the ranking
minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs, the ranking minority member
of the Committee on the Judiciary, and the ranking
minority member of the Committee on Rules and
Administration.
(E) 2 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives, in consultation with the
Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, the
Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, and
the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary.
(F) 2 members shall be appointed by the minority
leader of the House of Representatives, in consultation
with the ranking minority member of the Committee on
Homeland Security, the ranking minority member of the
Committee on the Judiciary, and the ranking minority
member of the Committee on House Administration.
(2) Qualifications.--Individuals shall be selected for
appointment to the Commission solely on the basis of their
professional qualifications, achievements, public stature,
experience, and expertise in relevant fields, including, but
not limited to cybersecurity, national security, and the
Constitution of the United States.
(3) No compensation for service.--Members shall not receive
compensation for service on the Commission, but shall receive
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
(4) Deadline for appointment.--All members of the
Commission shall be appointed no later than 60 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
(5) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission shall not
affect its powers and shall be filled in the manner in which
the original appointment was made. The appointment of the
replacement member shall be made not later than 60 days after
the date on which the vacancy occurs.
(d) Chair and Vice Chair.--The Commission shall elect a Chair and
Vice Chair from among its members.
(e) Quorum and Meetings.--
(1) Quorum.--The Commission shall meet and begin the
operations of the Commission not later than 30 days after the
date on which all members have been appointed or, if such
meeting cannot be mutually agreed upon, on a date designated by
the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President
pro tempore of the Senate. Each subsequent meeting shall occur
upon the call of the Chair or a majority of its members. A
majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a
quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings.
(2) Authority of individuals to act for commission.--Any
member of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission,
take any action that the Commission is authorized to take under
this section.
(f) Powers.--
(1) Hearings and evidence.--The Commission (or, on the
authority of the Commission, any subcommittee or member
thereof) may, for the purpose of carrying out this section,
hold hearings and sit and act at such times and places, take
such testimony, receive such evidence, and administer such
oaths as the Commission considers advisable to carry out its
duties.
(2) Contracting.--The Commission may, to such extent and in
such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into
contracts to enable the Commission to discharge its duties
under this section.
(g) Assistance From Federal Agencies.--
(1) General services administration.--The Administrator of
General Services shall provide to the Commission on a
reimbursable basis administrative support and other services
for the performance of the Commission's functions.
(2) Other departments and agencies.--In addition to the
assistance provided under paragraph (1), the Department of
Homeland Security, the Election Assistance Commission, and
other appropriate departments and agencies of the United States
shall provide to the Commission such services, funds,
facilities, and staff as they may determine advisable and as
may be authorized by law.
(h) Public Meetings.--Any public meetings of the Commission shall
be conducted in a manner consistent with the protection of information
provided to or developed for or by the Commission as required by any
applicable statute, regulation, or Executive order.
(i) Security Clearances.--
(1) In general.--The heads of appropriate departments and
agencies of the executive branch shall cooperate with the
Commission to expeditiously provide Commission members and
staff with appropriate security clearances to the extent
possible under applicable procedures and requirements.
(2) Preferences.--In appointing staff, obtaining detailees,
and entering into contracts for the provision of services for
the Commission, the Commission shall give preference to
individuals otherwise who have active security clearances.
(j) Reports.--
(1) Interim reports.--At any time prior to the submission
of the final report under paragraph (2), the Commission may
submit interim reports to the President and Congress such
findings, conclusions, and recommendations to strengthen
protections for democratic institutions in the United States as
have been agreed to by a majority of the members of the
Commission.
(2) Final report.--Not later than 18 months after the date
of the first meeting of the Commission, the Commission shall
submit to the President and Congress a final report containing
such findings, conclusions, and recommendations to strengthen
protections for democratic institutions in the United States as
have been agreed to by a majority of the members of the
Commission.
(k) Termination.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall terminate upon the
expiration of the 60-day period which begins on the date on
which the Commission submits the final report required under
subsection (j)(2).
(2) Administrative activities prior to termination.--During
the 60-day period described in paragraph (2), the Commission
may carry out such administrative activities as may be required
to conclude its work, including providing testimony to
committees of Congress concerning the final report and
disseminating the final report.
(l) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the
Commission.
Subtitle D--Promoting Cybersecurity Through Improvements in Election
Administration
SEC. 3301. TESTING OF EXISTING VOTING SYSTEMS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH
ELECTION CYBERSECURITY GUIDELINES AND OTHER GUIDELINES.
(a) Requiring Testing of Existing Voting Systems.--
(1) In general.--Section 231(a) of the Help America Vote
Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 20971(a)) is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Testing to ensure compliance with guidelines.--
``(A) Testing.--Not later than 9 months before the
date of each regularly scheduled general election for
Federal office, the Commission shall provide for the
testing by accredited laboratories under this section
of the voting system hardware and software which was
certified for use in the most recent such election, on
the basis of the most recent voting system guidelines
applicable to such hardware or software (including
election cybersecurity guidelines) issued under this
Act.
``(B) Decertification of hardware or software
failing to meet guidelines.--If, on the basis of the
testing described in subparagraph (A), the Commission
determines that any voting system hardware or software
does not meet the most recent guidelines applicable to
such hardware or software issued under this Act, the
Commission shall decertify such hardware or
software.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general
election for Federal office held in November 2020 and each
succeeding regularly scheduled general election for Federal
office.
(b) Issuance of Cybersecurity Guidelines by Technical Guidelines
Development Committee.--Section 221(b) of the Help America Vote Act of
2002 (52 U.S.C. 20961(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(3) Election cybersecurity guidelines.--Not later than 6
months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the
Development Committee shall issue election cybersecurity
guidelines, including standards and best practices for
procuring, maintaining, testing, operating, and updating
election systems to prevent and deter cybersecurity
incidents.''.
SEC. 3302. TREATMENT OF ELECTRONIC POLL BOOKS AS PART OF VOTING
SYSTEMS.
(a) Inclusion in Definition of Voting System.--Section 301(b) of
the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21081(b)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``this section'' and inserting ``this Act'';
(2) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1);
(3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph:
``(2) any electronic poll book used with respect to the
election; and''.
(b) Definition.--Section 301 of such Act (52 U.S.C. 21081) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(d) and (e); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new
subsection:
``(c) Electronic Poll Book Defined.--In this Act, the term
`electronic poll book' means the total combination of mechanical,
electromechanical, or electronic equipment (including the software,
firmware, and documentation required to program, control, and support
the equipment) that is used--
``(1) to retain the list of registered voters at a polling
location, or vote center, or other location at which voters
cast votes in an election for Federal office; and
``(2) to identify registered voters who are eligible to
vote in an election.''.
(c) Effective Date.--Section 301(e) of such Act (52 U.S.C.
21081(e)), as redesignated by subsection (b), is amended by striking
the period at the end and inserting the following: ``, or, with respect
to any requirements relating to electronic poll books, on and after
January 1, 2020.''.
SEC. 3303. PRE-ELECTION REPORTS ON VOTING SYSTEM USAGE.
(a) Requiring States To Submit Reports.--Title III of the Help
America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21081 et seq.) is amended by
inserting after section 301 the following new section:
``SEC. 301A. PRE-ELECTION REPORTS ON VOTING SYSTEM USAGE.
``(a) Requiring States To Submit Reports.--Not later than 120 days
before the date of each regularly scheduled general election for
Federal office, the chief State election official of a State shall
submit a report to the Commission containing a detailed voting system
usage plan for each jurisdiction in the State which will administer the
election, including a detailed plan for the usage of electronic poll
books and other equipment and components of such system.
``(b) Effective Date.--Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to
the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in
November 2020 and each succeeding regularly scheduled general election
for Federal office.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 301 the
following new item:
``Sec. 301A. Pre-election reports on voting system usage.''.
SEC. 3304. STREAMLINING COLLECTION OF ELECTION INFORMATION.
Section 202 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 20922)
is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Commission'' and inserting ``(a) In
General.--The Commission''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) Waiver of Certain Requirements.--Subchapter I of chapter 35
of title 44, United States Code, shall not apply to the collection of
information for purposes of maintaining the clearinghouse described in
paragraph (1) of subsection (a).''.
Subtitle E--Preventing Election Hacking
SEC. 3401. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Prevent Election Hacking Act of
2019''.
SEC. 3402. ELECTION SECURITY BUG BOUNTY PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to be
known as the ``Election Security Bug Bounty Program'' (hereafter in
this subtitle referred to as the ``Program'') to improve the
cybersecurity of the systems used to administer elections for Federal
office by facilitating and encouraging assessments by independent
technical experts, in cooperation with State and local election
officials and election service providers, to identify and report
election cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
(b) Voluntary Participation by Election Officials and Election
Service Providers.--
(1) No requirement to participate in program.--
Participation in the Program shall be entirely voluntary for
State and local election officials and election service
providers.
(2) Encouraging participation and input from election
officials.--In developing the Program, the Secretary shall
solicit input from, and encourage participation by, State and
local election officials.
(c) Activities Funded.--In establishing and carrying out the
Program, the Secretary shall--
(1) establish a process for State and local election
officials and election service providers to voluntarily
participate in the Program;
(2) designate appropriate information systems to be
included in the Program;
(3) provide compensation to eligible individuals,
organizations, and companies for reports of previously
unidentified security vulnerabilities within the information
systems designated under subparagraph (A) and establish
criteria for individuals, organizations, and companies to be
considered eligible for such compensation in compliance with
Federal laws;
(4) consult with the Attorney General on how to ensure that
approved individuals, organizations, or companies that comply
with the requirements of the Program are protected from
prosecution under section 1030 of title 18, United States Code,
and similar provisions of law, and from liability under civil
actions for specific activities authorized under the Program;
(5) consult with the Secretary of Defense and the heads of
other departments and agencies that have implemented programs
to provide compensation for reports of previously undisclosed
vulnerabilities in information systems, regarding lessons that
may be applied from such programs;
(6) develop an expeditious process by which an individual,
organization, or company can register with the Department,
submit to a background check as determined by the Department,
and receive a determination as to eligibility for participation
in the Program; and
(7) engage qualified interested persons, including
representatives of private entities, about the structure of the
Program and, to the extent practicable, establish a recurring
competition for independent technical experts to assess
election systems for the purpose of identifying and reporting
election cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
(d) Use of Service Providers.--The Secretary may award competitive
contracts as necessary to manage the Program.
SEC. 3403. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle, the following definitions apply:
(1) The terms ``election'' and ``Federal office'' have the
meanings given such terms in section 301 of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101).
(2) The term ``election cybersecurity vulnerability'' means
any security vulnerability (as defined in section 102 of the
Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. 1501))
that affects an election system.
(3) The term ``election service provider'' means any person
providing, supporting, or maintaining an election system on
behalf of a State or local election official, such as a
contractor or vendor.
(4) The term ``election system'' means any information
system (as defined in section 3502 of title 44, United States
Code) which is part of an election infrastructure.
(5) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Homeland
Security, or, upon designation by the Secretary of Homeland
Security, the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, the
Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security of the
Department of Homeland Security, or a Senate-confirmed official
that reports to the Director.
(6) The term ``State'' means each of the several States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
(7) The term ``voting system'' has the meaning given such
term in section 301(b) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52
U.S.C. 21081(b)).
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous Provisions
SEC. 3501. DEFINITIONS.
Except as provided in section 3403, in this title, the following
definitions apply:
(1) The term ``Chairman'' means the chair of the Election
Assistance Commission.
(2) The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means
the Committees on Homeland Security and House Administration of
the House of Representatives and the Committees on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs and Rules and Administration
of the Senate.
(3) The term ``chief State election official'' means, with
respect to a State, the individual designated by the State
under section 10 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993
(52 U.S.C. 20509) to be responsible for coordination of the
State's responsibilities under such Act.
(4) The term ``Commission'' means the Election Assistance
Commission.
(5) The term ``democratic institutions'' means the diverse
range of institutions that are essential to ensuring an
independent judiciary, free and fair elections, and rule of
law.
(6) The term ``election agency'' means any component of a
State, or any component of a unit of local government in a
State, which is responsible for the administration of elections
for Federal office in the State.
(7) The term ``election infrastructure'' means storage
facilities, polling places, and centralized vote tabulation
locations used to support the administration of elections for
public office, as well as related information and
communications technology, including voter registration
databases, voting machines, electronic mail and other
communications systems (including electronic mail and other
systems of vendors who have entered into contracts with
election agencies to support the administration of elections,
manage the election process, and report and display election
results), and other systems used to manage the election process
and to report and display election results on behalf of an
election agency.
(8) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Homeland
Security.
(9) The term ``State'' has the meaning given such term in
section 901 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C.
21141).
SEC. 3502. INITIAL REPORT ON ADEQUACY OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR
IMPLEMENTATION.
Not later than 120 days after enactment of this Act, the Chairman
and the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate committees
of Congress, including the Committees on Homeland Security and House
Administration of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, analyzing the
adequacy of the funding, resources, and personnel available to carry
out this title and the amendments made by this title.
Subtitle G--Severability
SEC. 3601. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this title or amendment made by this title, or
the application of a provision or amendment to any person or
circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this
title and amendments made by this title, and the application of the
provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance, shall not be
affected by the holding.
DIVISION B--CAMPAIGN FINANCE
TITLE IV--CAMPAIGN FINANCE TRANSPARENCY
Subtitle A--Findings Relating to Illicit Money Undermining Our
Democracy
Sec. 4001. Findings relating to illicit money undermining our
democracy.
Subtitle B--DISCLOSE Act
Sec. 4100. Short title.
Part 1--Regulation of Certain Political Spending
Sec. 4101. Application of ban on contributions and expenditures by
foreign nationals to domestic corporations,
limited liability corporations, and
partnerships that are foreign-controlled,
foreign-influenced, and foreign-owned.
Sec. 4102. Clarification of application of foreign money ban to certain
disbursements and activities.
Part 2--Reporting of Campaign-Related Disbursements
Sec. 4111. Reporting of campaign-related disbursements.
Sec. 4112. Application of foreign money ban to disbursements for
campaign-related disbursements consisting
of covered transfers.
Sec. 4113. Effective date.
Part 3--Other Administrative Reforms
Sec. 4121. Petition for certiorari.
Sec. 4122. Judicial review of actions related to campaign finance laws.
Subtitle C--Honest Ads
Sec. 4201. Short title.
Sec. 4202. Purpose.
Sec. 4203. Findings.
Sec. 4204. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 4205. Expansion of definition of public communication.
Sec. 4206. Expansion of definition of electioneering communication.
Sec. 4207. Application of disclaimer statements to online
communications.
Sec. 4208. Political record requirements for online platforms.
Sec. 4209. Preventing contributions, expenditures, independent
expenditures, and disbursements for
electioneering communications by foreign
nationals in the form of online
advertising.
Subtitle D--Stand By Every Ad
Sec. 4301. Short title.
Sec. 4302. Stand By Every Ad.
Sec. 4303. Disclaimer requirements for communications made through
prerecorded telephone calls.
Sec. 4304. No expansion of persons subject to disclaimer requirements
on internet communications.
Sec. 4305. Effective date.
Subtitle E--Secret Money Transparency
Sec. 4401. Repeal of restriction of use of funds by Internal Revenue
Service to bring transparency to political
activity of certain nonprofit
organizations.
Subtitle F--Shareholder Right-To-Know
Sec. 4501. Repeal of restriction on use of funds by Securities and
Exchange Commission to ensure shareholders
of corporations have knowledge of
corporation political activity.
Subtitle G--Disclosure of Political Spending by Government Contractors
Sec. 4601. Repeal of restriction on use of funds to require disclosure
of political spending by government
contractors.
Subtitle H--Limitation and Disclosure Requirements for Presidential
Inaugural Committees
Sec. 4701. Short title.
Sec. 4702. Limitations and disclosure of certain donations to, and
disbursements by, inaugural committees.
Subtitle I--Severability
Sec. 4801. Severability.
Subtitle A--Findings Relating to Illicit Money Undermining Our
Democracy
SEC. 4001. FINDINGS RELATING TO ILLICIT MONEY UNDERMINING OUR
DEMOCRACY.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Criminals, terrorists, and corrupt government officials
frequently abuse anonymously held limited liability companies
(LLCs), also known as ``shell companies'', to hide, move, and
launder the dirty money derived from illicit activities such as
trafficking, bribery, exploitation, and embezzlement. Ownership
and control of the finances that run through shell companies
are obscured to regulators and law enforcement because little
information is required and collected when establishing these
entities.
(2) The public release of the ``Panama Papers'' in 2016 and
the ``Paradise Papers'' in 2017 revealed that these shell
companies often purchase and sell United States real estate.
United States anti-money laundering laws do not apply to cash
transactions involving real estate effectively concealing the
beneficiaries and transactions from regulators and law
enforcement.
(3) Congress should curb the use of anonymous shell
companies for illicit purposes by requiring United States
companies to disclose their beneficial owners, strengthening
anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance laws.
(4) Congress should examine the money laundering and
terrorist financing risks in the real estate market, including
the role of anonymous parties, and review legislation to
address any vulnerabilities identified in this sector.
(5) Congress should examine the methods by which corruption
flourishes and the means to detect and deter the financial
misconduct that fuels this driver of global instability.
Congress should monitor government efforts to enforce United
States anti-corruption laws and regulations.
Subtitle B--DISCLOSE Act
SEC. 4100. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Democracy Is Strengthened by
Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2019'' or the ``DISCLOSE
Act of 2019''.
PART 1--REGULATION OF CERTAIN POLITICAL SPENDING
SEC. 4101. APPLICATION OF BAN ON CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES BY
FOREIGN NATIONALS TO DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS, LIMITED
LIABILITY CORPORATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS THAT ARE
FOREIGN-CONTROLLED, FOREIGN-INFLUENCED, AND FOREIGN-
OWNED.
(a) Application of Ban.--Section 319(b) of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30121(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (1);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (2) and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) any corporation, limited liability corporation, or
partnership which is not a foreign national described in
paragraph (1) and--
``(A) in which a foreign national described in
paragraph (1) or (2) directly or indirectly owns or
controls--
``(i) 5 percent or more of the voting
shares, if the foreign national is a foreign
country, a foreign government official, or a
corporation principally owned or controlled by
a foreign country or foreign government
official; or
``(ii) 20 percent or more of the voting
shares, if the foreign national is not
described in clause (i);
``(B) in which two or more foreign nationals
described in paragraph (1) or (2), each of whom owns or
controls at least 5 percent of the voting shares,
directly or indirectly own or control 50 percent or
more of the voting shares;
``(C) over which one or more foreign nationals
described in paragraph (1) or (2) has the power to
direct, dictate, or control the decisionmaking process
of the corporation, limited liability corporation, or
partnership with respect to its interests in the United
States; or
``(D) over which one or more foreign nationals
described in paragraph (1) or (2) has the power to
direct, dictate, or control the decisionmaking process
of the corporation, limited liability corporation, or
partnership with respect to activities in connection
with a Federal, State, or local election, including--
``(i) the making of a contribution,
donation, expenditure, independent expenditure,
or disbursement for an electioneering
communication (within the meaning of section
304(f)(3)); or
``(ii) the administration of a political
committee established or maintained by the
corporation.''.
(b) Certification of Compliance.--Section 319 of such Act (52
U.S.C. 30121) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(c) Certification of Compliance Required Prior To Carrying Out
Activity.--Prior to the making in connection with an election for
Federal office of any contribution, donation, expenditure, independent
expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication by a
corporation, limited liability corporation, or partnership during a
year, the chief executive officer of the corporation, limited liability
corporation, or partnership (or, if the corporation, limited liability
corporation, or partnership does not have a chief executive officer,
the highest ranking official of the corporation, limited liability
corporation, or partnership), shall file a certification with the
Commission, under penalty of perjury, that the corporation, limited
liability corporation, or partnership is not prohibited from carrying
out such activity under subsection (b)(3), unless the chief executive
officer has previously filed such a certification during that calendar
year.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect upon the expiration of the 180-day period which begins on the
date of the enactment of this Act, and shall take effect without regard
to whether or not the Federal Election Commission has promulgated
regulations to carry out such amendments.
SEC. 4102. CLARIFICATION OF APPLICATION OF FOREIGN MONEY BAN TO CERTAIN
DISBURSEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES.
(a) Application to Disbursements to Super PACs.--Section
319(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C.
30121(a)(1)(A)) is amended by striking the semicolon and inserting the
following: ``, including any disbursement to a political committee
which accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with the
limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of this Act (or
any disbursement to or on behalf of any account of a political
committee which is established for the purpose of accepting such
donations or contributions);''.
(b) Conditions Under Which Corporate PACs May Make Contributions
and Expenditures.--Section 316(b) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30118(b)) is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) A separate segregated fund established by a corporation may
not make a contribution or expenditure during a year unless the fund
has certified to the Commission the following during the year:
``(A) Each individual who manages the fund, and who is
responsible for exercising decisionmaking authority for the
fund, is a citizen of the United States or is lawfully admitted
for permanent residence in the United States.
``(B) No foreign national under section 319 participates in
any way in the decisionmaking processes of the fund with regard
to contributions or expenditures under this Act.
``(C) The fund does not solicit or accept recommendations
from any foreign national under section 319 with respect to the
contributions or expenditures made by the fund.
``(D) Any member of the board of directors of the
corporation who is a foreign national under section 319
abstains from voting on matters concerning the fund or its
activities.''.
PART 2--REPORTING OF CAMPAIGN-RELATED DISBURSEMENTS
SEC. 4111. REPORTING OF CAMPAIGN-RELATED DISBURSEMENTS.
(a) Disclosure Requirements for Corporations, Labor Organizations,
and Certain Other Entities.--
(1) In general.--Section 324 of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30126) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 324. DISCLOSURE OF CAMPAIGN-RELATED DISBURSEMENTS BY COVERED
ORGANIZATIONS.
``(a) Disclosure Statement.--
``(1) In general.--Any covered organization that makes
campaign-related disbursements aggregating more than $10,000 in
an election reporting cycle shall, not later than 24 hours
after each disclosure date, file a statement with the
Commission made under penalty of perjury that contains the
information described in paragraph (2)--
``(A) in the case of the first statement filed
under this subsection, for the period beginning on the
first day of the election reporting cycle (or, if
earlier, the period beginning one year before the first
such disclosure date) and ending on the first such
disclosure date; and
``(B) in the case of any subsequent statement filed
under this subsection, for the period beginning on the
previous disclosure date and ending on such disclosure
date.
``(2) Information described.--The information described in
this paragraph is as follows:
``(A) The name of the covered organization and the
principal place of business of such organization and,
in the case of a covered organization that is a
corporation (other than a business concern that is an
issuer of a class of securities registered under
section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15
U.S.C. 78l) or that is required to file reports under
section 15(d) of that Act (15 U.S.C. 78o(d))) or an
entity described in subsection (e)(2), a list of the
beneficial owners (as defined in paragraph (4)(A)) of
the entity that--
``(i) identifies each beneficial owner by
name and current residential or business street
address; and
``(ii) if any beneficial owner exercises
control over the entity through another legal
entity, such as a corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, or trust, identifies
each such other legal entity and each such
beneficial owner who will use that other entity
to exercise control over the entity.
``(B) The amount of each campaign-related
disbursement made by such organization during the
period covered by the statement of more than $1,000,
and the name and address of the person to whom the
disbursement was made.
``(C) In the case of a campaign-related
disbursement that is not a covered transfer, the
election to which the campaign-related disbursement
pertains and if the disbursement is made for a public
communication, the name of any candidate identified in
such communication and whether such communication is in
support of or in opposition to a candidate.
``(D) A certification by the chief executive
officer or person who is the head of the covered
organization that the campaign-related disbursement is
not made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with
or at the request or suggestion of a candidate,
authorized committee, or agent of a candidate,
political party, or agent of a political party.
``(E)(i) If the covered organization makes
campaign-related disbursements using exclusively funds
in a segregated bank account consisting of funds that
were paid directly to such account by persons other
than the covered organization that controls the
account, for each such payment to the account--
``(I) the name and address of each person
who made such payment during the period covered
by the statement;
``(II) the date and amount of such payment;
and
``(III) the aggregate amount of all such
payments made by the person during the period
beginning on the first day of the election
reporting cycle (or, if earlier, the period
beginning one year before the disclosure date)
and ending on the disclosure date,
but only if such payment was made by a person who made
payments to the account in an aggregate amount of
$10,000 or more during the period beginning on the
first day of the election reporting cycle (or, if
earlier, the period beginning one year before the
disclosure date) and ending on the disclosure date.
``(ii) In any calendar year after 2020, section
315(c)(1)(B) shall apply to the amount described in
clause (i) in the same manner as such section applies
to the limitations established under subsections
(a)(1)(A), (a)(1)(B), (a)(3), and (h) of such section,
except that for purposes of applying such section to
the amounts described in subsection (b), the `base
period' shall be 2020.
``(F)(i) If the covered organization makes
campaign-related disbursements using funds other than
funds in a segregated bank account described in
subparagraph (E), for each payment to the covered
organization--
``(I) the name and address of each person
who made such payment during the period covered
by the statement;
``(II) the date and amount of such payment;
and
``(III) the aggregate amount of all such
payments made by the person during the period
beginning on the first day of the election
reporting cycle (or, if earlier, the period
beginning one year before the disclosure date)
and ending on the disclosure date,
but only if such payment was made by a person who made
payments to the covered organization in an aggregate
amount of $10,000 or more during the period beginning
on the first day of the election reporting cycle (or,
if earlier, the period beginning one year before the
disclosure date) and ending on the disclosure date.
``(ii) In any calendar year after 2020, section
315(c)(1)(B) shall apply to the amount described in
clause (i) in the same manner as such section applies
to the limitations established under subsections
(a)(1)(A), (a)(1)(B), (a)(3), and (h) of such section,
except that for purposes of applying such section to
the amounts described in subsection (b), the `base
period' shall be 2020.
``(G) Such other information as required in rules
established by the Commission to promote the purposes
of this section.
``(3) Exceptions.--
``(A) Amounts received in ordinary course of
business.--The requirement to include in a statement
filed under paragraph (1) the information described in
paragraph (2) shall not apply to amounts received by
the covered organization in commercial transactions in
the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted
by the covered organization or in the form of
investments (other than investments by the principal
shareholder in a limited liability corporation) in the
covered organization.
``(B) Donor restriction on use of funds.--The
requirement to include in a statement submitted under
paragraph (1) the information described in subparagraph
(F) of paragraph (2) shall not apply if--
``(i) the person described in such
subparagraph prohibited, in writing, the use of
the payment made by such person for campaign-
related disbursements; and
``(ii) the covered organization agreed to
follow the prohibition and deposited the
payment in an account which is segregated from
any account used to make campaign-related
disbursements.
``(C) Amounts received from affiliates.--The
requirement to include in a statement submitted under
paragraph (1) the information described in subparagraph
(F) of paragraph (2) shall not apply to any amount
which is described in subsection (f)(3).
``(D) Threat of harassment or reprisal.--The
requirement to include any information relating to the
name or address of any person (other than a candidate)
in a statement submitted under paragraph (1) shall not
apply if the inclusion of the information would subject
the person to serious threats, harassment, or
reprisals.
``(4) Other definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(A) Beneficial owner defined.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), the term `beneficial owner' means,
with respect to any entity, a natural person
who, directly or indirectly--
``(I) exercises substantial control
over an entity through ownership,
voting rights, agreement, or otherwise;
or
``(II) has a substantial interest
in or receives substantial economic
benefits from the assets of an entity.
``(ii) Exceptions.--The term `beneficial
owner' shall not include--
``(I) a minor child;
``(II) a person acting as a
nominee, intermediary, custodian, or
agent on behalf of another person;
``(III) a person acting solely as
an employee of an entity and whose
control over or economic benefits from
the entity derives solely from the
employment status of the person;
``(IV) a person whose only interest
in an entity is through a right of
inheritance, unless the person also
meets the requirements of clause (i);
or
``(V) a creditor of an entity,
unless the creditor also meets the
requirements of clause (i).
``(iii) Anti-abuse rule.--The exceptions
under clause (ii) shall not apply if used for
the purpose of evading, circumventing, or
abusing the provisions of clause (i) or
paragraph (2)(A).
``(B) Disclosure date.--The term `disclosure date'
means--
``(i) the first date during any election
reporting cycle by which a person has made
campaign-related disbursements aggregating more
than $10,000; and
``(ii) any other date during such election
reporting cycle by which a person has made
campaign-related disbursements aggregating more
than $10,000 since the most recent disclosure
date for such election reporting cycle.
``(C) Election reporting cycle.--The term `election
reporting cycle' means the 2-year period beginning on
the date of the most recent general election for
Federal office.
``(D) Payment.--The term `payment' includes any
contribution, donation, transfer, payment of dues, or
other payment.
``(b) Coordination With Other Provisions.--
``(1) Other reports filed with the commission.--Information
included in a statement filed under this section may be
excluded from statements and reports filed under section 304.
``(2) Treatment as separate segregated fund.--A segregated
bank account referred to in subsection (a)(2)(E) may be treated
as a separate segregated fund for purposes of section 527(f)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
``(c) Filing.--Statements required to be filed under subsection (a)
shall be subject to the requirements of section 304(d) to the same
extent and in the same manner as if such reports had been required
under subsection (c) or (g) of section 304.
``(d) Campaign-Related Disbursement Defined.--
``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `campaign-
related disbursement' means a disbursement by a covered
organization for any of the following:
``(A) An independent expenditure which expressly
advocates the election or defeat of a clearly
identified candidate for election for Federal office,
or is the functional equivalent of express advocacy
because, when taken as a whole, it can be interpreted
by a reasonable person only as advocating the election
or defeat of a candidate for election for Federal
office.
``(B) Any public communication which refers to a
clearly identified candidate for election for Federal
office and which promotes or supports a candidate for
that office, or attacks or opposes a candidate for that
office, without regard to whether the communication
expressly advocates a vote for or against a candidate
for that office.
``(C) An electioneering communication, as defined
in section 304(f)(3).
``(D) A covered transfer.
``(2) Intent not required.--A disbursement for an item
described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph
(1) shall be treated as a campaign-related disbursement
regardless of the intent of the person making the disbursement.
``(e) Covered Organization Defined.--In this section, the term
`covered organization' means any of the following:
``(1) A corporation (other than an organization described
in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).
``(2) A limited liability corporation that is not otherwise
treated as a corporation for purposes of this Act (other than
an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986).
``(3) An organization described in section 501(c) of such
Code and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code
(other than an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of
such Code).
``(4) A labor organization (as defined in section 316(b)).
``(5) Any political organization under section 527 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, other than a political committee
under this Act (except as provided in paragraph (6)).
``(6) A political committee with an account that accepts
donations or contributions that do not comply with the
contribution limits or source prohibitions under this Act, but
only with respect to such accounts.
``(f) Covered Transfer Defined.--
``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `covered
transfer' means any transfer or payment of funds by a covered
organization to another person if the covered organization--
``(A) designates, requests, or suggests that the
amounts be used for--
``(i) campaign-related disbursements (other
than covered transfers); or
``(ii) making a transfer to another person
for the purpose of making or paying for such
campaign-related disbursements;
``(B) made such transfer or payment in response to
a solicitation or other request for a donation or
payment for--
``(i) the making of or paying for campaign-
related disbursements (other than covered
transfers); or
``(ii) making a transfer to another person
for the purpose of making or paying for such
campaign-related disbursements;
``(C) engaged in discussions with the recipient of
the transfer or payment regarding--
``(i) the making of or paying for campaign-
related disbursements (other than covered
transfers); or
``(ii) donating or transferring any amount
of such transfer or payment to another person
for the purpose of making or paying for such
campaign-related disbursements;
``(D) made campaign-related disbursements (other
than a covered transfer) in an aggregate amount of
$50,000 or more during the 2-year period ending on the
date of the transfer or payment, or knew or had reason
to know that the person receiving the transfer or
payment made such disbursements in such an aggregate
amount during that 2-year period; or
``(E) knew or had reason to know that the person
receiving the transfer or payment would make campaign-
related disbursements in an aggregate amount of $50,000
or more during the 2-year period beginning on the date
of the transfer or payment.
``(2) Exclusions.--The term `covered transfer' does not
include any of the following:
``(A) A disbursement made by a covered organization
in a commercial transaction in the ordinary course of
any trade or business conducted by the covered
organization or in the form of investments made by the
covered organization.
``(B) A disbursement made by a covered organization
if--
``(i) the covered organization prohibited,
in writing, the use of such disbursement for
campaign-related disbursements; and
``(ii) the recipient of the disbursement
agreed to follow the prohibition and deposited
the disbursement in an account which is
segregated from any account used to make
campaign-related disbursements.
``(3) Special rule regarding transfers among affiliates.--
``(A) Special rule.--A transfer of an amount by one
covered organization to another covered organization
which is treated as a transfer between affiliates under
subparagraph (C) shall be considered a covered transfer
by the covered organization which transfers the amount
only if the aggregate amount transferred during the
year by such covered organization to that same covered
organization is equal to or greater than $50,000.
``(B) Determination of amount of certain payments
among affiliates.--In determining the amount of a
transfer between affiliates for purposes of
subparagraph (A), to the extent that the transfer
consists of funds attributable to dues, fees, or
assessments which are paid by individuals on a regular,
periodic basis in accordance with a per-individual
calculation which is made on a regular basis, the
transfer shall be attributed to the individuals paying
the dues, fees, or assessments and shall not be
attributed to the covered organization.
``(C) Description of transfers between
affiliates.--A transfer of amounts from one covered
organization to another covered organization shall be
treated as a transfer between affiliates if--
``(i) one of the organizations is an
affiliate of the other organization; or
``(ii) each of the organizations is an
affiliate of the same organization,
except that the transfer shall not be treated as a
transfer between affiliates if one of the organizations
is established for the purpose of making campaign-
related disbursements.
``(D) Determination of affiliate status.--For
purposes of subparagraph (C), a covered organization is
an affiliate of another covered organization if--
``(i) the governing instrument of the
organization requires it to be bound by
decisions of the other organization;
``(ii) the governing board of the
organization includes persons who are
specifically designated representatives of the
other organization or are members of the
governing board, officers, or paid executive
staff members of the other organization, or
whose service on the governing board is
contingent upon the approval of the other
organization; or
``(iii) the organization is chartered by
the other organization.
``(E) Coverage of transfers to affiliated section
501(c)(3) organizations.--This paragraph shall apply
with respect to an amount transferred by a covered
organization to an organization described in paragraph
(3) of section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such
Code in the same manner as this paragraph applies to an
amount transferred by a covered organization to another
covered organization.
``(g) No Effect on Other Reporting Requirements.--Nothing in this
section shall be construed to waive or otherwise affect any other
requirement of this Act which relates to the reporting of campaign-
related disbursements.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 304(f)(6) of such Act
(52 U.S.C. 30104) is amended by striking ``Any requirement''
and inserting ``Except as provided in section 324(b), any
requirement''.
(b) Coordination With FinCEN.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Financial Crimes
Enforcement Network of the Department of the Treasury shall
provide the Federal Election Commission with such information
as necessary to assist in administering and enforcing section
324 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as added by
this section.
(2) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Chairman of the Federal Election
Commission, in consultation with the Director of the Financial
Crimes Enforcement Network of the Department of the Treasury,
shall submit to Congress a report with recommendations for
providing further legislative authority to assist in the
administration and enforcement of such section 324.
SEC. 4112. APPLICATION OF FOREIGN MONEY BAN TO DISBURSEMENTS FOR
CAMPAIGN-RELATED DISBURSEMENTS CONSISTING OF COVERED
TRANSFERS.
Section 319(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
(52 U.S.C. 30121(a)(1)(A)), as amended by section 4102, is amended by
striking the semicolon and inserting the following: ``, and any
disbursement to another person who made a campaign-related disbursement
consisting of a covered transfer (as described in section 324) during
the 2-year period ending on the date of the disbursement;''.
SEC. 4113. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this part shall apply with respect to
disbursements made on or after January 1, 2020, and shall take effect
without regard to whether or not the Federal Election Commission has
promulgated regulations to carry out such amendments.
PART 3--OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS
SEC. 4121. PETITION FOR CERTIORARI.
Section 307(a)(6) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52
U.S.C. 30107(a)(6)) is amended by inserting ``(including a proceeding
before the Supreme Court on certiorari)'' after ``appeal''.
SEC. 4122. JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ACTIONS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS.
(a) In General.--Title IV of the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1971 (52 U.S.C. 30141 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section
406 the following new section:
``SEC. 407. JUDICIAL REVIEW.
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 373(f), if any action is
brought for declaratory or injunctive relief to challenge the
constitutionality of any provision of this Act or of chapter 95 or 96
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or is brought to with respect to
any action of the Commission under chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, the following rules shall apply:
``(1) The action shall be filed in the United States
District Court for the District of Columbia and an appeal from
the decision of the district court may be taken to the Court of
Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
``(2) In the case of an action relating to declaratory or
injunctive relief to challenge the constitutionality of a
provision--
``(A) a copy of the complaint shall be delivered
promptly to the Clerk of the House of Representatives
and the Secretary of the Senate; and
``(B) it shall be the duty of the United States
District Court for the District of Columbia, the Court
of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the
Supreme Court of the United States to advance on the
docket and to expedite to the greatest possible extent
the disposition of the action and appeal.
``(b) Intervention by Members of Congress.--In any action in which
the constitutionality of any provision of this Act or chapter 95 or 96
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is raised, any Member of the House
of Representatives (including a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to
the Congress) or Senate shall have the right to intervene either in
support of or opposition to the position of a party to the case
regarding the constitutionality of the provision. To avoid duplication
of efforts and reduce the burdens placed on the parties to the action,
the court in any such action may make such orders as it considers
necessary, including orders to require interveners taking similar
positions to file joint papers or to be represented by a single
attorney at oral argument.
``(c) Challenge by Members of Congress.--Any Member of Congress may
bring an action, subject to the special rules described in subsection
(a), for declaratory or injunctive relief to challenge the
constitutionality of any provision of this Act or chapter 95 or 96 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) In general.--
(A) Section 9011 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 9011. JUDICIAL REVIEW.
``For provisions relating to judicial review of certifications,
determinations, and actions by the Commission under this chapter, see
section 407 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.''.
(B) Section 9041 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 9041. JUDICIAL REVIEW.
``For provisions relating to judicial review of actions by the
Commission under this chapter, see section 407 of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971.''.
(C) Section 403 of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform
Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 30110 note) is repealed.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to actions brought on or after January 1, 2019.
Subtitle C--Honest Ads
SEC. 4201. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Honest Ads Act''.
SEC. 4202. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this subtitle is to enhance the integrity of
American democracy and national security by improving disclosure
requirements for online political advertisements in order to uphold the
Supreme Court's well-established standard that the electorate bears the
right to be fully informed.
SEC. 4203. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) On January 6, 2017, the Office of the Director of
National Intelligence published a report titled ``Assessing
Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent U.S. Elections'',
noting that ``Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an
influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential
election . . .''. Moscow's influence campaign followed a
Russian messaging strategy that blends covert intelligence
operation--such as cyber activity--with overt efforts by
Russian Government agencies, state-funded media, third-party
intermediaries, and paid social media users or ``trolls''.
(2) On November 24, 2016, The Washington Post reported
findings from 2 teams of independent researchers that concluded
Russians ``exploited American-made technology platforms to
attack U.S. democracy at a particularly vulnerable moment . . .
as part of a broadly effective strategy of sowing distrust in
U.S. democracy and its leaders.''.
(3) Findings from a 2017 study on the manipulation of
public opinion through social media conducted by the
Computational Propaganda Research Project at the Oxford
Internet Institute found that the Kremlin is using pro-Russian
bots to manipulate public discourse to a highly targeted
audience. With a sample of nearly 1,300,000 tweets, researchers
found that in the 2016 election's 3 decisive States, propaganda
constituted 40 percent of the sampled election-related tweets
that went to Pennsylvanians, 34 percent to Michigan voters, and
30 percent to those in Wisconsin. In other swing States, the
figure reached 42 percent in Missouri, 41 percent in Florida,
40 percent in North Carolina, 38 percent in Colorado, and 35
percent in Ohio.
(4) On September 6, 2017, the nation's largest social media
platform disclosed that between June 2015 and May 2017, Russian
entities purchased $100,000 in political advertisements,
publishing roughly 3,000 ads linked to fake accounts associated
with the Internet Research Agency, a pro-Kremlin organization.
According to the company, the ads purchased focused ``on
amplifying divisive social and political messages . . .''.
(5) In 2002, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act became law,
establishing disclosure requirements for political
advertisements distributed from a television or radio broadcast
station or provider of cable or satellite television. In 2003,
the Supreme Court upheld regulations on electioneering
communications established under the Act, noting that such
requirements ``provide the electorate with information and
insure that the voters are fully informed about the person or
group who is speaking.''.
(6) According to a study from Borrell Associates, in 2016,
$1,415,000,000 was spent on online advertising, more than
quadruple the amount in 2012.
(7) The reach of a few large internet platforms--larger
than any broadcast, satellite, or cable provider--has greatly
facilitated the scope and effectiveness of disinformation
campaigns. For instance, the largest platform has over
210,000,000 Americans users--over 160,000,000 of them on a
daily basis. By contrast, the largest cable television provider
has 22,430,000 subscribers, while the largest satellite
television provider has 21,000,000 subscribers. And the most-
watched television broadcast in United States history had
118,000,000 viewers.
(8) The public nature of broadcast television, radio, and
satellite ensures a level of publicity for any political
advertisement. These communications are accessible to the
press, fact-checkers, and political opponents; this creates
strong disincentives for a candidate to disseminate materially
false, inflammatory, or contradictory messages to the public.
Social media platforms, in contrast, can target portions of the
electorate with direct, ephemeral advertisements often on the
basis of private information the platform has on individuals,
enabling political advertisements that are contradictory,
racially or socially inflammatory, or materially false.
(9) According to comScore, 2 companies own 8 of the 10 most
popular smartphone applications as of June 2017, including the
most popular social media and email services--which deliver
information and news to users without requiring proactivity by
the user. Those same 2 companies accounted for 99 percent of
revenue growth from digital advertising in 2016, including 77
percent of gross spending. 79 percent of online Americans--
representing 68 percent of all Americans--use the single
largest social network, while 66 percent of these users are
most likely to get their news from that site.
(10) In its 2006 rulemaking, the Federal Election
Commission noted that only 18 percent of all Americans cited
the internet as their leading source of news about the 2004
Presidential election; by contrast, the Pew Research Center
found that 65 percent of Americans identified an internet-based
source as their leading source of information for the 2016
election.
(11) The Federal Election Commission, the independent
Federal agency charged with protecting the integrity of the
Federal campaign finance process by providing transparency and
administering campaign finance laws, has failed to take action
to address online political advertisements.
(12) In testimony before the Senate Select Committee on
Intelligence titled, ``Disinformation: A Primer in Russian
Active Measures and Influence Campaigns'', multiple expert
witnesses testified that while the disinformation tactics of
foreign adversaries have not necessarily changed, social media
services now provide ``platform[s] practically purpose-built
for active measures[.]''. Similarly, as Gen. Keith B. Alexander
(RET.), the former Director of the National Security Agency,
testified, during the Cold War ``if the Soviet Union sought to
manipulate information flow, it would have to do so principally
through its own propaganda outlets or through active measures
that would generate specific news: planting of leaflets,
inciting of violence, creation of other false materials and
narratives. But the news itself was hard to manipulate because
it would have required actual control of the organs of media,
which took long-term efforts to penetrate. Today, however,
because the clear majority of the information on social media
sites is uncurated and there is a rapid proliferation of
information sources and other sites that can reinforce
information, there is an increasing likelihood that the
information available to average consumers may be inaccurate
(whether intentionally or otherwise) and may be more easily
manipulable than in prior eras.''.
(13) Current regulations on political advertisements do not
provide sufficient transparency to uphold the public's right to
be fully informed about political advertisements made online.
SEC. 4204. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the dramatic increase in digital political
advertisements, and the growing centrality of online platforms
in the lives of Americans, requires the Congress and the
Federal Election Commission to take meaningful action to ensure
that laws and regulations provide the accountability and
transparency that is fundamental to our democracy;
(2) free and fair elections require both transparency and
accountability which give the public a right to know the true
sources of funding for political advertisements in order to
make informed political choices and hold elected officials
accountable; and
(3) transparency of funding for political advertisements is
essential to enforce other campaign finance laws, including the
prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals.
SEC. 4205. EXPANSION OF DEFINITION OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (22) of section 301 of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101(22)) is amended by
striking ``or satellite communication'' and inserting ``satellite, paid
internet, or paid digital communication''.
(b) Treatment of Contributions and Expenditures.--Section 301 of
such Act (52 U.S.C. 30101) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (8)(B)--
(A) in clause (v), by striking ``on broadcasting
stations, or in newspapers, magazines, or similar types
of general public political advertising'' and inserting
``in any public communication'';
(B) in clause (ix), by striking ``broadcasting,
newspaper, magazine, billboard, direct mail, or similar
type of general public communication or political
advertising'' and inserting ``public communication'';
and
(C) in clause (x), by striking ``but not including
the use of broadcasting, newspapers, magazines,
billboards, direct mail, or similar types of general
public communication or political advertising'' and
inserting ``but not including use in any public
communication''; and
(2) in paragraph (9)(B)--
(A) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
``(i) any news story, commentary, or
editorial distributed through the facilities of
any broadcasting station or any print, online,
or digital newspaper, magazine, blog,
publication, or periodical, unless such
broadcasting, print, online, or digital
facilities are owned or controlled by any
political party, political committee, or
candidate;''; and
(B) in clause (iv), by striking ``on broadcasting
stations, or in newspapers, magazines, or similar types
of general public political advertising'' and inserting
``in any public communication''.
(c) Disclosure and Disclaimer Statements.--Subsection (a) of
section 318 of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30120) is amended--
(1) by striking ``financing any communication through any
broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising
facility, mailing, or any other type of general public
political advertising'' and inserting ``financing any public
communication''; and
(2) by striking ``solicits any contribution through any
broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising
facility, mailing, or any other type of general public
political advertising'' and inserting ``solicits any
contribution through any public communication''.
SEC. 4206. EXPANSION OF DEFINITION OF ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION.
(a) Expansion to Online Communications.--
(1) Application to qualified internet and digital
communications.--
(A) In general.--Subparagraph (A) of section
304(f)(3) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
(52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3)(A)) is amended by striking ``or
satellite communication'' each place it appears in
clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting ``satellite, or
qualified internet or digital communication''.
(B) Qualified internet or digital communication.--
Paragraph (3) of section 304(f) of such Act (52 U.S.C.
30104(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(D) Qualified internet or digital
communication.--The term `qualified internet or digital
communication' means any communication which is placed
or promoted for a fee on an online platform (as defined
in subsection (j)(3)).''.
(2) Nonapplication of relevant electorate to online
communications.--Section 304(f)(3)(A)(i)(III) of such Act (52
U.S.C. 30104(f)(3)(A)(i)(III)) is amended by inserting ``any
broadcast, cable, or satellite'' before ``communication''.
(3) News exemption.--Section 304(f)(3)(B)(i) of such Act
(52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3)(B)(i)) is amended to read as follows:
``(i) a communication appearing in a news
story, commentary, or editorial distributed
through the facilities of any broadcasting
station or any online or digital newspaper,
magazine, blog, publication, or periodical,
unless such broadcasting, online, or digital
facilities are owned or controlled by any
political party, political committee, or
candidate;''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to communications made on or after January 1, 2020.
SEC. 4207. APPLICATION OF DISCLAIMER STATEMENTS TO ONLINE
COMMUNICATIONS.
(a) Clear and Conspicuous Manner Requirement.--Subsection (a) of
section 318 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C.
30120(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``shall clearly state'' each place it
appears in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and inserting ``shall
state in a clear and conspicuous manner''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following flush sentence:
``For purposes of this section, a communication does not make a
statement in a clear and conspicuous manner if it is difficult
to read or hear or if the placement is easily overlooked.''.
(b) Special Rules for Qualified Internet or Digital
Communications.--
(1) In general.--Section 318 of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30120)
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Special Rules for Qualified Internet or Digital
Communications.--
``(1) Special rules with respect to statements.--In the
case of any qualified internet or digital communication (as
defined in section 304(f)(3)(D)) which is disseminated through
a medium in which the provision of all of the information
specified in this section is not possible, the communication
shall, in a clear and conspicuous manner--
``(A) state the name of the person who paid for the
communication; and
``(B) provide a means for the recipient of the
communication to obtain the remainder of the
information required under this section with minimal
effort and without receiving or viewing any additional
material other than such required information.
``(2) Safe harbor for determining clear and conspicuous
manner.--A statement in qualified internet or digital
communication (as defined in section 304(f)(3)(D)) shall be
considered to be made in a clear and conspicuous manner as
provided in subsection (a) if the communication meets the
following requirements:
``(A) Text or graphic communications.--In the case
of a text or graphic communication, the statement--
``(i) appears in letters at least as large
as the majority of the text in the
communication; and
``(ii) meets the requirements of paragraphs
(2) and (3) of subsection (c).
``(B) Audio communications.--In the case of an
audio communication, the statement is spoken in a
clearly audible and intelligible manner at the
beginning or end of the communication and lasts at
least 3 seconds.
``(C) Video communications.--In the case of a video
communication which also includes audio, the
statement--
``(i) is included at either the beginning
or the end of the communication; and
``(ii) is made both in--
``(I) a written format that meets
the requirements of subparagraph (A)
and appears for at least 4 seconds; and
``(II) an audible format that meets
the requirements of subparagraph (B).
``(D) Other communications.--In the case of any
other type of communication, the statement is at least
as clear and conspicuous as the statement specified in
subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).''.
(2) Nonapplication of certain exceptions.--The exceptions
provided in section 110.11(f)(1)(i) and (ii) of title 11, Code
of Federal Regulations, or any successor to such rules, shall
have no application to qualified internet or digital
communications (as defined in section 304(f)(3)(D) of the
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971).
(c) Modification of Additional Requirements for Certain
Communications.--Section 318(d) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30120(d)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(A) by striking ``which is transmitted through
radio'' and inserting ``which is in an audio format'';
and
(B) by striking ``By radio'' in the heading and
inserting ``Audio format'';
(2) in paragraph (1)(B)--
(A) by striking ``which is transmitted through
television'' and inserting ``which is in video
format''; and
(B) by striking ``By television'' in the heading
and inserting ``Video format''; and
(3) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``transmitted through radio or
television'' and inserting ``made in audio or video
format''; and
(B) by striking ``through television'' in the
second sentence and inserting ``in video format''.
SEC. 4208. POLITICAL RECORD REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE PLATFORMS.
(a) In General.--Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act
of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(j) Disclosure of Certain Online Advertisements.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Requirements for online platforms.--An online
platform shall maintain, and make available for online
public inspection in machine readable format, a
complete record of any request to purchase on such
online platform a qualified political advertisement
which is made by a person whose aggregate requests to
purchase qualified political advertisements on such
online platform during the calendar year exceeds $500.
``(B) Requirements for advertisers.--Any person who
requests to purchase a qualified political
advertisement on an online platform shall provide the
online platform with such information as is necessary
for the online platform to comply with the requirements
of subparagraph (A).
``(2) Contents of record.--A record maintained under
paragraph (1)(A) shall contain--
``(A) a digital copy of the qualified political
advertisement;
``(B) a description of the audience targeted by the
advertisement, the number of views generated from the
advertisement, and the date and time that the
advertisement is first displayed and last displayed;
and
``(C) information regarding--
``(i) the average rate charged for the
advertisement;
``(ii) the name of the candidate to which
the advertisement refers and the office to
which the candidate is seeking election, the
election to which the advertisement refers, or
the national legislative issue to which the
advertisement refers (as applicable);
``(iii) in the case of a request made by,
or on behalf of, a candidate, the name of the
candidate, the authorized committee of the
candidate, and the treasurer of such committee;
and
``(iv) in the case of any request not
described in clause (iii), the name of the
person purchasing the advertisement, the name,
address, and phone number of a contact person
for such person, and a list of the chief
executive officers or members of the executive
committee or of the board of directors of such
person.
``(3) Online platform.--For purposes of this subsection,
the term `online platform' means any public-facing website, web
application, or digital application (including a social
network, ad network, or search engine) which--
``(A) sells qualified political advertisements; and
``(B) has 50,000,000 or more unique monthly United
States visitors or users for a majority of months
during the preceding 12 months.
``(4) Qualified political advertisement.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subsection,
the term `qualified political advertisement' means any
advertisement (including search engine marketing,
display advertisements, video advertisements, native
advertisements, and sponsorships) that--
``(i) is made by or on behalf of a
candidate; or
``(ii) communicates a message relating to
any political matter of national importance,
including--
``(I) a candidate;
``(II) any election to Federal
office; or
``(III) a national legislative
issue of public importance.
``(5) Time to maintain file.--The information required
under this subsection shall be made available as soon as
possible and shall be retained by the online platform for a
period of not less than 4 years.
``(6) Penalties.--For penalties for failure by online
platforms, and persons requesting to purchase a qualified
political advertisement on online platforms, to comply with the
requirements of this subsection, see section 309.''.
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Federal Election Commission shall establish
rules--
(1) requiring common data formats for the record required
to be maintained under section 304(j) of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (as added by subsection (a)) so that all
online platforms submit and maintain data online in a common,
machine-readable and publicly accessible format; and
(2) establishing search interface requirements relating to
such record, including searches by candidate name, issue,
purchaser, and date.
(c) Reporting.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and biannually thereafter, the Chairman of the
Federal Election Commission shall submit a report to Congress on--
(1) matters relating to compliance with and the enforcement
of the requirements of section 304(j) of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971, as added by subsection (a);
(2) recommendations for any modifications to such section
to assist in carrying out its purposes; and
(3) identifying ways to bring transparency and
accountability to political advertisements distributed online
for free.
SEC. 4209. PREVENTING CONTRIBUTIONS, EXPENDITURES, INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURES, AND DISBURSEMENTS FOR ELECTIONEERING
COMMUNICATIONS BY FOREIGN NATIONALS IN THE FORM OF ONLINE
ADVERTISING.
Section 319 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C.
30121), as amended by section 4101(b), is further amended by adding at
the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Responsibilities of Broadcast Stations, Providers of Cable
and Satellite Television, and Online Platforms.--Each television or
radio broadcast station, provider of cable or satellite television, or
online platform (as defined in section 304(j)(3)) shall make reasonable
efforts to ensure that communications described in section 318(a) and
made available by such station, provider, or platform are not purchased
by a foreign national, directly or indirectly.''.
Subtitle D--Stand By Every Ad
SEC. 4301. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Stand By Every Ad Act''.
SEC. 4302. STAND BY EVERY AD.
(a) Expanded Disclaimer Requirements for Certain Communications.--
Section 318 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C.
30120), as amended by section 4207(b)(1), is further amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new
subsection:
``(e) Expanded Disclaimer Requirements for Communications Not
Authorized by Candidates or Committees.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (6), any
communication described in paragraph (3) of subsection (a)
which is transmitted in an audio or video format (including an
internet or digital communication), or which is an internet or
digital communication transmitted in a text or graphic format,
shall include, in addition to the requirements of paragraph (3)
of subsection (a), the following:
``(A) The individual disclosure statement described
in paragraph (2)(A) (if the person paying for the
communication is an individual) or the organizational
disclosure statement described in paragraph (2)(B) (if
the person paying for the communication is not an
individual).
``(B) If the communication is transmitted in a
video format, or is an internet or digital
communication which is transmitted in a text or graphic
format, and is paid for in whole or in part with a
payment which is treated as a campaign-related
disbursement under section 324, the Top Five Funders
list (if applicable), unless, on the basis of criteria
established in regulations issued by the Commission,
the communication is of such short duration that
including the Top Five Funders list in the
communication would constitute a hardship to the person
paying for the communication by requiring a
disproportionate amount of the content of the
communication to consist of the Top Five Funders list.
``(C) If the communication is transmitted in an
audio format and is paid for in whole or in part with a
payment which is treated as a campaign-related
disbursement under section 324, the Top Two Funders
list (if applicable), unless, on the basis of criteria
established in regulations issued by the Commission,
the communication is of such short duration that
including the Top Two Funders list in the communication
would constitute a hardship to the person paying for
the communication by requiring a disproportionate
amount of the content of the communication to consist
of the Top Two Funders list.
``(2) Disclosure statements described.--
``(A) Individual disclosure statements.--The
individual disclosure statement described in this
subparagraph is the following: `I am ________, and I
approve this message.', with the blank filled in with
the name of the applicable individual.
``(B) Organizational disclosure statements.--The
organizational disclosure statement described in this
subparagraph is the following: `I am ________, the
________ of ________, and ________ approves this
message.', with--
``(i) the first blank to be filled in with
the name of the applicable individual;
``(ii) the second blank to be filled in
with the title of the applicable individual;
and
``(iii) the third and fourth blank each to
be filled in with the name of the organization
or other person paying for the communication.
``(3) Method of conveyance of statement.--
``(A) Communications in text or graphic format.--In
the case of a communication to which this subsection
applies which is transmitted in a text or graphic
format, the disclosure statements required under
paragraph (1) shall appear in letters at least as large
as the majority of the text in the communication.
``(B) Communications transmitted in audio format.--
In the case of a communication to which this subsection
applies which is transmitted in an audio format, the
disclosure statements required under paragraph (1)
shall be made by audio by the applicable individual in
a clear and conspicuous manner.
``(C) Communications transmitted in video format.--
In the case of a communication to which this subsection
applies which is transmitted in a video format, the
information required under paragraph (1)--
``(i) shall appear in writing at the end of
the communication or in a crawl along the
bottom of the communication in a clear and
conspicuous manner, with a reasonable degree of
color contrast between the background and the
printed statement, for a period of at least 6
seconds; and
``(ii) shall also be conveyed by an
unobscured, full-screen view of the applicable
individual or by the applicable individual
making the statement in voice-over accompanied
by a clearly identifiable photograph or similar
image of the individual, except in the case of
a Top Five Funders list.
``(4) Applicable individual defined.--The term `applicable
individual' means, with respect to a communication to which
this subsection applies--
``(A) if the communication is paid for by an
individual, the individual involved;
``(B) if the communication is paid for by a
corporation, the chief executive officer of the
corporation (or, if the corporation does not have a
chief executive officer, the highest ranking official
of the corporation);
``(C) if the communication is paid for by a labor
organization, the highest ranking officer of the labor
organization; and
``(D) if the communication is paid for by any other
person, the highest ranking official of such person.
``(5) Top five funders list and top two funders list
defined.--
``(A) Top five funders list.--The term `Top Five
Funders list' means, with respect to a communication
which is paid for in whole or in part with a campaign-
related disbursement (as defined in section 324), a
list of the five persons who, during the 12-month
period ending on the date of the disbursement, provided
the largest payments of any type in an aggregate amount
equal to or exceeding $10,000 to the person who is
paying for the communication and the amount of the
payments each such person provided. If two or more
people provided the fifth largest of such payments, the
person paying for the communication shall select one of
those persons to be included on the Top Five Funders
list.
``(B) Top two funders list.--The term `Top Two
Funders list' means, with respect to a communication
which is paid for in whole or in part with a campaign-
related disbursement (as defined in section 324), a
list of the persons who, during the 12-month period
ending on the date of the disbursement, provided the
largest and the second largest payments of any type in
an aggregate amount equal to or exceeding $10,000 to
the person who is paying for the communication and the
amount of the payments each such person provided. If
two or more persons provided the second largest of such
payments, the person paying for the communication shall
select one of those persons to be included on the Top
Two Funders list.
``(C) Exclusion of certain payments.--For purposes
of subparagraphs (A) and (B), in determining the amount
of payments made by a person to a person paying for a
communication, there shall be excluded the following:
``(i) Any amounts provided in the ordinary
course of any trade or business conducted by
the person paying for the communication or in
the form of investments in the person paying
for the communication.
``(ii) Any payment which the person
prohibited, in writing, from being used for
campaign-related disbursements, but only if the
person paying for the communication agreed to
follow the prohibition and deposited the
payment in an account which is segregated from
any account used to make campaign-related
disbursements.
``(6) Exception for communications paid for by political
parties and certain political committees.--This subsection does
not apply to any communication to which subsection (d)(2)
applies.''.
(b) Application of Expanded Requirements to Public Communications
Consisting of Campaign-Related Disbursements.--Section 318(a) of such
Act (52 U.S.C. 30120(a)) is amended by striking ``for the purpose of
financing communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of
a clearly identified candidate'' and inserting ``for a campaign-related
disbursement, as defined in section 324, consisting of a public
communication''.
(c) Exception for Communications Paid for by Political Parties and
Certain Political Committees.--Section 318(d)(2) of such Act (52 U.S.C.
30120(d)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``Others'' and inserting
``certain political committees'';
(2) by striking ``Any communication'' and inserting ``(A)
Any communication'';
(3) by inserting ``which (except to the extent provided in
subparagraph (B)) is paid for by a political committee
(including a political committee of a political party) and''
after ``subsection (a)'';
(4) by striking ``or other person'' each place it appears;
and
(5) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B)(i) This paragraph does not apply to a communication
paid for in whole or in part during a calendar year with a
campaign-related disbursement, but only if the covered
organization making the campaign-related disbursement made
campaign-related disbursements (as defined in section 324)
aggregating more than $10,000 during such calendar year.
``(ii) For purposes of clause (i), in determining the
amount of campaign-related disbursements made by a covered
organization during a year, there shall be excluded the
following:
``(I) Any amounts received by the covered
organization in the ordinary course of any trade or
business conducted by the covered organization or in
the form of investments in the covered organization.
``(II) Any amounts received by the covered
organization from a person who prohibited, in writing,
the organization from using such amounts for campaign-
related disbursements, but only if the covered
organization agreed to follow the prohibition and
deposited the amounts in an account which is segregated
from any account used to make campaign-related
disbursements.''.
SEC. 4303. DISCLAIMER REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNICATIONS MADE THROUGH
PRERECORDED TELEPHONE CALLS.
(a) Application of Requirements.--
(1) In general.--Section 318(a) of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30120(a)), as amended by
section 4205(c), is amended by inserting after ``public
communication'' each place it appears the following:
``(including a telephone call consisting in substantial part of
a prerecorded audio message)''.
(2) Application to communications subject to expanded
disclaimer requirements.--Section 318(e)(1) of such Act (52
U.S.C. 30120(e)(1)), as added by section 4302(a), is amended in
the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking ``which is
transmitted in an audio or video format'' and inserting ``which
is transmitted in an audio or video format or which consists of
a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a
prerecorded audio message''.
(b) Treatment as Communication Transmitted in Audio Format.--
(1) Communications by candidates or authorized persons.--
Section 318(d) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30120(d)) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Prerecorded telephone calls.--Any communication
described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a)
(other than a communication which is subject to subsection (e))
which is a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a
prerecorded audio message shall include, in addition to the
requirements of such paragraph, the audio statement required
under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) or the audio statement
required under paragraph (2) (whichever is applicable), except
that the statement shall be made at the beginning of the
telephone call.''.
(2) Communications subject to expanded disclaimer
requirements.--Section 318(e)(3) of such Act (52 U.S.C.
30120(e)(3)), as added by section 4302(a), is amended by adding
at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Prerecorded telephone calls.--In the case of
a communication to which this subsection applies which
is a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a
prerecorded audio message, the communication shall be
considered to be transmitted in an audio format.''.
SEC. 4304. NO EXPANSION OF PERSONS SUBJECT TO DISCLAIMER REQUIREMENTS
ON INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS.
Nothing in this subtitle or the amendments made by this subtitle
may be construed to require any person who is not required under
section 318 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (as provided
under section 110.11 of title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations) to
include a disclaimer on communications made by the person through the
internet to include any disclaimer on any such communications.
SEC. 4305. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to
communications made on or after January 1, 2020, and shall take effect
without regard to whether or not the Federal Election Commission has
promulgated regulations to carry out such amendments.
Subtitle E--Secret Money Transparency
SEC. 4401. REPEAL OF RESTRICTION OF USE OF FUNDS BY INTERNAL REVENUE
SERVICE TO BRING TRANSPARENCY TO POLITICAL ACTIVITY OF
CERTAIN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.
Section 124 of the Financial Services and General Government
Appropriations Act, 2019 (division D of Public Law 116-6) is hereby
repealed.
Subtitle F--Shareholder Right-To-Know
SEC. 4501. REPEAL OF RESTRICTION ON USE OF FUNDS BY SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION TO ENSURE SHAREHOLDERS OF
CORPORATIONS HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF CORPORATION POLITICAL
ACTIVITY.
Section 629 of the Financial Services and General Government
Appropriations Act, 2019 (division D of Public Law 116-6) is hereby
repealed.
Subtitle G--Disclosure of Political Spending by Government Contractors
SEC. 4601. REPEAL OF RESTRICTION ON USE OF FUNDS TO REQUIRE DISCLOSURE
OF POLITICAL SPENDING BY GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS.
Section 735 of the Financial Services and General Government
Appropriations Act, 2019 (division D of Public Law 116-6) is hereby
repealed.
Subtitle H--Limitation and Disclosure Requirements for Presidential
Inaugural Committees
SEC. 4701. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Presidential Inaugural
Committee Oversight Act''.
SEC. 4702. LIMITATIONS AND DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN DONATIONS TO, AND
DISBURSEMENTS BY, INAUGURAL COMMITTEES.
(a) Requirements for Inaugural Committees.--Title III of the
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 325. INAUGURAL COMMITTEES.
``(a) Prohibited Donations.--
``(1) In general.--It shall be unlawful--
``(A) for an Inaugural Committee--
``(i) to solicit, accept, or receive a
donation from a person that is not an
individual; or
``(ii) to solicit, accept, or receive a
donation from a foreign national;
``(B) for a person--
``(i) to make a donation to an Inaugural
Committee in the name of another person, or to
knowingly authorize his or her name to be used
to effect such a donation;
``(ii) to knowingly accept a donation to an
Inaugural Committee made by a person in the
name of another person; or
``(iii) to convert a donation to an
Inaugural Committee to personal use as
described in paragraph (2); and
``(C) for a foreign national to, directly or
indirectly, make a donation, or make an express or
implied promise to make a donation, to an Inaugural
Committee.
``(2) Conversion of donation to personal use.--For purposes
of paragraph (1)(B)(iii), a donation shall be considered to be
converted to personal use if any part of the donated amount is
used to fulfill a commitment, obligation, or expense of a
person that would exist irrespective of the responsibilities of
the Inaugural Committee under chapter 5 of title 36, United
States Code.
``(3) No effect on disbursement of unused funds to
nonprofit organizations.--Nothing in this subsection may be
construed to prohibit an Inaugural Committee from disbursing
unused funds to an organization which is described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt
from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
``(b) Limitation on Donations.--
``(1) In general.--It shall be unlawful for an individual
to make donations to an Inaugural Committee which, in the
aggregate, exceed $50,000.
``(2) Indexing.--At the beginning of each Presidential
election year (beginning with 2024), the amount described in
paragraph (1) shall be increased by the cumulative percent
difference determined in section 315(c)(1)(A) since the
previous Presidential election year. If any amount after such
increase is not a multiple of $1,000, such amount shall be
rounded to the nearest multiple of $1,000.
``(c) Disclosure of Certain Donations and Disbursements.--
``(1) Donations over $1,000.--
``(A) In general.--An Inaugural Committee shall
file with the Commission a report disclosing any
donation by an individual to the committee in an amount
of $1,000 or more not later than 24 hours after the
receipt of such donation.
``(B) Contents of report.--A report filed under
subparagraph (A) shall contain--
``(i) the amount of the donation;
``(ii) the date the donation is received;
and
``(iii) the name and address of the
individual making the donation.
``(2) Final report.--Not later than the date that is 90
days after the date of the Presidential inaugural ceremony, the
Inaugural Committee shall file with the Commission a report
containing the following information:
``(A) For each donation of money or anything of
value made to the committee in an aggregate amount
equal to or greater than $200--
``(i) the amount of the donation;
``(ii) the date the donation is received;
and
``(iii) the name and address of the
individual making the donation.
``(B) The total amount of all disbursements, and
all disbursements in the following categories:
``(i) Disbursements made to meet committee
operating expenses.
``(ii) Repayment of all loans.
``(iii) Donation refunds and other offsets
to donations.
``(iv) Any other disbursements.
``(C) The name and address of each person--
``(i) to whom a disbursement in an
aggregate amount or value in excess of $200 is
made by the committee to meet a committee
operating expense, together with date, amount,
and purpose of such operating expense;
``(ii) who receives a loan repayment from
the committee, together with the date and
amount of such loan repayment;
``(iii) who receives a donation refund or
other offset to donations from the committee,
together with the date and amount of such
disbursement; and
``(iv) to whom any other disbursement in an
aggregate amount or value in excess of $200 is
made by the committee, together with the date
and amount of such disbursement.
``(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1)(A) The term `donation' includes--
``(i) any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or
deposit of money or anything of value made by any
person to the committee; or
``(ii) the payment by any person of compensation
for the personal services of another person which are
rendered to the committee without charge for any
purpose.
``(B) The term `donation' does not include the value of
services provided without compensation by any individual who
volunteers on behalf of the committee.
``(2) The term `foreign national' has the meaning given
that term by section 319(b).
``(3) The term `Inaugural Committee' has the meaning given
that term by section 501 of title 36, United States Code.''.
(b) Confirming Amendment Related to Reporting Requirements.--
Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act (52 U.S.C. 30104) is
amended--
(1) by striking subsection (h); and
(2) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (h).
(c) Conforming Amendment Related to Status of Committee.--Section
510 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 510. Disclosure of and prohibition on certain donations
``A committee shall not be considered to be the Inaugural Committee
for purposes of this chapter unless the committee agrees to, and meets,
the requirements of section 325 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1971.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall apply
with respect to Inaugural Committees established under chapter 5 of
title 36, United States Code, for inaugurations held in 2021 and any
succeeding year.
Subtitle I--Severability
SEC. 4801. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this title or amendment made by this title, or
the application of a provision or amendment to any person or
circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this
title and amendments made by this title, and the application of the
provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance, shall not be
affected by the holding.
TITLE V--CAMPAIGN FINANCE OVERSIGHT
Subtitle A--Restoring Integrity to America's Elections
Sec. 5001. Short title.
Sec. 5002. Membership of Federal Election Commission.
Sec. 5003. Assignment of powers to Chair of Federal Election
Commission.
Sec. 5004. Revision to enforcement process.
Sec. 5005. Permitting appearance at hearings on requests for advisory
opinions by persons opposing the requests.
Sec. 5006. Permanent extension of administrative penalty authority.
Sec. 5007. Effective date; transition.
Subtitle B--Stopping Super PAC-Candidate Coordination
Sec. 5101. Short title.
Sec. 5102. Clarification of treatment of coordinated expenditures as
contributions to candidates.
Sec. 5103. Clarification of ban on fundraising for super PACs by
Federal candidates and officeholders.
Subtitle C--Severability
Sec. 5201. Severability.
Subtitle A--Restoring Integrity to America's Elections
SEC. 5001. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Restoring Integrity to
America's Elections Act''.
SEC. 5002. MEMBERSHIP OF FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION.
(a) Reduction in Number of Members; Removal of Secretary of Senate
and Clerk of House as Ex Officio Members.--
(1) In general; quorum.--Section 306(a)(1) of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30106(a)(1)) is
amended by striking the second and third sentences and
inserting the following: ``The Commission is composed of 5
members appointed by the President by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate, of whom no more than 2 may be affiliated
with the same political party. A majority of the number of
members of the Commission who are serving at the time shall
constitute a quorum, except that 3 members shall constitute a
quorum if there are 4 members serving at the time.''.
(2) Conforming amendments relating to reduction in number
of members.--(A) The second sentence of section 306(c) of such
Act (52 U.S.C. 30106(c)) is amended by striking ``affirmative
vote of 4 members of the Commission'' and inserting
``affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the
Commission who are serving at the time''.
(B) Such Act is further amended by striking ``affirmative
vote of 4 of its members'' and inserting ``affirmative vote of
a majority of the members of the Commission who are serving at
the time'' each place it appears in the following sections:
(i) Section 309(a)(2) (52 U.S.C. 30109(a)(2)).
(ii) Section 309(a)(4)(A)(i) (52 U.S.C.
30109(a)(4)(A)(i)).
(iii) Section 309(a)(5)(C) (52 U.S.C.
30109(a)(5)(C)).
(iv) Section 309(a)(6)(A) (52 U.S.C.
30109(a)(6)(A)).
(v) Section 311(b) (52 U.S.C. 30111(b)).
(3) Conforming amendment relating to removal of ex officio
members.--Section 306(a) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30106(a)) is
amended by striking ``(other than the Secretary of the Senate
and the Clerk of the House of Representatives)'' each place it
appears in paragraphs (4) and (5).
(b) Terms of Service.--Section 306(a)(2) of such Act (52 U.S.C.
30106(a)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Terms of service.--
``(A) In general.--Each member of the Commission
shall serve for a single term of 6 years.
``(B) Special rule for initial appointments.--Of
the members first appointed to serve terms that begin
in January 2022, the President shall designate 2 to
serve for a 3-year term.
``(C) No reappointment permitted.--An individual
who served a term as a member of the Commission may not
serve for an additional term, except that--
``(i) an individual who served a 3-year
term under subparagraph (B) may also be
appointed to serve a 6-year term under
subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) for purposes of this subparagraph,
an individual who is appointed to fill a
vacancy under subparagraph (D) shall not be
considered to have served a term if the portion
of the unexpired term the individual fills is
less than 50 percent of the period of the term.
``(D) Vacancies.--Any vacancy occurring in the
membership of the Commission shall be filled in the
same manner as in the case of the original appointment.
Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an individual
appointed to fill a vacancy occurring other than by the
expiration of a term of office shall be appointed only
for the unexpired term of the member he or she
succeeds.
``(E) Limitation on service after expiration of
term.--A member of the Commission may continue to serve
on the Commission after the expiration of the member's
term for an additional period, but only until the
earlier of--
``(i) the date on which the member's
successor has taken office as a member of the
Commission; or
``(ii) the expiration of the 1-year period
that begins on the last day of the member's
term.''.
(c) Qualifications.--Section 306(a)(3) of such Act (52 U.S.C.
30106(a)(3)) is amended to read as follows:
``(3) Qualifications.--
``(A) In general.--The President may select an
individual for service as a member of the Commission if
the individual has experience in election law and has a
demonstrated record of integrity, impartiality, and
good judgment.
``(B) Assistance of blue ribbon advisory panel.--
``(i) In general.--Prior to the regularly
scheduled expiration of the term of a member of
the Commission and upon the occurrence of a
vacancy in the membership of the Commission
prior to the expiration of a term, the
President shall convene a Blue Ribbon Advisory
Panel, consisting of an odd number of
individuals selected by the President from
retired Federal judges, former law enforcement
officials, or individuals with experience in
election law, except that the President may not
select any individual to serve on the panel who
holds any public office at the time of
selection.
``(ii) Recommendations.--With respect to
each member of the Commission whose term is
expiring or each vacancy in the membership of
the Commission (as the case may be), the Blue
Ribbon Advisory Panel shall recommend to the
President at least one but not more than 3
individuals for nomination for appointment as a
member of the Commission.
``(iii) Publication.--At the time the
President submits to the Senate the nominations
for individuals to be appointed as members of
the Commission, the President shall publish the
Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel's recommendations
for such nominations.
``(iv) Exemption from federal advisory
committee act.--The Federal Advisory Committee
Act (5 U.S.C. App.) does not apply to a Blue
Ribbon Advisory Panel convened under this
subparagraph.
``(C) Prohibiting engagement with other business or
employment during service.--A member of the Commission
shall not engage in any other business, vocation, or
employment. Any individual who is engaging in any other
business, vocation, or employment at the time of his or
her appointment to the Commission shall terminate or
liquidate such activity no later than 90 days after
such appointment.''.
SEC. 5003. ASSIGNMENT OF POWERS TO CHAIR OF FEDERAL ELECTION
COMMISSION.
(a) Appointment of Chair by President.--
(1) In general.--Section 306(a)(5) of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30106(a)(5)) is amended to read
as follows:
``(5) Chair.--
``(A) Initial appointment.--Of the members first
appointed to serve terms that begin in January 2022,
one such member (as designated by the President at the
time the President submits nominations to the Senate)
shall serve as Chair of the Commission.
``(B) Subsequent appointments.--Any individual who
is appointed to succeed the member who serves as Chair
of the Commission for the term beginning in January
2022 (as well as any individual who is appointed to
fill a vacancy if such member does not serve a full
term as Chair) shall serve as Chair of the Commission.
``(C) Vice chair.--The Commission shall select, by
majority vote of its members, one of its members to
serve as Vice Chair, who shall act as Chair in the
absence or disability of the Chair or in the event of a
vacancy in the position of Chair.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 309(a)(2) of such Act
(52 U.S.C. 30109(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``through its
chairman or vice chairman'' and inserting ``through the
Chair''.
(b) Powers.--
(1) Assignment of certain powers to chair.--Section 307(a)
of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30107(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Distribution of Powers Between Chair and Commission.--
``(1) Powers assigned to chair.--
``(A) Administrative powers.--The Chair of the
Commission shall be the chief administrative officer of
the Commission and shall have the authority to
administer the Commission and its staff, and (in
consultation with the other members of the Commission)
shall have the power--
``(i) to appoint and remove the staff
director of the Commission;
``(ii) to request the assistance (including
personnel and facilities) of other agencies and
departments of the United States, whose heads
may make such assistance available to the
Commission with or without reimbursement; and
``(iii) to prepare and establish the budget
of the Commission and to make budget requests
to the President, the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget, and Congress.
``(B) Other powers.--The Chair of the Commission
shall have the power--
``(i) to appoint and remove the general
counsel of the Commission with the concurrence
of at least 2 other members of the Commission;
``(ii) to require by special or general
orders, any person to submit, under oath, such
written reports and answers to questions as the
Chair may prescribe;
``(iii) to administer oaths or
affirmations;
``(iv) to require by subpoena, signed by
the Chair, the attendance and testimony of
witnesses and the production of all documentary
evidence relating to the execution of its
duties;
``(v) in any proceeding or investigation,
to order testimony to be taken by deposition
before any person who is designated by the
Chair, and shall have the power to administer
oaths and, in such instances, to compel
testimony and the production of evidence in the
same manner as authorized under clause (iv);
and
``(vi) to pay witnesses the same fees and
mileage as are paid in like circumstances in
the courts of the United States.
``(2) Powers assigned to commission.--The Commission shall
have the power--
``(A) to initiate (through civil actions for
injunctive, declaratory, or other appropriate relief),
defend (in the case of any civil action brought under
section 309(a)(8) of this Act) or appeal any civil
action in the name of the Commission to enforce the
provisions of this Act and chapter 95 and chapter 96 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, through its general
counsel;
``(B) to render advisory opinions under section 308
of this Act;
``(C) to develop such prescribed forms and to make,
amend, and repeal such rules, pursuant to the
provisions of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code,
as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this
Act and chapter 95 and chapter 96 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986;
``(D) to conduct investigations and hearings
expeditiously, to encourage voluntary compliance, and
to report apparent violations to the appropriate law
enforcement authorities; and
``(E) to transmit to the President and Congress not
later than June 1 of each year a report which states in
detail the activities of the Commission in carrying out
its duties under this Act, and which includes any
recommendations for any legislative or other action the
Commission considers appropriate.
``(3) Permitting commission to exercise other powers of
chair.--With respect to any investigation, action, or
proceeding, the Commission, by an affirmative vote of a
majority of the members who are serving at the time, may
exercise any of the powers of the Chair described in paragraph
(1)(B).''.
(2) Conforming amendments relating to personnel
authority.--Section 306(f) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30106(f)) is
amended--
(A) by amending the first sentence of paragraph (1)
to read as follows: ``The Commission shall have a staff
director who shall be appointed by the Chair of the
Commission in consultation with the other members and a
general counsel who shall be appointed by the Chair
with the concurrence of at least two other members.'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``With the
approval of the Commission'' and inserting ``With the
approval of the Chair of the Commission''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (3).
(3) Conforming amendment relating to budget submission.--
Section 307(d)(1) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30107(d)(1)) is
amended by striking ``the Commission submits any budget'' and
inserting ``the Chair (or, pursuant to subsection (a)(3), the
Commission) submits any budget''.
(4) Other conforming amendments.--Section 306(c) of such
Act (52 U.S.C. 30106(c)) is amended by striking ``All
decisions'' and inserting ``Subject to section 307(a), all
decisions''.
(5) Technical amendment.--The heading of section 307 of
such Act (52 U.S.C. 30107) is amended by striking ``the
commission'' and inserting ``the chair and the commission''.
SEC. 5004. REVISION TO ENFORCEMENT PROCESS.
(a) Standard for Initiating Investigations and Determining Whether
Violations Have Occurred.--
(1) Revision of standards.--Section 309(a) of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30109(a)) is amended
by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following:
``(2)(A) The general counsel, upon receiving a complaint filed with
the Commission under paragraph (1) or upon the basis of information
ascertained by the Commission in the normal course of carrying out its
supervisory responsibilities, shall make a determination as to whether
or not there is reason to believe that a person has committed, or is
about to commit, a violation of this Act or chapter 95 or chapter 96 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and as to whether or not the
Commission should either initiate an investigation of the matter or
that the complaint should be dismissed. The general counsel shall
promptly provide notification to the Commission of such determination
and the reasons therefore, together with any written response submitted
under paragraph (1) by the person alleged to have committed the
violation. Upon the expiration of the 30-day period which begins on the
date the general counsel provides such notification, the general
counsel's determination shall take effect, unless during such 30-day
period the Commission, by vote of a majority of the members of the
Commission who are serving at the time, overrules the general counsel's
determination. If the determination by the general counsel that the
Commission should investigate the matter takes effect, or if the
determination by the general counsel that the complaint should be
dismissed is overruled as provided under the previous sentence, the
general counsel shall initiate an investigation of the matter on behalf
of the Commission.
``(B) If the Commission initiates an investigation pursuant to
subparagraph (A), the Commission, through the Chair, shall notify the
subject of the investigation of the alleged violation. Such
notification shall set forth the factual basis for such alleged
violation. The Commission shall make an investigation of such alleged
violation, which may include a field investigation or audit, in
accordance with the provisions of this section. The general counsel
shall provide notification to the Commission of any intent to issue a
subpoena or conduct any other form of discovery pursuant to the
investigation. Upon the expiration of the 15-day period which begins on
the date the general counsel provides such notification, the general
counsel may issue the subpoena or conduct the discovery, unless during
such 15-day period the Commission, by vote of a majority of the members
of the Commission who are serving at the time, prohibits the general
counsel from issuing the subpoena or conducting the discovery.
``(3)(A) Upon completion of an investigation under paragraph (2),
the general counsel shall promptly submit to the Commission the general
counsel's recommendation that the Commission find either that there is
probable cause or that there is not probable cause to believe that a
person has committed, or is about to commit, a violation of this Act or
chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and
shall include with the recommendation a brief stating the position of
the general counsel on the legal and factual issues of the case.
``(B) At the time the general counsel submits to the Commission the
recommendation under subparagraph (A), the general counsel shall
simultaneously notify the respondent of such recommendation and the
reasons therefore, shall provide the respondent with an opportunity to
submit a brief within 30 days stating the position of the respondent on
the legal and factual issues of the case and replying to the brief of
the general counsel. The general counsel and shall promptly submit such
brief to the Commission upon receipt.
``(C) Not later than 30 days after the general counsel submits the
recommendation to the Commission under subparagraph (A) (or, if the
respondent submits a brief under subparagraph (B), not later than 30
days after the general counsel submits the respondent's brief to the
Commission under such subparagraph), the Commission shall approve or
disapprove the recommendation by vote of a majority of the members of
the Commission who are serving at the time.''.
(2) Conforming amendment relating to initial response to
filing of complaint.--Section 309(a)(1) of such Act (52 U.S.C.
30109(a)(1)) is amended--
(A) in the third sentence, by striking ``the
Commission'' and inserting ``the general counsel''; and
(B) by amending the fourth sentence to read as
follows: ``Not later than 15 days after receiving
notice from the general counsel under the previous
sentence, the person may provide the general counsel
with a written response that no action should be taken
against such person on the basis of the complaint.''.
(b) Revision of Standard for Review of Dismissal of Complaints.--
(1) In general.--Section 309(a)(8) of such Act (52 U.S.C.
30109(a)(8)) is amended to read as follows:
``(8)(A)(i) Any party aggrieved by an order of the Commission
dismissing a complaint filed by such party after finding either no
reason to believe a violation has occurred or no probable cause a
violation has occurred may file a petition with the United States
District Court for the District of Columbia. Any petition under this
subparagraph shall be filed within 60 days after the date on which the
party received notice of the dismissal of the complaint.
``(ii) In any proceeding under this subparagraph, the court shall
determine by de novo review whether the agency's dismissal of the
complaint is contrary to law. In any matter in which the penalty for
the alleged violation is greater than $50,000, the court should
disregard any claim or defense by the Commission of prosecutorial
discretion as a basis for dismissing the complaint.
``(B)(i) Any party who has filed a complaint with the Commission
and who is aggrieved by a failure of the Commission, within one year
after the filing of the complaint, to either dismiss the complaint or
to find reason to believe a violation has occurred or is about to
occur, may file a petition with the United States District Court for
the District of Columbia.
``(ii) In any proceeding under this subparagraph, the court shall
treat the failure to act on the complaint as a dismissal of the
complaint, and shall determine by de novo review whether the agency's
failure to act on the complaint is contrary to law.
``(C) In any proceeding under this paragraph the court may declare
that the dismissal of the complaint or the failure to act is contrary
to law, and may direct the Commission to conform with such declaration
within 30 days, failing which the complainant may bring, in the name of
such complainant, a civil action to remedy the violation involved in
the original complaint.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1)
shall apply--
(A) in the case of complaints which are dismissed
by the Federal Election Commission, with respect to
complaints which are dismissed on or after the date of
the enactment of this Act; and
(B) in the case of complaints upon which the
Federal Election Commission failed to act, with respect
to complaints which were filed on or after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5005. PERMITTING APPEARANCE AT HEARINGS ON REQUESTS FOR ADVISORY
OPINIONS BY PERSONS OPPOSING THE REQUESTS.
(a) In General.--Section 308 of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30108) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) To the extent that the Commission provides an opportunity for
a person requesting an advisory opinion under this section (or counsel
for such person) to appear before the Commission to present testimony
in support of the request, and the person (or counsel) accepts such
opportunity, the Commission shall provide a reasonable opportunity for
an interested party who submitted written comments under subsection (d)
in response to the request (or counsel for such interested party) to
appear before the Commission to present testimony in response to the
request.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to requests for advisory opinions under section 308
of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 which are made on or after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5006. PERMANENT EXTENSION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY AUTHORITY.
(a) Extension of Authority.--Section 309(a)(4)(C)(v) of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30109(a)(4)(C)(v)) is amended
by striking ``, and that end on or before December 31, 2018''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on December 31, 2018.
SEC. 5007. EFFECTIVE DATE; TRANSITION.
(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided, the amendments made
by this subtitle shall apply beginning January 1, 2022.
(b) Transition.--
(1) Termination of service of current members.--
Notwithstanding any provision of the Federal Election Campaign
Act of 1971, the term of any individual serving as a member of
the Federal Election Commission as of December 31, 2021, shall
expire on that date.
(2) No effect on existing cases or proceedings.--Nothing in
this subtitle or in any amendment made by this subtitle shall
affect any of the powers exercised by the Federal Election
Commission prior to December 31, 2021, including any
investigation initiated by the Commission prior to such date or
any proceeding (including any enforcement action) pending as of
such date.
Subtitle B--Stopping Super PAC-Candidate Coordination
SEC. 5101. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Stop Super PAC-Candidate
Coordination Act''.
SEC. 5102. CLARIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF COORDINATED EXPENDITURES AS
CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANDIDATES.
(a) Treatment as Contribution to Candidate.--Section 301(8)(A) of
the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101(8)(A)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (i);
(2) by striking the period at the end of clause (ii) and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(iii) any payment made by any person (other than
a candidate, an authorized committee of a candidate, or
a political committee of a political party) for a
coordinated expenditure (as such term is defined in
section 326) which is not otherwise treated as a
contribution under clause (i) or clause (ii).''.
(b) Definitions.--Title III of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.),
as amended by section 4702(a), is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``SEC. 326. PAYMENTS FOR COORDINATED EXPENDITURES.
``(a) Coordinated Expenditures.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 301(8)(A)(iii),
the term `coordinated expenditure' means--
``(A) any expenditure, or any payment for a covered
communication described in subsection (d), which is
made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or
at the request or suggestion of, a candidate, an
authorized committee of a candidate, a political
committee of a political party, or agents of the
candidate or committee, as defined in subsection (b);
or
``(B) any payment for any communication which
republishes, disseminates, or distributes, in whole or
in part, any video or broadcast or any written,
graphic, or other form of campaign material prepared by
the candidate or committee or by agents of the
candidate or committee (including any excerpt or use of
any video from any such broadcast or written, graphic,
or other form of campaign material).
``(2) Exception for payments for certain communications.--A
payment for a communication (including a covered communication
described in subsection (d)) shall not be treated as a
coordinated expenditure under this subsection if--
``(A) the communication appears in a news story,
commentary, or editorial distributed through the
facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper,
magazine, or other periodical publication, unless such
facilities are owned or controlled by any political
party, political committee, or candidate; or
``(B) the communication constitutes a candidate
debate or forum conducted pursuant to regulations
adopted by the Commission pursuant to section
304(f)(3)(B)(iii), or which solely promotes such a
debate or forum and is made by or on behalf of the
person sponsoring the debate or forum.
``(b) Coordination Described.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a payment
is made `in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at
the request or suggestion of,' a candidate, an authorized
committee of a candidate, a political committee of a political
party, or agents of the candidate or committee, if the payment,
or any communication for which the payment is made, is not made
entirely independently of the candidate, committee, or agents.
For purposes of the previous sentence, a payment or
communication not made entirely independently of the candidate
or committee includes any payment or communication made
pursuant to any general or particular understanding with, or
pursuant to any communication with, the candidate, committee,
or agents about the payment or communication.
``(2) No finding of coordination based solely on sharing of
information regarding legislative or policy position.--For
purposes of this section, a payment shall not be considered to
be made by a person in cooperation, consultation, or concert
with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate or
committee, solely on the grounds that the person or the
person's agent engaged in discussions with the candidate or
committee, or with any agent of the candidate or committee,
regarding that person's position on a legislative or policy
matter (including urging the candidate or committee to adopt
that person's position), so long as there is no communication
between the person and the candidate or committee, or any agent
of the candidate or committee, regarding the candidate's or
committee's campaign advertising, message, strategy, policy,
polling, allocation of resources, fundraising, or other
campaign activities.
``(3) No effect on party coordination standard.--Nothing in
this section shall be construed to affect the determination of
coordination between a candidate and a political committee of a
political party for purposes of section 315(d).
``(4) No safe harbor for use of firewall.--A person shall
be determined to have made a payment in cooperation,
consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion
of, a candidate or committee, in accordance with this section
without regard to whether or not the person established and
used a firewall or similar procedures to restrict the sharing
of information between individuals who are employed by or who
are serving as agents for the person making the payment.
``(c) Payments by Coordinated Spenders for Covered
Communications.--
``(1) Payments made in cooperation, consultation, or
concert with candidates.--For purposes of subsection (a)(1)(A),
if the person who makes a payment for a covered communication,
as defined in subsection (d), is a coordinated spender under
paragraph (2) with respect to the candidate as described in
subsection (d)(1), the payment for the covered communication is
made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with the
candidate.
``(2) Coordinated spender defined.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `coordinated spender' means, with respect
to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate, a
person (other than a political committee of a political party)
for which any of the following applies:
``(A) During the 4-year period ending on the date
on which the person makes the payment, the person was
directly or indirectly formed or established by or at
the request or suggestion of, or with the encouragement
of, the candidate (including an individual who later
becomes a candidate) or committee or agents of the
candidate or committee, including with the approval of
the candidate or committee or agents of the candidate
or committee.
``(B) The candidate or committee or any agent of
the candidate or committee solicits funds, appears at a
fundraising event, or engages in other fundraising
activity on the person's behalf during the election
cycle involved, including by providing the person with
names of potential donors or other lists to be used by
the person in engaging in fundraising activity,
regardless of whether the person pays fair market value
for the names or lists provided. For purposes of this
subparagraph, the term `election cycle' means, with
respect to an election for Federal office, the period
beginning on the day after the date of the most recent
general election for that office (or, if the general
election resulted in a runoff election, the date of the
runoff election) and ending on the date of the next
general election for that office (or, if the general
election resulted in a runoff election, the date of the
runoff election).
``(C) The person is established, directed, or
managed by the candidate or committee or by any person
who, during the 4-year period ending on the date on
which the person makes the payment, has been employed
or retained as a political, campaign media, or
fundraising adviser or consultant for the candidate or
committee or for any other entity directly or
indirectly controlled by the candidate or committee, or
has held a formal position with the candidate or
committee (including a position as an employee of the
office of the candidate at any time the candidate held
any Federal, State, or local public office during the
4-year period).
``(D) The person has retained the professional
services of any person who, during the 2-year period
ending on the date on which the person makes the
payment, has provided or is providing professional
services relating to the campaign to the candidate or
committee, without regard to whether the person
providing the professional services used a firewall.
For purposes of this subparagraph, the term
`professional services' includes any services in
support of the candidate's or committee's campaign
activities, including advertising, message, strategy,
policy, polling, allocation of resources, fundraising,
and campaign operations, but does not include
accounting or legal services.
``(E) The person is established, directed, or
managed by a member of the immediate family of the
candidate, or the person or any officer or agent of the
person has had more than incidental discussions about
the candidate's campaign with a member of the immediate
family of the candidate. For purposes of this
subparagraph, the term `immediate family' has the
meaning given such term in section 9004(e) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
``(d) Covered Communication Defined.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term
`covered communication' means, with respect to a candidate or
an authorized committee of a candidate, a public communication
(as defined in section 301(22)) which--
``(A) expressly advocates the election of the
candidate or the defeat of an opponent of the candidate
(or contains the functional equivalent of express
advocacy);
``(B) promotes or supports the candidate, or
attacks or opposes an opponent of the candidate
(regardless of whether the communication expressly
advocates the election or defeat of a candidate or
contains the functional equivalent of express
advocacy); or
``(C) refers to the candidate or an opponent of the
candidate but is not described in subparagraph (A) or
subparagraph (B), but only if the communication is
disseminated during the applicable election period.
``(2) Applicable election period.--In paragraph (1)(C), the
`applicable election period' with respect to a communication
means--
``(A) in the case of a communication which refers
to a candidate in a general, special, or runoff
election, the 120-day period which ends on the date of
the election; or
``(B) in the case of a communication which refers
to a candidate in a primary or preference election, or
convention or caucus of a political party that has
authority to nominate a candidate, the 60-day period
which ends on the date of the election or convention or
caucus.
``(3) Special rules for communications involving
congressional candidates.--For purposes of this subsection, a
public communication shall not be considered to be a covered
communication with respect to a candidate for election for an
office other than the office of President or Vice President
unless it is publicly disseminated or distributed in the
jurisdiction of the office the candidate is seeking.
``(e) Penalty.--
``(1) Determination of amount.--Any person who knowingly
and willfully commits a violation of this Act by making a
contribution which consists of a payment for a coordinated
expenditure shall be fined an amount equal to the greater of--
``(A) in the case of a person who makes a
contribution which consists of a payment for a
coordinated expenditure in an amount exceeding the
applicable contribution limit under this Act, 300
percent of the amount by which the amount of the
payment made by the person exceeds such applicable
contribution limit; or
``(B) in the case of a person who is prohibited
under this Act from making a contribution in any
amount, 300 percent of the amount of the payment made
by the person for the coordinated expenditure.
``(2) Joint and several liability.--Any director, manager,
or officer of a person who is subject to a penalty under
paragraph (1) shall be jointly and severally liable for any
amount of such penalty that is not paid by the person prior to
the expiration of the 1-year period which begins on the date
the Commission imposes the penalty or the 1-year period which
begins on the date of the final judgment following any judicial
review of the Commission's action, whichever is later.''.
(c) Effective Date.--
(1) Repeal of existing regulations on coordination.--
Effective upon the expiration of the 90-day period which begins
on the date of the enactment of this Act--
(A) the regulations on coordinated communications
adopted by the Federal Election Commission which are in
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act (as set
forth in 11 CFR Part 109, Subpart C, under the heading
``Coordination'') are repealed; and
(B) the Federal Election Commission shall
promulgate new regulations on coordinated
communications which reflect the amendments made by
this Act.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by this section
shall apply with respect to payments made on or after the
expiration of the 120-day period which begins on the date of
the enactment of this Act, without regard to whether or not the
Federal Election Commission has promulgated regulations in
accordance with paragraph (1)(B) as of the expiration of such
period.
SEC. 5103. CLARIFICATION OF BAN ON FUNDRAISING FOR SUPER PACS BY
FEDERAL CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS.
(a) In General.--Section 323(e)(1) of the Federal Election Campaign
Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30125(e)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B)
and inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) solicit, receive, direct, or transfer funds
to or on behalf of any political committee which
accepts donations or contributions that do not comply
with the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting
requirements of this Act (or to or on behalf of any
account of a political committee which is established
for the purpose of accepting such donations or
contributions), or to or on behalf of any political
organization under section 527 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 which accepts such donations or
contributions (other than a committee of a State or
local political party or a candidate for election for
State or local office).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to elections occurring after January 1, 2020.
Subtitle C--Severability
SEC. 5201. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this title or amendment made by this title, or
the application of a provision or amendment to any person or
circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this
title and amendments made by this title, and the application of the
provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance, shall not be
affected by the holding.
DIVISION C--ETHICS
TITLE VI--ETHICAL STANDARDS
Subtitle A--Supreme Court Ethics
Sec. 6001. Code of conduct for Federal judges.
Subtitle B--Foreign Agents Registration
Sec. 6101. Establishment of FARA investigation and enforcement unit
within Department of Justice.
Sec. 6102. Authority to impose civil money penalties.
Sec. 6103. Disclosure of transactions involving things of financial
value conferred on officeholders.
Subtitle C--Lobbying Disclosure Reform
Sec. 6201. Expanding scope of individuals and activities subject to
requirements of Lobbying Disclosure Act of
1995.
Subtitle D--Recusal of Presidential Appointees
Sec. 6301. Recusal of appointees.
Subtitle E--Severability
Sec. 6401. Severability.
Subtitle A--Supreme Court Ethics
SEC. 6001. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FEDERAL JUDGES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 57 of title 28, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 964. Code of conduct
``Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
section, the Judicial Conference shall issue a code of conduct, which
applies to each justice and judge of the United States, except that the
code of conduct may include provisions that are applicable only to
certain categories of judges or justices.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 57 of
title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item
related to section 963 the following:
``964. Code of conduct.''.
Subtitle B--Foreign Agents Registration
SEC. 6101. ESTABLISHMENT OF FARA INVESTIGATION AND ENFORCEMENT UNIT
WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
Section 8 of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as
amended (22 U.S.C. 618) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(i) Dedicated Enforcement Unit.--
``(1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this subsection, the Attorney General
shall establish a unit within the counterespionage section of
the National Security Division of the Department of Justice
with responsibility for the enforcement of this Act.
``(2) Powers.--The unit established under this subsection
is authorized to--
``(A) take appropriate legal action against
individuals suspected of violating this Act; and
``(B) coordinate any such legal action with the
United States Attorney for the relevant jurisdiction.
``(3) Consultation.--In operating the unit established
under this subsection, the Attorney General shall, as
appropriate, consult with the Director of National
Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the
Secretary of State.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities of
the unit established under this subsection $10,000,000 for
fiscal year 2019 and each succeeding fiscal year.''.
SEC. 6102. AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES.
(a) Establishing Authority.--Section 8 of the Foreign Agents
Registration Act of 1938, as amended (22 U.S.C. 618) is amended by
inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection:
``(d) Civil Money Penalties.--
``(1) Registration statements.--Whoever fails to file
timely or complete a registration statement as provided under
section 2(a) shall be subject to a civil money penalty of not
more than $10,000 per violation.
``(2) Supplements.--Whoever fails to file timely or
complete supplements as provided under section 2(b) shall be
subject to a civil money penalty of not more than $1,000 per
violation.
``(3) Other violations.--Whoever knowingly fails to--
``(A) remedy a defective filing within 60 days
after notice of such defect by the Attorney General; or
``(B) comply with any other provision of this Act,
shall upon proof of such knowing violation by a preponderance
of the evidence, be subject to a civil money penalty of not
more than $200,000, depending on the extent and gravity of the
violation.
``(4) No fines paid by foreign principals.--A civil money
penalty paid under paragraph (1) may not be paid, directly or
indirectly, by a foreign principal.
``(5) Use of fines.--All civil money penalties collected
under this subsection shall be used to defray the cost of the
enforcement unit established under subsection (i).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6103. DISCLOSURE OF TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THINGS OF FINANCIAL
VALUE CONFERRED ON OFFICEHOLDERS.
(a) Requiring Agents To Disclose Known Transactions.--
(1) In general.--Section 2(a) of the Foreign Agents
Registration Act of 1938, as amended (22 U.S.C. 612(a)) is
amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as
paragraphs (11) and (12); and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following
new paragraph:
``(10) To the extent that the registrant has knowledge of
any transaction which occurred in the preceding 60 days and in
which the foreign principal for whom the registrant is acting
as an agent conferred on a Federal or State officeholder any
thing of financial value, including a gift, profit, salary,
favorable regulatory treatment, or any other direct or indirect
economic or financial benefit, a detailed statement describing
each such transaction.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1)
shall apply with respect to statements filed on or after the
expiration of the 90-day period which begins on the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(b) Supplemental Disclosure for Current Registrants.--Not later
than the expiration of the 90-day period which begins on the date of
the enactment of this Act, each registrant who (prior to the expiration
of such period) filed a registration statement with the Attorney
General under section 2(a) of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of
1938, as amended (22 U.S.C. 612(a)) and who has knowledge of any
transaction described in paragraph (10) of section 2(a) of such Act (as
added by subsection (a)(1)) which occurred at any time during which the
registrant was an agent of the foreign principal involved, shall file
with the Attorney General a supplement to such statement under oath, on
a form prescribed by the Attorney General, containing a detailed
statement describing each such transaction.
Subtitle C--Lobbying Disclosure Reform
SEC. 6201. EXPANDING SCOPE OF INDIVIDUALS AND ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO
REQUIREMENTS OF LOBBYING DISCLOSURE ACT OF 1995.
(a) Coverage of Individuals Providing Legislative, Political, and
Strategic Counseling Services.--
(1) Treatment of legislative, political, and strategic
counseling services in support of lobbying contacts as lobbying
activity.--Section 3(7) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 1602(7)) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``efforts'' and inserting ``any
efforts''; and
(B) by striking ``research and other background
work'' and inserting the following: ``legislative,
political, and strategic counseling services, research,
and other background work''.
(2) Treatment of lobbying contact made with support of
legislative, political, and strategic counseling services as
lobbying contact made by individual providing services.--
Section 3(8) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 1602(8)) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Treatment of providers of legislative,
political, and strategic counseling services.--Any
individual who for financial or other compensation
provides legislative, political, and strategic
counseling services which are treated as lobbying
activity under paragraph (7), and which are used in
support of a lobbying contact under this paragraph
which is made by another individual, shall be
considered to have made the same lobbying contact at
the same time and in the same manner to the covered
executive branch official or covered legislative branch
official involved.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to lobbying contacts made on or after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
Subtitle D--Recusal of Presidential Appointees
SEC. 6301. RECUSAL OF APPOINTEES.
Section 208 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(e)(1) Any officer or employee appointed by the President shall
recuse himself or herself from any particular matter involving specific
parties in which a party to that matter is--
``(A) the President who appointed the officer or employee,
which shall include any entity in which the President has a
substantial interest; or
``(B) the spouse of the President who appointed the officer
or employee, which shall include any entity in which the spouse
of the President has a substantial interest.
``(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), if an officer or employee is
recused under paragraph (1), a career appointee in the agency of the
officer or employee shall perform the functions and duties of the
officer or employee with respect to the matter.
``(B)(i) In this subparagraph, the term `Commission' means a board,
commission, or other agency for which the authority of the agency is
vested in more than 1 member.
``(ii) If the recusal of a member of a Commission from a matter
under paragraph (1) would result in there not being a statutorily
required quorum of members of the Commission available to participate
in the matter, notwithstanding such statute or any other provision of
law, the members of the Commission not recused under paragraph (1)
may--
``(I) consider the matter without regard to the quorum
requirement under such statute;
``(II) delegate the authorities and responsibilities of the
Commission with respect to the matter to a subcommittee of the
Commission; or
``(III) designate an officer or employee of the Commission
who was not appointed by the President who appointed the member
of the Commission recused from the matter to exercise the
authorities and duties of the recused member with respect to
the matter.
``(3) Any officer or employee who violates paragraph (1) shall be
subject to the penalties set forth in section 216.
``(4) For purposes of this section, the term `particular matter'
shall have the meaning given the term in section 207(i).''.
Subtitle E--Severability
SEC. 6401. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this title or amendment made by this title, or
the application of a provision or amendment to any person or
circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this
title and amendments made by this title, and the application of the
provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance, shall not be
affected by the holding.
TITLE VII--ETHICS REFORMS FOR THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, AND
FEDERAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
Subtitle A--Executive Branch Conflict of Interest
Sec. 7001. Short title.
Sec. 7002. Restrictions on private sector payment for Government
service.
Sec. 7003. Requirements relating to slowing the revolving door.
Sec. 7004. Prohibition of procurement officers accepting employment
from Government contractors.
Sec. 7005. Revolving door restrictions on employees moving into the
private sector.
Subtitle B--Presidential Conflicts of Interest
Sec. 7011. Short title.
Sec. 7012. Divestiture of personal financial interests of the President
and Vice President that pose a potential
conflict of interest.
Sec. 7013. Initial financial disclosure.
Sec. 7014. Contracts by the President or Vice President.
Subtitle C--White House Ethics Transparency
Sec. 7021. Short title.
Sec. 7022. Procedure for waivers and authorizations relating to ethics
requirements.
Subtitle D--Executive Branch Ethics Enforcement
Sec. 7031. Short title.
Sec. 7032. Reauthorization of the Office of Government Ethics.
Sec. 7033. Tenure of the Director of the Office of Government Ethics.
Sec. 7034. Duties of Director of the Office of Government Ethics.
Sec. 7035. Agency ethics officials training and duties.
Subtitle E--Conflicts From Political Fundraising
Sec. 7041. Short title.
Sec. 7042. Disclosure of certain types of contributions.
Subtitle F--Transition Team Ethics
Sec. 7051. Short title.
Sec. 7052. Presidential transition ethics programs.
Subtitle G--Ethics Pledge for Senior Executive Branch Employees
Sec. 7061. Short title.
Sec. 7062. Ethics pledge requirement for senior executive branch
employees.
Subtitle H--Severability
Sec. 7071. Severability.
Subtitle A--Executive Branch Conflict of Interest
SEC. 7001. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Executive Branch Conflict of
Interest Act''.
SEC. 7002. RESTRICTIONS ON PRIVATE SECTOR PAYMENT FOR GOVERNMENT
SERVICE.
Section 209 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``any salary'' and
inserting ``any salary (including a bonus)''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(b)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), a pension, retirement,
group life, health or accident insurance, profit-sharing, stock
bonus, or other employee welfare or benefit plan that makes
payment of any portion of compensation contingent on accepting
a position in the United States Government shall not be
considered bona fide.''.
SEC. 7003. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO SLOWING THE REVOLVING DOOR.
(a) In General.--The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C.
App.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``TITLE VI--ENHANCED REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES
``SEC. 601. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
``(1) Covered agency.--The term `covered agency'--
``(A) means an Executive agency, as defined in
section 105 of title 5, United States Code, the Postal
Service and the Postal Rate Commission, but does not
include the Government Accountability Office or the
Government of the District of Columbia; and
``(B) shall include the Executive Office of the
President.
``(2) Covered employee.--The term `covered employee' means
an officer or employee referred to in paragraph (2) of section
207(c) of title 18, United States Code.
``(3) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of
the Office of Government Ethics.
``(4) Executive branch.--The term `executive branch' has
the meaning given that term in section 109.
``(5) Former client.--The term `former client'--
``(A) means a person for whom a covered employee
served personally as an agent, attorney, or consultant
during the 2-year period ending on the date before the
date on which the covered employee begins service in
the Federal Government; and
``(B) does not include--
``(i) instances in which the service
provided was limited to a speech or similar
appearance by the covered employee; or
``(ii) a client of the former employer of
the covered employee to whom the covered
employee did not personally provide such
services.
``(6) Former employer.--The term `former employer'--
``(A) means a person for whom a covered employee
served as an employee, officer, director, trustee, or
general partner during the 2 year period ending on the
date before the date on which the covered employee
begins service in the Federal Government; and
``(B) does not include--
``(i) an entity in the Federal Government,
including an executive branch agency;
``(ii) a State or local government;
``(iii) the District of Columbia;
``(iv) an Indian tribe, as defined in
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304); or
``(v) the government of a territory or
possession of the United States.
``(7) Particular matter.--The term `particular matter' has
the meaning given that term in section 207(i) of title 18,
United States Code.
``SEC. 602. CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS.
``(a) In General.--A covered employee may not use, or attempt to
use, the official position of the covered employee to participate in a
particular matter in which the covered employee knows a former employer
or former client of the covered employee has a financial interest.
``(b) Waiver.--
``(1) In general.--The head of the covered agency employing
a covered employee, in consultation with the Director, may
grant a written waiver of the restrictions under subsection (a)
prior to engaging in the action otherwise prohibited by
subsection (a) if, and to the extent that, the head of the
covered agency certifies in writing that--
``(A) the application of the restriction to the
particular matter is inconsistent with the purposes of
the restriction; or
``(B) it is in the public interest to grant the
waiver.
``(2) Publication.--The head of the covered agency shall
provide a waiver under paragraph (1) to the Director and post
the waiver on the website of the agency within 30 calendar days
after granting such waiver.
``SEC. 603. PENALTIES AND INJUNCTIONS.
``(a) Criminal Penalties.--
``(1) In general.--Any person who violates section 602
shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned
for not more than 1 year, or both.
``(2) Willful violations.--Any person who willfully
violates section 602 shall be fined under title 18, United
States Code, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.
``(b) Civil Enforcement.--
``(1) In general.--The Attorney General may bring a civil
action in an appropriate district court of the United States
against any person who violates, or whom the Attorney General
has reason to believe is engaging in conduct that violates,
section 602.
``(2) Civil penalty.--
``(A) In general.--If the court finds by a
preponderance of the evidence that a person violated
section 602, the court shall impose a civil penalty of
not more than the greater of--
``(i) $100,000 for each violation; or
``(ii) the amount of compensation the
person received or was offered for the conduct
constituting the violation.
``(B) Rule of construction.--A civil penalty under
this subsection may be in addition to any other
criminal or civil statutory, common law, or
administrative remedy available to the United States or
any other person.
``(3) Injunctive relief.--
``(A) In general.--In a civil action brought under
paragraph (1) against a person, the Attorney General
may petition the court for an order prohibiting the
person from engaging in conduct that violates section
602.
``(B) Standard.--The court may issue an order under
subparagraph (A) if the court finds by a preponderance
of the evidence that the conduct of the person violates
section 602.
``(C) Rule of construction.--The filing of a
petition seeking injunctive relief under this paragraph
shall not preclude any other remedy that is available
by law to the United States or any other person.''.
SEC. 7004. PROHIBITION OF PROCUREMENT OFFICERS ACCEPTING EMPLOYMENT
FROM GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS.
(a) Expansion of Prohibition on Acceptance by Former Officials of
Compensation From Contractors.--Section 2104 of title 41, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``or consultant'' and
inserting ``attorney, consultant,
subcontractor, or lobbyist''; and
(ii) by striking ``one year'' and inserting
``2 years''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``personally made
for the Federal agency'' and inserting ``participated
personally and substantially in''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Prohibition on Compensation From Affiliates and
Subcontractors.--A former official responsible for a Government
contract referred to in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a)
may not accept compensation for 2 years after awarding the contract
from any division, affiliate, or subcontractor of the contractor.''.
(b) Requirement for Procurement Officers To Disclose Job Offers
Made on Behalf of Relatives.--Section 2103(a) of title 41, United
States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
inserting after ``that official'' the following: ``, or for a relative
(as defined in section 3110 of title 5) of that official,''.
(c) Requirement on Award of Government Contracts to Former
Employers.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 21 of division B of subtitle I of
title 41, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``Sec. 2108. Prohibition on involvement by certain former contractor
employees in procurements
``An employee of the Federal Government may not be personally and
substantially involved with any award of a contract to, or the
administration of a contract awarded to, a contractor that is a former
employer of the employee during the 2-year period beginning on the date
on which the employee leaves the employment of the contractor.''.
(2) Technical and conforming amendment.--The table of
sections for chapter 21 of title 41, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``2108. Prohibition on involvement by certain former contractor
employees in procurements.''.
(d) Regulations.--The Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy
and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall--
(1) in consultation with the Director of the Office of
Personnel Management and the Counsel to the President,
promulgate regulations to carry out and ensure the enforcement
of chapter 21 of title 41, United States Code, as amended by
this section; and
(2) in consultation with designated agency ethics officials
(as that term is defined in section 109(3) of the Ethics in
Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)), monitor compliance
with that chapter by individuals and agencies.
SEC. 7005. REVOLVING DOOR RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYEES MOVING INTO THE
PRIVATE SECTOR.
(a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 207 of title 18, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``One-Year'' and
inserting ``Two-Year'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1 year'' in each
instance and inserting ``2 years''; and
(3) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``1-year'' and
inserting ``2-year''.
(b) Application.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply
to any individual covered by subsection (c) of section 207 of title 18,
United States Code, separating from the civil service on or after the
date of enactment of this Act.
Subtitle B--Presidential Conflicts of Interest
SEC. 7011. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Presidential Conflicts of
Interest Act of 2019''.
SEC. 7012. DIVESTITURE OF PERSONAL FINANCIAL INTERESTS OF THE PRESIDENT
AND VICE PRESIDENT THAT POSE A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF
INTEREST.
It is the sense of Congress that the President and the Vice
President should conduct themselves as if they were bound by section
208 of title 18, United States Code, by divesting conflicting assets in
accordance with that section and implementing regulations issued by the
Office of Government Ethics, or by establishing a qualified blind trust
(as that term is defined in section 102(f)(3) of the Ethics in
Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)), or both.
SEC. 7013. INITIAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Subsection (a) of section 101 of the Ethics in Government Act of
1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking ``position'' and adding at
the end the following: ``position, with the exception of the President
and Vice President, who must file a new report.''.
SEC. 7014. CONTRACTS BY THE PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT.
(a) Amendment.--Section 431 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``the President,
Vice President, or a'' after ``Contracts by''; and
(2) in the first undesignated paragraph, by inserting ``the
President or Vice President,'' after ``Whoever, being''.
(b) Table of Sections Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter
23 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking the item
relating to section 431 and inserting the following:
``431. Contracts by the President, Vice President, or a Member of
Congress.''.
Subtitle C--White House Ethics Transparency
SEC. 7021. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``White House Ethics Transparency
Act of 2019''.
SEC. 7022. PROCEDURE FOR WAIVERS AND AUTHORIZATIONS RELATING TO ETHICS
REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not
later than 30 days after an officer or employee issues or approves a
waiver or authorization pursuant to section 3 of Executive Order 13770
(82 Fed. Reg. 9333), or any subsequent similar order, such officer or
employee shall--
(1) transmit a written copy of such waiver or authorization
to the Director of the Office of Government Ethics; and
(2) make a written copy of such waiver or authorization
available to the public on the website of the employing agency
of the covered employee.
(b) Retroactive Application.--In the case of a waiver or
authorization described in subsection (a) issued during the period
beginning on January 20, 2017, and ending on the date of enactment of
this Act, the issuing officer or employee of such waiver or
authorization shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs (1) and
(2) of such subsection not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(c) Office of Government Ethics Public Availability.--Not later
than 14 days after receiving a written copy of a waiver or
authorization under subsection (a)(1), the Director of the Office of
Government Ethics shall make such waiver or authorization available to
the public on the website of the Office of Government Ethics.
(d) Definition of Covered Employee.--In this section, the term
``covered employee''--
(1) means a full-time, noncareer Presidential or Vice
Presidential appointee, noncareer appointee in the Senior
Executive Service (or other SES-type system), or an appointee
to a position that has been excepted from the competitive
service by reason of being of a confidential or policymaking
character (Schedule C and other positions excepted under
comparable criteria) in an executive agency; and
(2) does not include any individual appointed as a member
of the Senior Foreign Service or solely as a uniformed service
commissioned officer.
Subtitle D--Executive Branch Ethics Enforcement
SEC. 7031. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Executive Branch Comprehensive
Ethics Enforcement Act of 2019''.
SEC. 7032. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS.
Section 405 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)
is amended by striking ``fiscal year 2007'' and inserting ``fiscal
years 2019 through 2023.''.
SEC. 7033. TENURE OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS.
Section 401(b) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C.
App.) is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting ``,
subject to removal only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or
malfeasance in office. The Director may continue to serve beyond the
expiration of the term until a successor is appointed and has
qualified, except that the Director may not continue to serve for more
than one year after the date on which the term would otherwise expire
under this subsection.''.
SEC. 7034. DUTIES OF DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS.
(a) In General.--Section 402(b) of the Ethics in Government Act of
1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``developing, in consultation'' and
inserting ``consulting'';
(B) by striking ``Management, rules, and
regulations to be promulgated by the President or the
Director,'' and inserting ``Management for input on the
promulgation of rules and regulations to be promulgated
by the Director''; and
(C) by striking ``title II'' and inserting ``title
I'';
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) providing mandatory education and training programs
for designated agency ethics officials, which may be delegated
to each agency or the White House Counsel as deemed appropriate
by the Director;'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``title II'' and
inserting ``title I'';
(4) in paragraph (4), by striking ``problems'' and
inserting ``issues'';
(5) in paragraph (6), by striking ``problems'' and
inserting ``issues'';
(6) in paragraph (7)--
(A) by striking ``, when requested,''; and
(B) by striking ``conflict of interest problems''
and inserting ``conflicts of interest, as well as other
ethics issues'';
(7) in paragraph (9)--
(A) by striking ``ordering'' and inserting
``receiving allegations of violations of this Act and,
when necessary, investigating an allegation to
determine whether a violation occurred, and ordering'';
and
(B) by inserting before the semi-colon the
following: ``, and recommending appropriate
disciplinary action'';
(8) in paragraph (12)--
(A) by striking ``evaluating, with the assistance
of'' and inserting ``promulgating, with input from'';
(B) by striking ``the need for''; and
(C) by striking ``conflict of interest and ethical
problems'' and inserting ``conflict of interest and
ethics issues'';
(9) in paragraph (13)--
(A) by striking ``with the Attorney General'' and
inserting ``with the Inspectors General and the
Attorney General'';
(B) by striking ``violations of the conflict of
interest laws'' and inserting ``conflict of interest
issues and allegations of violations of ethics laws and
regulations and this Act''; and
(C) by striking ``, as required by section 535 of
title 28, United States Code'';
(10) in paragraph (14), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(11) in paragraph (15)--
(A) by striking ``title II'' and inserting ``title
I''; and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
a semicolon; and
(12) by adding at the end the following:
``(16) directing and providing final approval, when
determined appropriate by the Director, for designated agency
ethics officials regarding the resolution of conflicts of
interest as well as any other ethics issues under the purview
of this Act in individual cases; and
``(17) reviewing and approving, when determined appropriate
by the Director, any recusals, exemptions, or waivers from the
conflicts of interest and ethics laws, rules, and regulations
and making approved recusals, exemptions, and waivers made
publicly available by the relevant agency available in a
central location on the official website of the Office of
Government Ethics.''.
(b) Written Procedures.--Section 402(d) of the Ethics in Government
Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``, by the exercise of any
authority otherwise available to the Director under
this title,''; and
(B) by striking ``the agency is''.
(c) Corrective Actions.--Section 402(f) of the Ethics in Government
Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in clause (i) of subparagraph (A), by striking
``of such agency''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting at the end
``and determine that a violation of this Act has
occurred and issue appropriate administrative or legal
remedies as prescribed in paragraph (2)'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (ii)--
(I) in subclause (I)--
(aa) by inserting ``to the
President or the President's
designee if the matter involves
employees of the Executive
Office of the President or''
after ``may recommend''; and
(bb) by striking ``and'' at
the end; and
(II) in subclause (II)--
(aa) by inserting
``President or'' after
``determines that the''; and
(bb) by adding ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) in subclause (II) of clause (iii)--
(I) by striking ``notify in
writing,'' and inserting ``advise the
President in writing or order'';
(II) by inserting ``take
appropriate disciplinary action
including reprimand, suspension,
demotion, or dismissal against the
officer or employee'' after
``employee's agency''; and
(III) by striking ``of the
officer's or employee's noncompliance,
except that, if the officer or employee
involved is the agency head, the
notification shall instead be submitted
to the President and Congress and'';
and
(iii) by striking clause (iv);
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i)--
(i) by striking ``subparagraph (A)(iii) or
(iv)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (A)'';
(ii) by inserting ``(I)'' before ``In order
to''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(II)(aa) The Director may secure directly from
any agency information necessary to enable the Director
to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Director,
the head of such agency shall furnish that information
to the Director.
``(bb) The Director may require by subpoena the
production of all information, documents, reports,
answers, records, accounts, papers, and other data in
any medium and documentary evidence necessary in the
performance of the functions assigned by this Act,
which subpoena, in the case of refusal to obey, shall
be enforceable by order of any appropriate United
States district court.'';
(C) in subparagraph (B)(ii)(I)--
(i) by striking ``Subject to clause (iv) of
this subparagraph, before'' and inserting
``Before''; and
(ii) by striking ``subparagraphs (A) (iii)
or (iv)'' and inserting ``subparagraph
(A)(iii)'';
(D) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking ``Subject
to clause (iv) of this subparagraph, before'' and
inserting ``Before''; and
(E) in subparagraph (B)(iv)--
(i) by striking ``title 2'' and inserting
``title I''; and
(ii) by striking ``section 206'' and
inserting ``section 104'';
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``(iv),''; and
(4) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5)(A) The Office of Government Ethics shall provide, on
the official website of the Office, public access to records
made available by agencies of all conflicts of interest and
ethics laws, rules and regulations, recusals, waivers and
exemptions, ethics advisory opinions, ethics agreements of
senior executive branch personnel and employee certificates of
divestiture, financial disclosure reports, compliance reviews,
enforcement actions, and any other public records concerning
conflicts of interest and ethics records for the executive
branch required by law.
``(B) All financial disclosure reports and records related
to conflict of interest waivers and other records of ethics
determinations deemed public information by the Director or by
law shall be made available to the public either by internet
link to such information if publicly available, or at no charge
on the website of the Office of Government Ethics in a
searchable, sortable, and downloadable format, and at
reasonable fees for reproduction of paper documents at the
Office of Government Ethics.''.
(d) Definitions.--Section 402 of the Ethics in Government Act of
1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) For purposes of this title--
``(1) the term `agency' shall include the Executive Office
of the President; and
``(2) the term `officer or employee' shall include any
individual occupying a position, providing any official
services, or acting in an advisory capacity, in the White House
or the Executive Office of the President.
``(h) In this title, a reference to the head of an agency shall
include the President or the President's designee.
``(i) The Director shall not be required to obtain the prior
approval, comment, or review of any officer or agency of the United
States, including the Office of Management and Budget, before
submitting to Congress, or any committee or subcommittee thereof, any
information, reports, recommendations, testimony, or comments, if such
submissions include a statement indicating that the views expressed
therein are those of the Director and do not necessarily represent the
views of the President.''.
SEC. 7035. AGENCY ETHICS OFFICIALS TRAINING AND DUTIES.
Section 403 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c)(1) All designated agency ethics officials and alternate
designated agency ethics officials shall register with, and report to,
the Director as well as with the appointing authority of the official.
``(2) The Director shall provide ethics education and training to
all designated and alternate designated agency ethics officials in a
time and manner deemed appropriate by the Director.
``(d)(1) The head of each agency shall ensure that all records and
information provided to the Director under this Act shall be provided,
to the greatest extent practicable, in a searchable, sortable, and
downloadable format.
``(2) The head of each agency shall post on the official website of
the agency each recusal, waiver, exemption, ethics advisory opinion,
ethics agreement, and certificate of divestiture issued by the agency
under this Act and its implanting regulations.''.
Subtitle E--Conflicts From Political Fundraising
SEC. 7041. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Conflicts from Political
Fundraising Act of 2019''.
SEC. 7042. DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN TYPES OF CONTRIBUTIONS.
(a) Definitions.--Section 109 of the Ethics in Government Act of
1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (19) as
paragraphs (5) through (22), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) `covered contribution' means a payment, advance,
forbearance, rendering, or deposit of money, or any thing of
value--
``(A)(i) that--
``(I) is--
``(aa) made by or on behalf of a
covered individual; or
``(bb) solicited in writing by or
at the request of a covered individual;
and
``(II) is made--
``(aa) to a political organization,
as defined in section 527 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or
``(bb) to an organization--
``(AA) that is described in
paragraph (4) or (6) of section
501(c) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 and exempt from
tax under section 501(a) of
such Code; and
``(BB) that promotes or
opposes changes in Federal laws
or regulations that are (or
would be) administered by the
agency in which the covered
individual has been nominated
for appointment to a covered
position or is serving in a
covered position; or
``(ii) that is--
``(I) solicited in writing by or on behalf
of a covered individual; and
``(II) made--
``(aa) by an individual or entity
the activities of which are subject to
Federal laws or regulations that are
(or would be) administered by the
agency in which the covered individual
has been nominated for appointment to a
covered position or is serving in a
covered position; and
``(bb) to--
``(AA) a political
organization, as defined in
section 527 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986; or
``(BB) an organization that
is described in paragraph (4)
or (6) of section 501(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986
and exempt from tax under
section 501(a) of such Code;
and
``(B) that is made to an organization described in
item (aa) or (bb) of clause (i)(II) or clause
(ii)(II)(bb) of subparagraph (A) for which the total
amount of such payments, advances, forbearances,
renderings, or deposits of money, or any thing of
value, during the calendar year in which it is made is
not less than the contribution limitation in effect
under section 315(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30116(a)(1)(A)) for
elections occurring during such calendar year;
``(3) `covered individual' means an individual who has been
nominated or appointed to a covered position; and
``(4) `covered position'--
``(A) means--
``(i) a position described under sections
5312 through 5316 of title 5, United States
Code;
``(ii) a position placed in level IV or V
of the Executive Schedule under section 5317 of
title 5, United States Code;
``(iii) a position as a limited term
appointee, limited emergency appointee, or
noncareer appointee in the Senior Executive
Service, as defined under paragraphs (5), (6),
and (7), respectively, of section 3132(a) of
title 5, United States Code; and
``(iv) a position in the executive branch
of the Government of a confidential or policy-
determining character under schedule C of
subpart C of part 213 of title 5 of the Code of
Federal Regulations; and
``(B) does not include a position if the individual
serving in the position has been excluded from the
application of section 101(f)(5);''.
(b) Disclosure Requirements.--The Ethics in Government Act of 1978
(5 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
(1) in section 101--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Within'';
(ii) by striking ``unless'' and inserting
``and, if the individual is assuming a covered
position, the information described in section
102(j), except that, subject to paragraph (2),
the individual shall not be required to file a
report if''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) If an individual has left a position described in subsection
(f) that is not a covered position and, within 30 days, assumes a
position that is a covered position, the individual shall, within 30
days of assuming the covered position, file a report containing the
information described in section 102(j)(2)(A).'';
(B) in subsection (b)(1), in the first sentence, by
inserting ``and the information required by section
102(j)'' after ``described in section 102(b)'';
(C) in subsection (d), by inserting ``and, if the
individual is serving in a covered position, the
information required by section 102(j)(2)(A)'' after
``described in section 102(a)''; and
(D) in subsection (e), by inserting ``and, if the
individual was serving in a covered position, the
information required by section 102(j)(2)(A)'' after
``described in section 102(a)''; and
(2) in section 102--
(A) in subsection (g), by striking ``Political
campaign funds'' and inserting ``Except as provided in
subsection (j), political campaign funds''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(j)(1) In this subsection--
``(A) the term `applicable period' means--
``(i) with respect to a report filed pursuant to
subsection (a) or (b) of section 101, the year of
filing and the 4 calendar years preceding the year of
the filing; and
``(ii) with respect to a report filed pursuant to
subsection (d) or (e) of section 101, the preceding
calendar year; and
``(B) the term `covered gift' means a gift that--
``(i) is made to a covered individual, the spouse
of a covered individual, or the dependent child of a
covered individual;
``(ii) is made by an entity described in item (aa)
or (bb) of section 109(2)(A)(i)(II); and
``(iii) would have been required to be reported
under subsection (a)(2) if the covered individual had
been required to file a report under section 101(d)
with respect to the calendar year during which the gift
was made.
``(2)(A) A report filed pursuant to subsection (a), (b), (d), or
(e) of section 101 by a covered individual shall include, for each
covered contribution during the applicable period--
``(i) the date on which the covered contribution was made;
``(ii) if applicable, the date or dates on which the
covered contribution was solicited;
``(iii) the value of the covered contribution;
``(iv) the name of the person making the covered
contribution; and
``(v) the name of the person receiving the covered
contribution.
``(B)(i) Subject to clause (ii), a covered contribution made by or
on behalf of, or that was solicited in writing by or on behalf of, a
covered individual shall constitute a conflict of interest, or an
appearance thereof, with respect to the official duties of the covered
individual.
``(ii) The Director of the Office of Government Ethics may exempt a
covered contribution from the application of clause (i) if the Director
determines the circumstances of the solicitation and making of the
covered contribution do not present a risk of a conflict of interest
and the exemption of the covered contribution would not affect
adversely the integrity of the Government or the public's confidence in
the integrity of the Government.
``(3) A report filed pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of section
101 by a covered individual shall include the information described in
subsection (a)(2) with respect to each covered gift received during the
applicable period.''.
(c) Provision of Reports and Ethics Agreements to Congress.--
Section 105 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Not later than 30 days after receiving a written request from
the Chairman or Ranking Member of a committee or subcommittee of either
House of Congress, the Director of the Office of Government Ethics
shall provide to the Chairman and Ranking Member each report filed
under this title by the covered individual and any ethics agreement
entered into between the agency and the covered individual.''.
(d) Rules on Ethics Agreements.--The Director of the Office of
Government Ethics shall promptly issue rules regarding how an agency in
the executive branch shall address information required to be disclosed
under the amendments made by this subtitle in drafting ethics
agreements between the agency and individuals appointed to positions in
the agency.
(e) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is
amended--
(A) in section 101(f)--
(i) in paragraph (9), by striking ``section
109(12)'' and inserting ``section 109(15)'';
(ii) in paragraph (10), by striking
``section 109(13)'' and inserting ``section
109(16)'';
(iii) in paragraph (11), by striking
``section 109(10)'' and inserting ``section
109(13)''; and
(iv) in paragraph (12), by striking
``section 109(8)'' and inserting ``section
109(11)'';
(B) in section 103(l)--
(i) in paragraph (9), by striking ``section
109(12)'' and inserting ``section 109(15)'';
and
(ii) in paragraph (10), by striking
``section 109(13)'' and inserting ``section
109(16)''; and
(C) in section 105(b)(3)(A), by striking ``section
109(8) or 109(10)'' and inserting ``section 109(11) or
109(13)''.
(2) Section 3(4)(D) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995
(2 U.S.C. 1602(4)(D)) is amended by striking ``section
109(13)'' and inserting ``section 109(16)''.
(3) Section 21A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15
U.S.C. 78u-1) is amended--
(A) in subsection (g)(2)(B)(ii), by striking
``section 109(11) of the Ethics in Government Act of
1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 109(11)))'' and inserting ``section
109 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C.
App.))''; and
(B) in subsection (h)(2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``section 109(8) of the Ethics in Government
Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 109(8))'' and
inserting ``section 109 of the Ethics in
Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``section 109(10) of the Ethics in Government
Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 109(10))'' and
inserting ``section 109 of the Ethics in
Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)''.
(4) Section 499(j)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 290b(j)(2)) is amended by striking ``section 109(16) of
the Ethics in Government Act of 1978'' and inserting ``section
109 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)''.
Subtitle F--Transition Team Ethics
SEC. 7051. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Transition Team Ethics
Improvement Act''.
SEC. 7052. PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION ETHICS PROGRAMS.
The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 (3 U.S.C. 102 note) is
amended--
(1) in section 3(f), by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) The President-elect shall submit to the Committee on
Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report
with a list of--
``(A) any individual for whom an application for a security
clearance was submitted, not later than 10 days after the date
on which the application was submitted; and
``(B) any individual provided a security clearance, not
later than 10 days after the date on which the security
clearance was provided.'';
(2) in section 4--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and''
at the end;
(ii) by redesignating paragraph (4) as
paragraph (5); and
(iii) by inserting after paragraph (3) the
following:
``(4) the term `nonpublic information'--
``(A) means information from the Federal Government
that a transition team member obtains as part of the
employment of such member that the member knows or
reasonably should know has not been made available to
the general public; and
``(B) includes information that has not been
released to the public that a transition team member
knows or reasonably should know--
``(i) is exempt from disclosure under
section 552 of title 5, United States Code, or
otherwise protected from disclosure by law; and
``(ii) is not authorized by the appropriate
agency or official to be released to the
public; and''; and
(B) in subsection (g)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking
``November'' and inserting ``October''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Ethics plan.--
``(A) In general.--Each memorandum of understanding
under paragraph (1) shall include an agreement that the
eligible candidate will implement and enforce an ethics
plan to guide the conduct of the transition beginning
on the date on which the eligible candidate becomes the
President-elect.
``(B) Contents.--The ethics plan shall include, at
a minimum--
``(i) a description of the ethics
requirements that will apply to all transition
team members, including specific requirements
for transition team members who will have
access to nonpublic or classified information;
``(ii) a description of how the transition
team will--
``(I) address the role on the
transition team of--
``(aa) registered lobbyists
under the Lobbying Disclosure
Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1601 et
seq.) and individuals who were
formerly registered lobbyists
under that Act;
``(bb) persons registered
under the Foreign Agents
Registration Act, as amended
(22 U.S.C. 611 et seq.),
foreign nationals, and other
foreign agents; and
``(cc) transition team
members with sources of income
or clients that are not
disclosed to the public;
``(II) prohibit a transition team
member with personal financial
conflicts of interest as described in
section 208 of title 18, United States
Code, from working on particular
matters involving specific parties that
affect the interests of such member;
and
``(III) address how the covered
eligible candidate will address their
own personal financial conflicts of
interest during a Presidential term if
the covered eligible candidate becomes
the President-elect;
``(iii) a Code of Ethical Conduct, to which
each transition team member will sign and be
subject to, that reflects the content of the
ethics plans under this paragraph and at a
minimum requires each transition team member
to--
``(I) seek authorization from
transition team leaders or their
designees before seeking, on behalf of
the transition, access to any nonpublic
information;
``(II) keep confidential any
nonpublic information provided in the
course of the duties of the member with
the transition and exclusively use such
information for the purposes of the
transition; and
``(III) not use any nonpublic
information provided in the course of
transition duties, in any manner, for
personal or private gain for the member
or any other party at any time during
or after the transition; and
``(iv) a description of how the transition
team will enforce the Code of Ethical Conduct,
including the names of the transition team
members responsible for enforcement, oversight,
and compliance.
``(C) Publicly available.--The transition team
shall make the ethics plan described in this paragraph
publicly available on the internet website of the
General Services Administration the earlier of--
``(i) the day on which the memorandum of
understanding is completed; or
``(ii) October 1.''; and
(3) in section 6(b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) a list of all positions each transition team member
has held outside the Federal Government for the previous 12-
month period, including paid and unpaid positions;
``(D) sources of compensation for each transition team
member exceeding $5,000 a year for the previous 12-month
period;
``(E) a description of the role of each transition team
member, including a list of any policy issues that the member
expects to work on, and a list of agencies the member expects
to interact with, while serving on the transition team;
``(F) a list of any issues from which each transition team
member will be recused while serving as a member of the
transition team pursuant to the transition team ethics plan
outlined in section 4(g)(3); and
``(G) an affirmation that no transition team member has a
financial conflict of interest that precludes the member from
working on the matters described in subparagraph (E).'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``not later than
2 business days'' after ``public''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) The head of a Federal department or agency, or their
designee, shall not permit access to the Federal department or agency,
or employees of such department or agency, that would not be provided
to a member of the public for any transition team member who does not
make the disclosures listed under paragraph (1).''.
Subtitle G--Ethics Pledge for Senior Executive Branch Employees
SEC. 7061. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Ethics in Public Service Act''.
SEC. 7062. ETHICS PLEDGE REQUIREMENT FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVE BRANCH
EMPLOYEES.
The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 101 et seq.) is
amended by inserting after title I the following new title:
``TITLE II--ETHICS PLEDGE
``SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.
``For the purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:
``(1) The term `executive agency' has the meaning given
that term in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, and
includes the Executive Office of the President, the United
States Postal Service, and Postal Regulatory Commission, but
does not include the Government Accountability Office.
``(2) The term `appointee' means any full-time, noncareer
Presidential or Vice Presidential appointee, noncareer
appointee in the Senior Executive Service (or other SES-type
system), or appointee to a position that has been excepted from
the competitive service by reason of being of a confidential or
policymaking character (Schedule C and other positions excepted
under comparable criteria) in an executive agency, but does not
include any individual appointed as a member of the Senior
Foreign Service or solely as a uniformed service commissioned
officer.
``(3) The term `gift' means anything having monetary value.
``(4) The term `covered executive branch official' and
`lobbyist' have the meanings given those terms in section 3 of
the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602).
``(5) The term `registered lobbyist or lobbying
organization' means a lobbyist or an organization filing a
registration pursuant to section 4(a) of the Lobbying
Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1603(a)), and in the case of
an organization filing such a registration, `registered
lobbyist' includes each of the lobbyists identified therein.
``(6) The term `lobby' and `lobbied' mean to act or have
acted as a registered lobbyist.
``(7) The term `former employer' is any person for whom the
appointee has within the 2 years prior to the date of his or
her appointment served as an employee, officer, director,
trustee, or general partner, except that `former employer' does
not include any executive agency or other entity of the Federal
Government, State or local government, the District of
Columbia, Native American tribe, or any United States territory
or possession.
``(8) The term `former client' is any person for whom the
appointee served personally as agent, attorney, or consultant
within the 2 years prior to the date of his or her appointment,
but excluding instances where the service provided was limited
to a speech or similar appearance. It does not include clients
of the appointee's former employer to whom the appointee did
not personally provide services.
``(9) The term `directly and substantially related to my
former employer or former clients' means matters in which the
appointee's former employer or a former client is a party or
represents a party.
``(10) The term `participate' means to participate
personally and substantially.
``(11) The term `post-employment restrictions' includes the
provisions and exceptions in section 207(c) of title 18, United
States Code, and the implementing regulations.
``(12) The term `Government official' means any employee of
the executive branch.
``(13) The term `Administration' means all terms of office
of the incumbent President serving at the time of the
appointment of an appointee covered by this title.
``(14) The term `pledge' means the ethics pledge set forth
in section 202 of this title.
``(15) All references to provisions of law and regulations
shall refer to such provisions as in effect on the date of
enactment of this title.
``SEC. 202. ETHICS PLEDGE.
``Each appointee in every executive agency appointed on or after
the date of enactment of this section shall be required to sign an
ethics pledge upon appointment. The pledge shall be signed and dated
within 30 days of taking office and shall include, at a minimum, the
following elements:
```As a condition, and in consideration, of my employment in the
United States Government in a position invested with the public trust,
I commit myself to the following obligations, which I understand are
binding on me and are enforceable under law:
```(1) Lobbyist Gift Ban.--I will not accept gifts from
registered lobbyists or lobbying organizations for the duration
of my service as an appointee.
```(2) Revolving Door Ban; Entering Government.--
```(A) All Appointees Entering Government.--I will
not, for a period of 2 years from the date of my
appointment, participate in any particular matter
involving specific party or parties that is directly
and substantially related to my former employer or
former clients, including regulations and contracts.
```(B) Lobbyists Entering Government.--If I was a
registered lobbyist within the 2 years before the date
of my appointment, in addition to abiding by the
limitations of subparagraph (A), I will not for a
period of 2 years after the date of my appointment:
```(i) participate in any particular matter
on which I lobbied within the 2 years before
the date of my appointment;
```(ii) participate in the specific issue
area in which that particular matter falls; or
```(iii) seek or accept employment with any
executive agency that I lobbied within the 2
years before the date of my appointment.
```(3) Revolving Door Ban; Appointees Leaving Government.--
```(A) All Appointees Leaving Government.--If, upon
my departure from the Government, I am covered by the
post-employment restrictions on communicating with
employees of my former executive agency set forth in
section 207(c) of title 18, United States Code, I agree
that I will abide by those restrictions for a period of
2 years following the end of my appointment.
```(B) Appointees Leaving Government To Lobby.--In
addition to abiding by the limitations of subparagraph
(A), I also agree, upon leaving Government service, not
to lobby any covered executive branch official or
noncareer Senior Executive Service appointee for the
remainder of the Administration.
```(4) Employment Qualification Commitment.--I agree that
any hiring or other employment decisions I make will be based
on the candidate's qualifications, competence, and experience.
```(5) Assent to Enforcement.--I acknowledge that title II
of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, which I have read
before signing this document, defines certain of the terms
applicable to the foregoing obligations and sets forth the
methods for enforcing them. I expressly accept the provisions
of that title as a part of this agreement and as binding on me.
I understand that the terms of this pledge are in addition to
any statutory or other legal restrictions applicable to me by
virtue of Federal Government service.'''.
``SEC. 203. WAIVER.
``(a) The President or the President's designee may grant to any
current or former appointee a written waiver of any restrictions
contained in the pledge signed by such appointee if, and to the extent
that, the President or the President's designee certifies (in writing)
that--
``(1) the literal application of the restriction is
inconsistent with the purposes of the restriction; or
``(2) it is in the public interest to grant the waiver.
``(b) Any waiver under this section shall take effect when the
certification is signed by the President or the President's designee.
``(c) For purposes of subsection (a)(2), the public interest shall
include exigent circumstances relating to national security or to the
economy. De minimis contact with an executive agency shall be cause for
a waiver of the restrictions contained in paragraph (2)(B) of the
pledge.
``SEC. 204. ADMINISTRATION.
``(a) The head of each executive agency shall, in consultation with
the Director of the Office of Government Ethics, establish such rules
or procedures (conforming as nearly as practicable to the agency's
general ethics rules and procedures, including those relating to
designated agency ethics officers) as are necessary or appropriate to
ensure--
``(1) that every appointee in the agency signs the pledge
upon assuming the appointed office or otherwise becoming an
appointee;
``(2) that compliance with paragraph (2)(B) of the pledge
is addressed in a written ethics agreement with each appointee
to whom it applies;
``(3) that spousal employment issues and other conflicts
not expressly addressed by the pledge are addressed in ethics
agreements with appointees or, where no such agreements are
required, through ethics counseling; and
``(4) compliance with this title within the agency.
``(b) With respect to the Executive Office of the President, the
duties set forth in subsection (a) shall be the responsibility of the
Counsel to the President.
``(c) The Director of the Office of Government Ethics shall--
``(1) ensure that the pledge and a copy of this title are
made available for use by agencies in fulfilling their duties
under subsection (a);
``(2) in consultation with the Attorney General or the
Counsel to the President, when appropriate, assist designated
agency ethics officers in providing advice to current or former
appointees regarding the application of the pledge;
``(3) adopt such rules or procedures as are necessary or
appropriate--
``(A) to carry out the responsibilities assigned by
this subsection;
``(B) to apply the lobbyist gift ban set forth in
paragraph (1) of the pledge to all executive branch
employees;
``(C) to authorize limited exceptions to the
lobbyist gift ban for circumstances that do not
implicate the purposes of the ban;
``(D) to make clear that no person shall have
violated the lobbyist gift ban if the person properly
disposes of a gift;
``(E) to ensure that existing rules and procedures
for Government employees engaged in negotiations for
future employment with private businesses that are
affected by their official actions do not affect the
integrity of the Government's programs and operations;
and
``(F) to ensure, in consultation with the Director
of the Office of Personnel Management, that the
requirement set forth in paragraph (4) of the pledge is
honored by every employee of the executive branch;
``(4) in consultation with the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget, report to the President on whether full
compliance is being achieved with existing laws and regulations
governing executive branch procurement lobbying disclosure and
on steps the executive branch can take to expand to the fullest
extent practicable disclosure of such executive branch
procurement lobbying and of lobbying for Presidential pardons,
and to include in the report both immediate action the
executive branch can take and, if necessary, recommendations
for legislation; and
``(5) provide an annual public report on the administration
of the pledge and this title.
``(d) All pledges signed by appointees, and all waiver
certifications with respect thereto, shall be filed with the head of
the appointee's agency for permanent retention in the appointee's
official personnel folder or equivalent folder.''.
Subtitle H--Severability
SEC. 7071. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this title or any amendment made by this title,
or any application of such provision or amendment to any person or
circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of the
provisions of this title and the amendments made by this title, and the
application of the provision or amendment to any other person or
circumstance, shall not be affected.
TITLE VIII--CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS REFORM
Subtitle A--Requiring Members of Congress To Reimburse Treasury for
Amounts Paid as Settlements and Awards Under Congressional
Accountability Act of 1995
Sec. 8001. Requiring Members of Congress to reimburse Treasury for
amounts paid as settlements and awards
under Congressional Accountability Act of
1995 in all cases of employment
discrimination acts by Members.
Subtitle B--Conflicts of Interests
Sec. 8101. Prohibiting Members of House of Representatives from serving
on boards of for-profit entities.
Sec. 8102. Conflict of interest rules for Members of Congress and
congressional staff.
Sec. 8103. Exercise of rulemaking powers.
Subtitle C--Campaign Finance and Lobbying Disclosure
Sec. 8201. Short title.
Sec. 8202. Requiring disclosure in certain reports filed with Federal
Election Commission of persons who are
registered lobbyists.
Sec. 8203. Effective date.
Subtitle D--Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports
Sec. 8301. Short title.
Sec. 8302. Definitions.
Sec. 8303. Establishment of online portal for congressionally mandated
reports.
Sec. 8304. Federal agency responsibilities.
Sec. 8305. Removing and altering reports.
Sec. 8306. Relationship to the Freedom of Information Act.
Sec. 8307. Implementation.
Subtitle E--CLEAN Congress
Sec. 8401. Short title.
Sec. 8402. Prohibiting multiple subjects in single bill.
Sec. 8403. Requiring equal application of laws to Members of Congress.
Subtitle F--CLEAN Public Service
Sec. 8501. Short title.
Sec. 8502. Termination of further retirement benefits for Members of
Congress.
Subtitle G--No Budget, No Pay
Sec. 8601. Short title.
Sec. 8602. Definition.
Sec. 8603. Timely approval of concurrent resolution on the budget and
the appropriations bills.
Sec. 8604. No pay without concurrent resolution on the budget and the
appropriations bills.
Sec. 8605. Determinations.
Sec. 8606. Effective date.
Subtitle H--No Work, No Pay
Sec. 8701. Short title.
Sec. 8702. Prohibiting paying Members of Congress during Government
shutdowns.
Sec. 8703. Definitions.
Subtitle I--Severability
Sec. 8801. Severability.
Subtitle A--Requiring Members of Congress To Reimburse Treasury for
Amounts Paid as Settlements and Awards Under Congressional
Accountability Act of 1995
SEC. 8001. REQUIRING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO REIMBURSE TREASURY FOR
AMOUNTS PAID AS SETTLEMENTS AND AWARDS UNDER
CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1995 IN ALL CASES OF
EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION ACTS BY MEMBERS.
(a) Requiring Reimbursement.--Clause (i) of section 415(d)(1)(C) of
the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1415(d)(1)(C)),
as amended by section 111(a) of the Congressional Accountability Act of
1995 Reform Act, is amended to read as follows:
``(i) a violation of section 201(a) or
section 206(a); or''.
(b) Conforming Amendment Relating to Notification of Possibility of
Reimbursement.--Clause (i) of section 402(b)(2)(B) of the Congressional
Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1402(b)(2)(B)), as amended by
section 102(a) of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform
Act, is amended to read as follows:
``(i) a violation of section 201(a) or
section 206(a); or''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect as if included in the enactment of the Congressional
Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act.
Subtitle B--Conflicts of Interests
SEC. 8101. PROHIBITING MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM SERVING
ON BOARDS OF FOR-PROFIT ENTITIES.
Rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives is
amended--
(1) by redesignating clause 19 as clause 20; and
(2) by inserting after clause 18 the following new clause:
``19. A Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner may not serve on
the board of directors of any for-profit entity.''.
SEC. 8102. CONFLICT OF INTEREST RULES FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND
CONGRESSIONAL STAFF.
No Member, officer, or employee of a committee or Member of either
House of Congress may knowingly use his or her official position to
introduce or aid the progress or passage of legislation, a principal
purpose of which is to further only his or her pecuniary interest, only
the pecuniary interest of his or her immediate family, or only the
pecuniary interest of a limited class of persons or enterprises, when
he or she, or his or her immediate family, or enterprises controlled by
them, are members of the affected class.
SEC. 8103. EXERCISE OF RULEMAKING POWERS.
The provisions of this subtitle are enacted by the Congress--
(1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House of
Representatives and the Senate, respectively, and as such they
shall be considered as part of the rules of each House,
respectively, or of that House to which they specifically
apply, and such rules shall supersede other rules only to the
extent that they are inconsistent therewith; and
(2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of
either House to change such rules (so far as relating to such
House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent
as in the case of any other rule of such House.
Subtitle C--Campaign Finance and Lobbying Disclosure
SEC. 8201. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Connecting Lobbyists and
Electeds for Accountability and Reform Act'' or the ``CLEAR Act''.
SEC. 8202. REQUIRING DISCLOSURE IN CERTAIN REPORTS FILED WITH FEDERAL
ELECTION COMMISSION OF PERSONS WHO ARE REGISTERED
LOBBYISTS.
(a) Reports Filed by Political Committees.--Section 304(b) of the
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (7);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (8) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(9) if any person identified in subparagraph (A), (E),
(F), or (G) of paragraph (3) is a registered lobbyist under the
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, a separate statement that such
person is a registered lobbyist under such Act.''.
(b) Reports Filed by Persons Making Independent Expenditures.--
Section 304(c)(2) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30104(c)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) if the person filing the statement, or a person whose
identification is required to be disclosed under subparagraph
(C), is a registered lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act
of 1995, a separate statement that such person is a registered
lobbyist under such Act.''.
(c) Reports Filed by Persons Making Disbursements for
Electioneering Communications.--Section 304(f)(2) of such Act (52
U.S.C. 30104(f)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(G) If the person making the disbursement, or a
contributor described in subparagraph (E) or (F), is a
registered lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act
of 1995, a separate statement that such person or
contributor is a registered lobbyist under such Act.''.
(d) Requiring Commission To Establish Link to Websites of Clerk of
House and Secretary of Senate.--Section 304 of such Act (52 U.S.C.
30104), as amended by section 4308(a), is amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(k) Requiring Information on Registered Lobbyists To Be Linked to
Websites of Clerk of House and Secretary of Senate.--
``(1) Links to websites.--The Commission shall ensure that
the Commission's public database containing information
described in paragraph (2) is linked electronically to the
websites maintained by the Secretary of the Senate and the
Clerk of the House of Representatives containing information
filed pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995.
``(2) Information described.--The information described in
this paragraph is each of the following:
``(A) Information disclosed under paragraph (9) of
subsection (b).
``(B) Information disclosed under subparagraph (D)
of subsection (c)(2).
``(C) Information disclosed under subparagraph (G)
of subsection (f)(2).''.
SEC. 8203. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to
reports required to be filed under the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1971 on or after the expiration of the 90-day period which begins on
the date of the enactment of this Act.
Subtitle D--Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports
SEC. 8301. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Access to Congressionally
Mandated Reports Act''.
SEC. 8302. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Congressionally mandated report.--The term
``congressionally mandated report''--
(A) means a report that is required to be submitted
to either House of Congress or any committee of
Congress, or subcommittee thereof, by a statute,
resolution, or conference report that accompanies
legislation enacted into law; and
(B) does not include a report required under part B
of subtitle II of title 36, United States Code.
(2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Government Publishing Office.
(3) Federal agency.--The term ``Federal agency'' has the
meaning given that term under section 102 of title 40, United
States Code, but does not include the Government Accountability
Office.
(4) Open format.--The term ``open format'' means a file
format for storing digital data based on an underlying open
standard that--
(A) is not encumbered by any restrictions that
would impede reuse; and
(B) is based on an underlying open data standard
that is maintained by a standards organization.
(5) Reports online portal.--The term ``reports online
portal'' means the online portal established under section
8303(a).
SEC. 8303. ESTABLISHMENT OF ONLINE PORTAL FOR CONGRESSIONALLY MANDATED
REPORTS.
(a) Requirement To Establish Online Portal.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish and
maintain an online portal accessible by the public that allows
the public to obtain electronic copies of all congressionally
mandated reports in one place. The Director may publish other
reports on the online portal.
(2) Existing functionality.--To the extent possible, the
Director shall meet the requirements under paragraph (1) by
using existing online portals and functionality under the
authority of the Director.
(3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subtitle, the
Director shall consult with the Clerk of the House of
Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Librarian
of Congress regarding the requirements for and maintenance of
congressionally mandated reports on the reports online portal.
(b) Content and Function.--The Director shall ensure that the
reports online portal includes the following:
(1) Subject to subsection (c), with respect to each
congressionally mandated report, each of the following:
(A) A citation to the statute, conference report,
or resolution requiring the report.
(B) An electronic copy of the report, including any
transmittal letter associated with the report, in an
open format that is platform independent and that is
available to the public without restrictions, including
restrictions that would impede the re-use of the
information in the report.
(C) The ability to retrieve a report, to the extent
practicable, through searches based on each, and any
combination, of the following:
(i) The title of the report.
(ii) The reporting Federal agency.
(iii) The date of publication.
(iv) Each congressional committee receiving
the report, if applicable.
(v) The statute, resolution, or conference
report requiring the report.
(vi) Subject tags.
(vii) A unique alphanumeric identifier for
the report that is consistent across report
editions.
(viii) The serial number, Superintendent of
Documents number, or other identification
number for the report, if applicable.
(ix) Key words.
(x) Full text search.
(xi) Any other relevant information
specified by the Director.
(D) The date on which the report was required to be
submitted, and on which the report was submitted, to
the reports online portal.
(E) Access to the report not later than 30 calendar
days after its submission to Congress.
(F) To the extent practicable, a permanent means of
accessing the report electronically.
(2) A means for bulk download of all congressionally
mandated reports.
(3) A means for downloading individual reports as the
result of a search.
(4) An electronic means for the head of each Federal agency
to submit to the reports online portal each congressionally
mandated report of the agency, as required by section 4.
(5) In tabular form, a list of all congressionally mandated
reports that can be searched, sorted, and downloaded by--
(A) reports submitted within the required time;
(B) reports submitted after the date on which such
reports were required to be submitted; and
(C) reports not submitted.
(c) Noncompliance by Federal Agencies.--
(1) Reports not submitted.--If a Federal agency does not
submit a congressionally mandated report to the Director, the
Director shall to the extent practicable--
(A) include on the reports online portal--
(i) the information required under clauses
(i), (ii), (iv), and (v) of subsection
(b)(1)(C); and
(ii) the date on which the report was
required to be submitted; and
(B) include the congressionally mandated report on
the list described in subsection (b)(5)(C).
(2) Reports not in open format.--If a Federal agency
submits a congressionally mandated report that is not in an
open format, the Director shall include the congressionally
mandated report in another format on the reports online portal.
(d) Free Access.--The Director may not charge a fee, require
registration, or impose any other limitation in exchange for access to
the reports online portal.
(e) Upgrade Capability.--The reports online portal shall be
enhanced and updated as necessary to carry out the purposes of this
subtitle.
SEC. 8304. FEDERAL AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) Submission of Electronic Copies of Reports.--Concurrently with
the submission to Congress of each congressionally mandated report, the
head of the Federal agency submitting the congressionally mandated
report shall submit to the Director the information required under
subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 8303(b)(1) with respect to the
congressionally mandated report. Nothing in this subtitle shall relieve
a Federal agency of any other requirement to publish the
congressionally mandated report on the online portal of the Federal
agency or otherwise submit the congressionally mandated report to
Congress or specific committees of Congress, or subcommittees thereof.
(b) Guidance.--Not later than 240 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in
consultation with the Director, shall issue guidance to agencies on the
implementation of this Act.
(c) Structure of Submitted Report Data.--The head of each Federal
agency shall ensure that each congressionally mandated report submitted
to the Director complies with the open format criteria established by
the Director in the guidance issued under subsection (b).
(d) Point of Contact.--The head of each Federal agency shall
designate a point of contact for congressionally mandated report.
(e) List of Reports.--As soon as practicable each calendar year
(but not later than April 1), and on a rolling basis during the year if
feasible, the Librarian of Congress shall submit to the Director a list
of congressionally mandated reports from the previous calendar year, in
consultation with the Clerk of the House of Representatives, which
shall--
(1) be provided in an open format;
(2) include the information required under clauses (i),
(ii), (iv), and (v) of section 8303(b)(1)(C) for each report;
(3) include the frequency of the report;
(4) include a unique alphanumeric identifier for the report
that is consistent across report editions;
(5) include the date on which each report is required to be
submitted; and
(6) be updated and provided to the Director, as necessary.
SEC. 8305. REMOVING AND ALTERING REPORTS.
A report submitted to be published to the reports online portal may
only be changed or removed, with the exception of technical changes, by
the head of the Federal agency concerned if--
(1) the head of the Federal agency consults with each
congressional committee to which the report is submitted; and
(2) Congress enacts a joint resolution authorizing the
changing or removal of the report.
SEC. 8306. RELATIONSHIP TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to--
(1) require the disclosure of information or records that
are exempt from public disclosure under section 552 of title 5,
United States Code; or
(2) impose any affirmative duty on the Director to review
congressionally mandated reports submitted for publication to
the reports online portal for the purpose of identifying and
redacting such information or records.
(b) Redaction of Information.--The head of a Federal agency may
redact information required to be disclosed under this subtitle if the
information would be properly withheld from disclosure under section
552 of title 5, United States Code, and shall--
(1) redact information required to be disclosed under this
subtitle if disclosure of such information is prohibited by
law;
(2) redact information being withheld under this subsection
prior to submitting the information to the Director;
(3) redact only such information properly withheld under
this subsection from the submission of information or from any
congressionally mandated report submitted under this subtitle;
(4) identify where any such redaction is made in the
submission or report; and
(5) identify the exemption under which each such redaction
is made.
SEC. 8307. IMPLEMENTATION.
Except as provided in section 8304(b), this subtitle shall be
implemented not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act and shall apply with respect to congressionally mandated reports
submitted to Congress on or after the date that is 1 year after such
date of enactment.
Subtitle E--CLEAN Congress
SEC. 8401. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Citizen Legislature Anti-
Corruption Reform of Congress Act'' or the ``CLEAN Congress Act''.
SEC. 8402. PROHIBITING MULTIPLE SUBJECTS IN SINGLE BILL.
(a) In General.--Each bill, order, resolution, or vote submitted by
Congress to the President under section 7 of article I of the
Constitution of the United States shall embrace no more than one
subject, and that subject shall be clearly and descriptively expressed
in the title of the bill, order, resolution or vote.
(b) Effective Date.--Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the
One Hundred Sixteenth Congress and each succeeding Congress.
SEC. 8403. REQUIRING EQUAL APPLICATION OF LAWS TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any
provision of law that provides an exception in its application to a
Member of Congress or an employee of the office of a Member of Congress
shall have no effect.
(b) Clarification Relating to Exercise of Official or
Representational Duties.--Subsection (a) shall not be construed to
apply to provisions of law or rules which permit Members of Congress or
employees of offices of Members of Congress to carry out official
duties that are tied directly to lawmaking, including provisions or
rules permitting Members and employees to enter and use the United
States Capitol, the United States Capitol grounds, and other buildings
and facilities.
(c) Definition.--In this section, the term ``Member of Congress''
means a Senator or a Representative in, or Delegate or Resident
Commissioner to, the Congress.
Subtitle F--CLEAN Public Service
SEC. 8501. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Citizen Legislature Anti-
Corruption Reform of Public Service Act'' or the ``CLEAN Public Service
Act''.
SEC. 8502. TERMINATION OF FURTHER RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OF
CONGRESS.
(a) Amendments Relating to the Civil Service Retirement System.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8335
the following:
``Sec. 8335a. Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of
Congress
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this
subchapter and subject to subsection (f), effective on the date that is
90 days after the date of enactment of this section--
``(1) a Member shall not be subject to this subchapter for
any further period of time; and
``(2) no further Government contributions or deductions
from basic pay may be made with respect to such Member for
deposit in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of
the Fund.
``(b) Prior Rights Not Affected.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall
be considered to nullify, modify, or otherwise affect any right,
entitlement, or benefit under this subchapter with respect to any
Member covering any period prior to the date of enactment of this
section.
``(c) Right To Participate in Thrift Savings Plan Not Affected.--
Nothing in subsection (a) shall affect the eligibility of a Member to
participate in the Thrift Savings Plan in accordance with otherwise
applicable provisions of law.
``(d) Regulations.--Any regulations necessary to carry out this
section may--
``(1) except with respect to matters relating to the Thrift
Savings Plan, be prescribed by the Director of the Office of
Personnel Management; and
``(2) with respect to matters relating to the Thrift
Savings Plan, be prescribed by the Executive Director (as
defined by section 8401(13)).
``(e) Exclusion.--For purposes of this section, the term `Member'
does not include the Vice President.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 8335
the following:
``8335a. Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of
Congress.''.
(b) Amendments Relating to the Federal Employees Retirement
System.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 84 of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8425
the following:
``Sec. 8425a. Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of
Congress
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this
chapter, effective on the date that is 90 days after the date of
enactment of this section--
``(1) subject to subsection (f), in the case of an
individual who first becomes a Member before such date of
enactment--
``(A) such Member shall not be subject to this
chapter for any further period of time after such date
of enactment; and
``(B) no further Government contributions or
deductions from basic pay may be made with respect to
such Member for deposit in the Treasury of the United
States to the credit of the Fund; and
``(2) in the case of an individual who first becomes a
Member on or after such date of enactment--
``(A) such Member shall not be subject to this
chapter; and
``(B) no Government contributions or deductions
from basic pay may be made with respect to such Member
for deposit in the Treasury of the United States to the
credit of the Fund.
``(b) Prior Rights Not Affected.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall
be considered to nullify, modify, or otherwise affect any right,
entitlement, or benefit under this chapter with respect to any Member
covering any period prior to the date of enactment of this section.
``(c) Right To Participate in Thrift Savings Plan Not Affected.--
Nothing in subsection (a) shall affect the eligibility of a Member to
participate in the Thrift Savings Plan in accordance with otherwise
applicable provisions of law.
``(d) Regulations.--
``(1) In general.--Any regulations necessary to carry out
this section may--
``(A) except with respect to matters relating to
the Thrift Savings Plan, be prescribed by the Director
of the Office of Personnel Management; and
``(B) with respect to matters relating to the
Thrift Savings Plan, be prescribed by the Executive
Director (as defined by section 8401(13)).
``(2) Refunds.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), the
regulations under paragraph (1)(A) shall, in the case of a
Member who has not completed at least 5 years of civilian
service as of the date of enactment of this section, provide
that the lump-sum credit shall be payable to such Member to the
same extent and in the same manner as if such Member satisfied
paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 8424(a) as of such date
of enactment.
``(e) Exclusions.--For purposes of this section, the term `Member'
does not include the Vice President.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 8425
the following:
``8425a. Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of
Congress.''.
Subtitle G--No Budget, No Pay
SEC. 8601. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``No Budget, No Pay Act''.
SEC. 8602. DEFINITION.
In this subtitle, the term ``Member of Congress''--
(1) has the meaning given under section 2106 of title 5,
United States Code; and
(2) does not include the Vice President.
SEC. 8603. TIMELY APPROVAL OF CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET AND
THE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS.
If both Houses of Congress have not approved a concurrent
resolution on the budget as described under section 301 of the
Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 632)
for a fiscal year before October 1 of that fiscal year and have not
passed all the regular appropriations bills for the next fiscal year
before October 1 of that fiscal year, the pay of each Member of
Congress may not be paid for each day following that October 1 until
the date on which both Houses of Congress approve a concurrent
resolution on the budget for that fiscal year and all the regular
appropriations bills.
SEC. 8604. NO PAY WITHOUT CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET AND THE
APPROPRIATIONS BILLS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no
funds may be appropriated or otherwise be made available from the
United States Treasury for the pay of any Member of Congress during any
period determined by the Chairpersons of the Committee on the Budget
and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate or the Chairpersons
of the Committee on the Budget and the Committee on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives under section 8605.
(b) No Retroactive Pay.--A Member of Congress may not receive pay
for any period determined by the Chairpersons of the Committee on the
Budget and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate or the
Chairpersons of the Committee on the Budget and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives under section 8605, at
any time after the end of that period.
SEC. 8605. DETERMINATIONS.
(a) Senate.--
(1) Request for certifications.--On October 1 of each year,
the Secretary of the Senate shall submit a request to the
Chairpersons of the Committee on the Budget and the Committee
on Appropriations of the Senate for certification of
determinations made under paragraph (2) (A) and (B).
(2) Determinations.--The Chairpersons of the Committee on
the Budget and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate
shall--
(A) on October 1 of each year, make a determination
of whether Congress is in compliance with section 8603
and whether Senators may not be paid under that
section;
(B) determine the period of days following each
October 1 that Senators may not be paid under section
8603; and
(C) provide timely certification of the
determinations under subparagraphs (A) and (B) upon the
request of the Secretary of the Senate.
(b) House of Representatives.--
(1) Request for certifications.--On October 1 of each year,
the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of
Representatives shall submit a request to the Chairpersons of
the Committee on the Budget and the Committee on Appropriations
of the House of Representatives for certification of
determinations made under paragraph (2) (A) and (B).
(2) Determinations.--The Chairpersons of the Committee on
the Budget and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives shall--
(A) on October 1 of each year, make a determination
of whether Congress is in compliance with section 8603
and whether Members of the House of Representatives may
not be paid under that section;
(B) determine the period of days following each
October 1 that Members of the House of Representatives
may not be paid under section 8603; and
(C) provide timely certification of the
determinations under subparagraph (A) and (B) upon the
request of the Chief Administrative Officer of the
House of Representatives.
SEC. 8606. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This subtitle shall take effect on February 1, 2021.
Subtitle H--No Work, No Pay
SEC. 8701. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``No Work, No Pay Act of 2019''.
SEC. 8702. PROHIBITING PAYING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS DURING GOVERNMENT
SHUTDOWNS.
(a) Rule for One Hundred Sixteenth Congress.--
(1) Holding salaries in escrow.--If on any day during a pay
period occurring during the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress a
Government shutdown is in effect, the payroll administrator of
each House of Congress shall--
(A) deposit in an escrow account and exclude from
the payments otherwise required to be made with respect
to that pay period for the compensation of each Member
of Congress who serves in that House of Congress an
amount equal to the product of--
(i) the daily rate of pay of the Member
under section 601(a) of the Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 4501); and
(ii) the number of 24-hour periods during
the pay period during which the Government
shutdown is in effect; and
(B) release amounts deposited in an escrow account
under subparagraph (A) to such Member of Congress only
upon the expiration of the period described in
paragraph (2).
(2) Period described.--The period described in this
paragraph is the period that--
(A) begins on the first day on which the applicable
Government shutdown is in effect; and
(B) ends on the earlier of--
(i) the date on which the applicable
Government shutdown is no longer in effect; or
(ii) the last day of the One Hundred
Sixteenth Congress.
(3) Withholding and remittance of amounts from payments
held in escrow.--The payroll administrator of each House of
Congress shall provide for the same withholding and remittance
with respect to a payment deposited in an escrow account under
paragraph (1) that would apply to the payment if the payment
were not subject to paragraph (1).
(4) Release of amounts at end of the congress.--In order to
ensure that this subsection is carried out in a manner that
shall not vary the compensation of Senators or Representatives
in violation of the twenty-seventh amendment to the
Constitution of the United States, the payroll administrator of
a House of Congress shall release for payment to Members of
that House of Congress any amounts remaining in any escrow
account under this section on the last day of the One Hundred
Sixteenth Congress.
(b) Subsequent Congresses.--On and after the first day of the One
Hundred Seventeenth Congress, if on any day during a pay period a
Government shutdown is in effect, the payroll administrator of each
House of Congress shall exclude from the payments otherwise required to
be made with respect to that pay period for the compensation of each
Member of Congress who serves in that House of Congress an amount equal
to the product of--
(1) the daily rate of pay of the Member under section
601(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C.
4501); and
(2) the number of 24-hour periods during the pay period
during which the Government shutdown is in effect.
(c) Role of Secretary of the Treasury.--The Secretary of the
Treasury shall provide the payroll administrator of each House of
Congress with such assistance as may be necessary to enable the payroll
administrator to carry out this subtitle.
SEC. 8703. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle--
(1) the term ``Government shutdown'' means a lapse in
appropriations for one or more Federal agencies or departments
as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill
or continuing resolution;
(2) the term ``Member of Congress'' means an individual
serving in a position covered under subparagraph (A), (B), or
(C) of section 601(a)(1) of the Legislative Reorganization Act
of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 4501(1)); and
(3) the term ``payroll administrator'', with respect to a
House of Congress, means--
(A) in the case of the House of Representatives,
the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of
Representatives, or an employee of the Office of the
Chief Administrative Officer who is designated by the
Chief Administrative Officer to carry out this Act; and
(B) in the case of the Senate, the Secretary of the
Senate, or an employee of the Office of the Secretary
of the Senate who is designated by the Secretary to
carry out this Act.
Subtitle I--Severability
SEC. 8801. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this title or amendment made by this title, or
the application of a provision or amendment to any person or
circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this
title and amendments made by this title, and the application of the
provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance, shall not be
affected by the holding.
TITLE IX--PRESIDENTIAL, VICE PRESIDENTIAL, AND CONGRESSIONAL TAX
TRANSPARENCY
Sec. 9001. Presidential, Vice Presidential, and congressional tax
transparency.
SEC. 9001. PRESIDENTIAL, VICE PRESIDENTIAL, AND CONGRESSIONAL TAX
TRANSPARENCY.
(a) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) The term ``covered candidate'' means a candidate of a
major party in a general election for the office of President,
Vice President, Senator, or Representative in, or Delegate or
Resident Commissioner to, the Congress.
(2) The term ``major party'' has the meaning given the term
in section 9002 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(3) The term ``income tax return'' means, with respect to
an individual, any return (as such term is defined in section
6103(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) of such
individual other than--
(A) information returns issued to persons other
than such individual, and
(B) declarations of estimated tax.
(4) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the
Treasury or the delegate of the Secretary.
(b) Disclosure.--
(1) In general.--
(A) Candidates for federal office.--Not later than
the date that is 15 days after the date on which an
individual becomes a covered candidate, the individual
shall submit to the Federal Election Commission a copy
of the individual's income tax returns for the 10 most
recent taxable years for which a return has been filed
with the Internal Revenue Service.
(B) Federal officeholders.--With respect to each
taxable year for an individual who is the President or
Vice President, who is a Senator, or who is a
Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner
to, the Congress, not later than the due date for the
return of tax for the taxable year, such individual
shall submit to the Federal Election Commission a copy
of the individual's income tax returns for the taxable
year and for the 9 preceding taxable years.
(C) Transition rule for sitting officeholders.--Not
later than the date that is 30 days after the date of
enactment of this section, an individual who is the
President or Vice President, who is a Senator, or who
is a Representative in, or Delegate or Resident
Commissioner to, the Congress, on such date of
enactment shall submit to the Federal Election
Commission a copy of the income tax returns for the 10
most recent taxable years for which a return has been
filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
(2) Failure to disclose.--If any requirement under
paragraph (1) to submit an income tax return is not met, the
chairman of the Federal Election Commission shall submit to the
Secretary a written request that the Secretary provide the
Federal Election Commission with the income tax return.
(3) Publicly available.--The chairman of the Federal
Election Commission shall make publicly available each income
tax return submitted under paragraph (1) in the same manner as
a return provided under section 6103(l)(23) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section).
(4) Treatment as a report under the federal election
campaign act of 1971.--For purposes of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971, any income tax return submitted under
paragraph (1) or provided under section 6103(l)(23) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section) shall,
after redaction under paragraph (3) or subparagraph (B)(ii) of
such section, be treated as a report filed under the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971.
(c) Disclosure of Returns.--
(1) In general.--Section 6103(l) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(23) Disclosure of return information of federal
officeholders and certain candidates for federal office.--
``(A) In general.--Upon written request by the
chairman of the Federal Election Commission under
section 10001(b)(2) of the Nonpartisan Bill For the
People Act of 2019, the Secretary shall provide copies
of any return which is so requested to officers and
employees of the Federal Election Commission whose
official duties require access to such return under
this paragraph.
``(B) Disclosure to the public.--
``(i) In general.--The chairman of the
Federal Election Commission shall make publicly
available any return which is provided under
subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Redaction of certain information.--
Before making publicly available under clause
(i) any return, the chairman of the Federal
Election Commission shall redact such
information as the Federal Election Commission
and the Secretary jointly determine is
necessary for protecting against identity
theft, such as social security numbers.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Section 6103(p)(4) of such Code
is amended--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by
striking ``or (22)'' and inserting ``(22), or (23)'',
and
(B) in subparagraph (F)(ii) by striking ``or (22)''
and inserting ``(22), or (23)''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply to disclosures made on or after the date of
enactment of this Act.
<all>