[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 195 (Thursday, December 15, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7253-S7260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
By Mr. KAINE (for himself and Ms. Collins):
S. 5266. A bill to reauthorize the program for infant and early
childhood mental health promotion, intervention, and treatment; to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the
need to expand mental health services for children in the United
States. More than 20 percent of parents with children aged 5-12 years
reported that their children experienced worsened mental or emotional
health as a result of the pandemic. In Virginia, one in five children
experience symptoms of a mental health disorder. Schools, childcare
settings, and communities are in need of additional support to address
the needs of our Nation's children and families.
Early identification and intervention for emotional or behavioral
disorders for infants and young children may help to prevent more
severe mental health issues in later youth and adulthood. That is why
Senator Collins and I are introducing the Investing in Infant and Early
Childhood Mental Health Act to reauthorize the Infant and Early
Childhood Mental Health--IECMH--program through the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA. First
[[Page S7254]]
authorized in 2016 under the 21st Century Cures Act, the goal of the
IECMH program is to improve outcomes for children, from birth up to 12
years of age, by developing, maintaining, or enhancing infant and early
childhood mental health promotion, intervention, and treatment
services.
Since 2018, SAMHSA has provided $20 million in funding to support
infant and early childhood mental health programs across the country.
This funding has been used to train the mental health workforce and
provide screenings and referrals for evidence-based mental health
services for children and families. To date, grantees have trained
nearly 10,000 mental health professionals and screened over 17,000
children and families.
Reauthorizing the IECMH program will allow SAMSHA to continue this
important work to address childhood mental health through fiscal year
2027. The bill also includes a $30 million increase in funding to
expand these services and would allow SAMSHA to provide technical
assistance to grantees, either directly or through grants or contracts
to nonprofit entities. Language to reauthorize the IECMH program was
included in the Supporting Children's Mental Health Care Access Act of
2022 introduced by Representatives Kim Schrier and Mariannette Miller-
Meeks, which was included in the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and
Well-Being Act that passed out of the House in June 2022. I urge my
colleagues to support this bill so we can continue to address the
mental health crisis among our children.
______
By Mr. DURBIN:
S. 5274. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reinstate
criminal penalties for persons charging veterans unauthorized fees
relating to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of
the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 5274
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. REINSTATEMENT OF PENALTIES FOR CHARGING VETERANS
UNAUTHORIZED FEES RELATING TO CLAIMS FOR
BENEFITS UNDER LAWS ADMINISTERED BY THE
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 5905 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``Penalty'' and
inserting ``Penalties'' (and conforming the table of sections
at the beginning of chapter 59 of such title accordingly);
(2) by striking ``Whoever'' and inserting the following:
``(a) Withholding of Benefits.--Whoever''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) Charging of Unauthorized Fees.--Except as provided in
sections 5904 or 1984 of this title, whoever solicits,
contracts for, charges, or receives, or attempts to solicit,
contract for, charge, or receive, any fee or compensation
with respect to the preparation, presentation, or prosecution
of any claim for benefits under the laws administered by the
Secretary shall be fined as provided in title 18.''.
SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON ATTORNEY FEES FOR FEDERAL CAUSE OF
ACTION RELATING TO WATER AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH
CAROLINA.
Section 804 of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson
Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of
2022 (Public Law 117-168; 28 U.S.C. 2671 note prec.) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Attorney Fees.--
``(1) Limitations.--No legal representative of an
individual who brings an action under subsection (b) or who
presents a claim under section 2675 of title 28, United
States Code, pursuant to subsection (h) shall charge, demand,
receive, or collect for services rendered in bringing such
action or presenting such claim, fees in excess of--
``(A) 20 percent of an award, compromise, or settlement
made or reached within 180 days after presenting a claim
under section 2675 of title 28, United States Code, pursuant
to subsection (h); and
``(B) 33.3 percent on a claim that is resolved by
settlement, compromise, or judgement after the initiation of
an action.
``(2) Terms for payment of fees.--Any judgment rendered,
settlement entered, compromise made, or other award made with
respect to an action brought under subsection (b) or a claim
presented under section 2675 of title 28, United States Code,
pursuant to subsection (h) by a legal representative of an
individual shall require the following:
``(A) All funds from the judgment, settlement, compromise,
or other award shall be deposited into an account held in
trust for the individual in accordance with all applicable
provisions of State law.
``(B) The legal representative shall--
``(i) once any funds described in subparagraph (A) have
been deposited into an account pursuant to such subparagraph,
notify the individual of such deposit; and
``(ii) promptly deliver to such individual such amount of
such funds as the individual is entitled to receive.
``(C) That no funds shall be paid from the account
described in subparagraph (A) to a legal representative of
the individual as compensation for services rendered to such
individual until the relevant funds from such account have
been disbursed to the individual in accordance with
subparagraph (B).
``(3) Penalties.--
``(A) Fee limitations.--Any legal representative who
charges, demands, receives, or collects for services rendered
in connection with an action under subsection (b) or a claim
under section 2675 of title 28, United States Code, pursuant
to subsection (h), any amount in excess of that allowed under
paragraph (1) of this subsection, if recovery be had, shall
be fined not more than $5,000.
``(B) Terms for payment.--Failure of a legal representative
subject to paragraph (2) to comply with a requirement of such
paragraph shall be punishable consistent with the penalties
provided in section 2678 of title 28, United States Code.
``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed to annul, alter, affect, or exempt any
person from complying with the laws of any State or locality
with respect to the practice of law, except to the extent
that those laws are inconsistent with any provision of this
subsection, and then only to the extent of the
inconsistency.''.
______
By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Markey, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Sanders,
Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Smith, Mr. Schatz, and Ms. Warren):
S. 5277. A bill to reform the financing of Senate elections, and for
other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of
the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 5277
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Fair
Elections Now Act of 2022''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--SMALL DONOR INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
Sec. 101. Sense of the Senate regarding small donor incentive programs.
TITLE II--SMALL DOLLAR FINANCING OF SENATE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
Sec. 201. Eligibility requirements and benefits of fair elections
financing of Senate election campaigns.
Sec. 202. Prohibition on joint fundraising committees.
Sec. 203. Exception to limitation on coordinated expenditures by
political party committees with participating candidates.
TITLE III--RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION
Sec. 301. Petition for certiorari.
Sec. 302. Electronic filing of FEC reports.
TITLE IV--REVENUE PROVISIONS
Sec. 401. Freedom From Influence Fund revenue.
TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 501. Severability.
Sec. 502. Effective date.
TITLE I--SMALL DONOR INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
SEC. 101. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING SMALL DONOR INCENTIVE
PROGRAMS.
It is the sense of the Senate that Congress should take
steps to allow more Americans to fully participate in our
democracy through authorizing publicly financed small donor
incentive programs, including small-dollar voucher programs
that broaden and diversify the number of Americans who are
able to have their voice heard in the marketplace of ideas.
TITLE II--SMALL DOLLAR FINANCING OF SENATE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
SEC. 201. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS OF FAIR
ELECTIONS FINANCING OF SENATE ELECTION
CAMPAIGNS.
The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``TITLE V--FAIR ELECTIONS FINANCING OF SENATE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
``Subtitle A--General Provisions
``SEC. 501. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
[[Page S7255]]
``(1) Allocation from the fund.--The term `allocation from
the Fund' means an allocation of money from the Freedom From
Influence Fund to a participating candidate pursuant to
section 522.
``(2) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the Federal
Election Commission.
``(3) Enhanced matching contribution.--The term `enhanced
matching contribution' means an enhanced matching payment
provided to a participating candidate for qualified small
dollar contributions, as provided under section 524.
``(4) Enhanced support qualifying period.--The term
`enhanced support qualifying period' means, with respect to a
general election, the period which begins 60 days before the
date of the election and ends 14 days before the date of the
election.
``(5) Fair elections qualifying period.--The term `Fair
Elections qualifying period' means, with respect to any
candidate for Senator, the period--
``(A) beginning on the date on which the candidate files a
statement of intent under section 511(a)(1); and
``(B) ending on the date that is 30 days before--
``(i) the date of the primary election; or
``(ii) in the case of a State that does not hold a primary
election, the date prescribed by State law as the last day to
qualify for a position on the general election ballot.
``(6) Fair elections start date.--The term `Fair Elections
start date' means, with respect to any candidate, the date
that is 180 days before--
``(A) the date of the primary election; or
``(B) in the case of a State that does not hold a primary
election, the date prescribed by State law as the last day to
qualify for a position on the general election ballot.
``(7) Fund.--The term `Fund' means the Freedom From
Influence Fund established by section 502.
``(8) Immediate family.--The term `immediate family' means,
with respect to any candidate--
``(A) the candidate's spouse;
``(B) a child, stepchild, parent, grandparent, brother,
half-brother, sister, or half-sister of the candidate or the
candidate's spouse; and
``(C) the spouse of any person described in subparagraph
(B).
``(9) Matching contribution.--The term `matching
contribution' means a matching payment provided to a
participating candidate for qualified small dollar
contributions, as provided under section 523.
``(10) Nonparticipating candidate.--The term
`nonparticipating candidate' means a candidate for Senator
who is not a participating candidate.
``(11) Participating candidate.--The term `participating
candidate' means a candidate for Senator who is certified
under section 514 as being eligible to receive an allocation
from the Fund.
``(12) Qualifying contribution.--The term `qualifying
contribution' means, with respect to a candidate, a
contribution that--
``(A) is in an amount that is--
``(i) not less than $5; and
``(ii) not more than $200;
``(B) is made by an individual who is not otherwise
prohibited from making a contribution under this Act;
``(C) is made during the Fair Elections qualifying period;
and
``(D) meets the requirements of section 512(b).
``(13) Qualified small dollar contribution.--The term
`qualified small dollar contribution' means, with respect to
a candidate, any contribution (or series of contributions)--
``(A) which is not a qualifying contribution (or does not
include a qualifying contribution);
``(B) which is made by an individual who is not prohibited
from making a contribution under this Act; and
``(C) the aggregate amount of which does not exceed $200
per election.
``(14) Qualifying multicandidate political committee
contribution.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualifying multicandidate
political committee contribution' means any contribution to a
candidate that is made from a qualified account of a
multicandidate political committee (within the meaning of
section 315(a)(2)).
``(B) Qualified account.--For purposes of subparagraph (A),
the term `qualified account' means, with respect to a
multicandidate political committee, a separate, segregated
account of the committee that consists solely of
contributions which meet the following requirements:
``(i) All contributions to such account are made by
individuals who are not prohibited from making contributions
under this Act.
``(ii) The aggregate amount of contributions from each
individual to such account and all other accounts of the
political committee do not exceed the amount described in
paragraph (13)(C).
``SEC. 502. FREEDOM FROM INFLUENCE FUND.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury
a fund to be known as the `Freedom from Influence Fund'.
``(b) Amounts Held by Fund.--The Fund shall consist of the
following amounts:
``(1) Appropriated amounts.--
``(A) In general.--Amounts appropriated to the Fund.
``(B) Sense of the senate regarding appropriations.--It is
the sense of the Senate that--
``(i) there should be imposed on any payment made to any
person (other than a State or local government or a foreign
nation) who has a contract with the Government of the United
States in excess of $10,000,000 a tax equal to 0.50 percent
of amount paid pursuant to each contract, except that the
aggregate tax on each contract for any taxable year shall not
exceed $500,000; and
``(ii) the revenue from such tax should be appropriated to
the Fund.
``(2) Voluntary contributions.--Voluntary contributions to
the Fund.
``(3) Other deposits.--Amounts deposited into the Fund
under--
``(A) section 513(c) (relating to exceptions to
contribution requirements);
``(B) section 521(c) (relating to remittance of allocations
from the Fund);
``(C) section 532 (relating to violations); and
``(D) any other section of this Act.
``(4) Investment returns.--Interest on, and the proceeds
from, the sale or redemption of, any obligations held by the
Fund under subsection (c).
``(c) Investment.--The Commission shall invest portions of
the Fund in obligations of the United States in the same
manner as provided under section 9602(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986.
``(d) Use of Fund.--
``(1) In general.--The sums in the Fund shall be used to
provide benefits to participating candidates as provided in
subtitle C.
``(2) Insufficient amounts.--Under regulations established
by the Commission, rules similar to the rules of section
9006(c) of the Internal Revenue Code shall apply.
``Subtitle B--Eligibility and Certification
``SEC. 511. ELIGIBILITY.
``(a) In General.--A candidate for Senator is eligible to
receive an allocation from the Fund for any election if the
candidate meets the following requirements:
``(1) The candidate files with the Commission a statement
of intent to seek certification as a participating candidate
under this title during the period beginning on the Fair
Elections start date and ending on the last day of the Fair
Elections qualifying period.
``(2) The candidate meets the qualifying contribution
requirements of section 512.
``(3) The candidate files with the Commission a statement
certifying that the authorized committees of the candidate
meet the requirements of section 513(d)(2).
``(4) Not later than the last day of the Fair Elections
qualifying period, the candidate files with the Commission an
affidavit signed by the candidate and the treasurer of the
candidate's principal campaign committee declaring that the
candidate--
``(A) has complied and, if certified, will comply with the
contribution and expenditure requirements of section 513;
``(B) if certified, will not run as a nonparticipating
candidate during such year in any election for the office
that such candidate is seeking; and
``(C) has either qualified or will take steps to qualify
under State law to be on the ballot.
``(b) General Election.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a
candidate shall not be eligible to receive an allocation from
the Fund for a general election or a general runoff election
unless the candidate's party nominated the candidate to be
placed on the ballot for the general election or the
candidate otherwise qualified to be on the ballot under State
law.
``SEC. 512. QUALIFYING CONTRIBUTION REQUIREMENT.
``(a) In General.--A candidate for Senator meets the
requirement of this section if, during the Fair Elections
qualifying period, the candidate obtains--
``(1) a number of qualifying contributions equal to the sum
of--
``(A) 2,000; plus
``(B) 500 for each congressional district in the State with
respect to which the candidate is seeking election; and
``(2) a total dollar amount of qualifying contributions
equal to 10 percent of the amount of the allocation such
candidate would be entitled to receive for the primary
election under section 522(c)(1) (determined without regard
to paragraph (5) thereof) if such candidate were a
participating candidate.
``(b) Requirements Relating to Receipt of Qualifying
Contribution.--Each qualifying contribution--
``(1) may be made by means of a personal check, money
order, debit card, credit card, or electronic payment
account;
``(2) shall be accompanied by a signed statement containing
the contributor's name and the contributor's address in the
State in which the contributor is registered to vote; and
``(3) shall be acknowledged by a receipt that is sent to
the contributor with a copy kept by the candidate for the
Commission and a copy kept by the candidate for the election
authorities in the State with respect to which the candidate
is seeking election.
``(c) Verification of Qualifying Contributions.--The
Commission shall establish procedures for the auditing and
verification of qualifying contributions to ensure that such
contributions meet the requirements of this section.
``SEC. 513. CONTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) General Rule.--A candidate for Senator meets the
requirements of this section if, during the election cycle of
the candidate, the candidate--
[[Page S7256]]
``(1) except as provided in subsection (b), accepts no
contributions other than--
``(A) qualifying contributions;
``(B) qualified small dollar contributions;
``(C) qualifying multicandidate political committee
contributions;
``(D) allocations from the Fund under section 522;
``(E) matching contributions under section 523;
``(F) enhanced matching contributions under section 524;
``(G) vouchers provided to the candidate under section 525;
``(H) subject to subsection (c), personal funds of the
candidate or of any immediate family member of the candidate
(other than funds received through qualified small dollar
contributions); and
``(I) subject to subsection (d), contributions from
individuals who are otherwise permitted to make contributions
under this Act, subject to the applicable limitations of
section 315, except that the aggregate amount of
contributions a participating candidate may accept from any
individual with respect to any election during the election
cycle may not exceed $1,000; and
``(2) makes no expenditures from any amounts other than
from--
``(A) qualifying contributions;
``(B) qualified small dollar contributions;
``(C) qualifying multicandidate political committee
contributions;
``(D) allocations from the Fund under section 522;
``(E) matching contributions under section 523;
``(F) enhanced matching contributions under section 524;
``(G) vouchers provided to the candidate under section 525;
``(H) subject to subsection (c), personal funds of the
candidate or of any immediate family member of the candidate
(other than funds received through qualified small dollar
contributions); and
``(I) subject to subsection (d), contributions from
individuals who are otherwise permitted to make contributions
under this Act, subject to the applicable limitations of
section 315, except that the aggregate amount of
contributions a participating candidate may accept from any
individual with respect to any election during the election
cycle may not exceed $1,000.
For purposes of this subsection, a payment made by a
political party in coordination with a participating
candidate shall not be treated as a contribution to or as an
expenditure made by the participating candidate.
``(b) Contributions for Leadership PACs, etc.--A political
committee of a participating candidate which is not an
authorized committee of such candidate may accept
contributions other than contributions described in
subsection (a)(1) from any person if--
``(1) the aggregate contributions from such person for any
calendar year do not exceed $200; and
``(2) no portion of such contributions is disbursed in
connection with the campaign of the participating candidate.
``(c) Special Rules for Personal Funds.--A candidate who is
certified as a participating candidate may use personal funds
(including personal funds of any immediate family member of
the candidate) so long as--
``(1) the aggregate amount used with respect to the
election cycle (including any period of the cycle occurring
prior to the candidate's certification as a participating
candidate) does not exceed $50,000; and
``(2) the funds are used only for making direct payments
for the receipt of goods and services which constitute
authorized expenditures in connection with the election cycle
involved.
``(d) Requirements Relating to Subsequent Contributions and
Notification Requirements.--
``(1) Restriction on subsequent contributions.--
``(A) Prohibiting donor from making subsequent nonqualified
contributions during election cycle.--An individual who makes
a qualified small dollar contribution to a candidate with
respect to an election may not make any subsequent
contribution to such candidate with respect to the election
cycle which is not a qualified small dollar contribution.
``(B) Treatment of subsequent nonqualified contributions.--
If, notwithstanding the prohibition described in subparagraph
(A), an individual who makes a qualified small dollar
contribution to a candidate with respect to an election makes
a subsequent contribution to such candidate with respect to
the election which is prohibited under subparagraph (A)
because it is not a qualified small dollar contribution, the
candidate may take one of the following actions:
``(i) Not later than 2 weeks after receiving the
contribution, the candidate may return the subsequent
contribution to the individual. In the case of a subsequent
contribution which is not a qualified small dollar
contribution because the contribution fails to meet the
requirements of paragraph (13)(C) of section 501 (relating to
the aggregate amount of qualified small dollar contributions
that may be made by an individual to a candidate), the
candidate may return an amount equal to the difference
between the amount of the subsequent contribution and the
amount described in such paragraph.
``(ii) The candidate may retain the subsequent
contribution, so long as not later than 2 weeks after
receiving the subsequent contribution, the candidate remits
to the Commission for deposit in the Freedom from Influence
Fund established by section 502 an amount equal to any
payments received by the candidate under this title which are
attributable to the qualified small dollar contribution made
by the individual involved.
``(C) No effect on ability to make multiple
contributions.--Nothing in this subsection may be construed
to prohibit an individual from making multiple qualified
small dollar contributions to any candidate or any number of
candidates, so long as each contribution meets the definition
of a qualified small dollar contribution under section
501(13).
``(2) Notification requirements for candidates.--
``(A) Notification.--Each authorized committee of a
candidate who seeks to be a participating candidate under
this title shall provide the following information in any
materials for the solicitation of contributions, including
any internet site through which individuals may make
contributions to the committee:
``(i) A statement that if the candidate is certified as a
participating candidate under this title, the candidate will
receive matching payments in an amount which is based on the
total amount of qualified small dollar contributions
received.
``(ii) A statement that a contribution which meets the
definition of a qualified small dollar contribution under
section 501(13) shall be treated as a qualified small dollar
contribution under this title.
``(iii) A statement that if a contribution is treated as
qualified small dollar contribution under this title, the
individual who makes the contribution may not make any
contribution to the candidate or the authorized committees of
the candidate during the election cycle which is not a
qualified small dollar contribution.
``(B) Alternative methods of meeting requirements.--An
authorized committee may meet the requirements of
subparagraph (A)--
``(i) by including the information described in paragraph
(1) in the receipt provided under section 512(b)(3) to a
person making a qualified small dollar contribution; or
``(ii) by modifying the information it provides to persons
making contributions which is otherwise required under title
III (including information it provides through the internet).
``(e) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a
candidate shall not be treated as having failed to meet the
requirements of this section if any contributions that are
not qualified small dollar contributions, qualifying
contributions, qualifying multicandidate political committee
contributions, or contributions that meet the requirements of
subsection (b) and that are accepted before the date the
candidate files a statement of intent under section 511(a)(1)
are--
``(1) returned to the contributor; or
``(2) submitted to the Commission for deposit in the Fund.
``SEC. 514. CERTIFICATION.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 5 days after a candidate
for Senator files an affidavit under section 511(a)(4), the
Commission shall--
``(1) certify whether or not the candidate is a
participating candidate; and
``(2) notify the candidate of the Commission's
determination.
``(b) Revocation of Certification.--
``(1) In general.--The Commission may revoke a
certification under subsection (a) if--
``(A) a candidate fails to qualify to appear on the ballot
at any time after the date of certification; or
``(B) a candidate otherwise fails to comply with the
requirements of this title, including any regulatory
requirements prescribed by the Commission.
``(2) Repayment of benefits.--If certification is revoked
under paragraph (1), the candidate shall repay to the Fund an
amount equal to the value of benefits received under this
title plus interest (at a rate determined by the Commission)
on any such amount received.
``Subtitle C--Benefits
``SEC. 521. BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES.
``(a) In General.--For each election with respect to which
a candidate is certified as a participating candidate under
section 514, such candidate shall be entitled to--
``(1) an allocation from the Fund to make or obligate to
make expenditures with respect to such election, as provided
in section 522;
``(2) matching contributions, as provided in section 523;
``(3) enhanced matching contributions, as provided in
section 524; and
``(4) for the general election, vouchers for broadcasts of
political advertisements, as provided in section 525.
``(b) Restriction on Uses of Allocations From the Fund.--
Allocations from the Fund received by a participating
candidate under section 522, matching contributions under
section 523, and enhanced matching contributions under
section 524 may only be used for campaign-related costs.
``(c) Remitting Allocations From the Fund.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than the date that is 180 days
after an election in which the participating candidate
appeared on the ballot, such participating candidate shall
remit to the Commission for deposit in the Fund an amount
equal to the lesser of--
[[Page S7257]]
``(A) the amount of money in the candidate's campaign
account; or
``(B) the sum of the allocations from the Fund received by
the candidate under section 522, the matching contributions
received by the candidate under section 523, and the enhanced
matching contributions under section 524.
``(2) Exceptions.--
``(A) Subsequent election.--In the case of a candidate who
qualifies to be on the ballot for a primary runoff election,
a general election, or a general runoff election, the amounts
described in paragraph (1) may be retained by the candidate
and used in such subsequent election.
``(B) Candidate seeking certification for next election
cycle.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a participating
candidate may withhold not more than $100,000 from the amount
required to be remitted under paragraph (1) if the candidate
files a signed affidavit with the Commission that the
candidate will seek certification as a participating
candidate with respect to the next election cycle, except
that the candidate may not use any portion of the amount
withheld until the candidate is certified as a participating
candidate with respect to that next election cycle. If the
candidate fails to seek certification as a participating
candidate prior to the last day of the qualifying period for
the next election cycle (as described in section 511), or if
the Commission notifies the candidate of the Commission's
determination that the candidate does not meet the
requirements for certification as a participating candidate
with respect to such cycle, the candidate shall immediately
remit to the Commission the amount withheld.
``SEC. 522. ALLOCATIONS FROM THE FUND.
``(a) In General.--The Commission shall make allocations
from the Fund under section 521(a)(1) to a participating
candidate--
``(1) in the case of amounts provided under subsection
(d)(1), after the date on which such candidate is certified
as a participating candidate under section 514;
``(2) in the case of a general election after--
``(A) the date of the certification of the results of the
primary election or the primary runoff election; or
``(B) in any case in which there is no primary election,
the date the candidate qualifies to be placed on the ballot;
and
``(3) in the case of a primary runoff election or a general
runoff election, after the certification of the results of
the primary election or the general election, as the case may
be.
``(b) Method of Payment.--The Commission shall distribute
funds available to participating candidates under this
section through the use of an electronic funds exchange or a
debit card.
``(c) Timing of Payment.--The Commission shall, in
coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, take such
steps as may be necessary to ensure that the Secretary is
able to make payments under this section from the Treasury
not later than 2 business days after date of the applicable
certification as described in subsection (a).
``(d) Amounts.--
``(1) Primary election allocation; initial allocation.--
Except as provided in paragraph (5), the Commission shall
make an allocation from the Fund for a primary election to a
participating candidate in an amount equal to 67 percent of
the base amount with respect to such participating candidate.
``(2) Primary runoff election allocation.--The Commission
shall make an allocation from the Fund for a primary runoff
election to a participating candidate in an amount equal to
25 percent of the amount the participating candidate was
eligible to receive under this section for the primary
election.
``(3) General election allocation.--Except as provided in
paragraph (5), the Commission shall make an allocation from
the Fund for a general election to a participating candidate
in an amount equal to the base amount with respect to such
candidate.
``(4) General runoff election allocation.--The Commission
shall make an allocation from the Fund for a general runoff
election to a participating candidate in an amount equal to
25 percent of the base amount with respect to such candidate.
``(5) Uncontested elections.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a primary or general
election that is an uncontested election, the Commission
shall make an allocation from the Fund to a participating
candidate for such election in an amount equal to 25 percent
of the allocation which such candidate would be entitled to
under this section for such election if this paragraph did
not apply.
``(B) Uncontested election defined.--For purposes of this
subparagraph, an election is uncontested if not more than 1
candidate has campaign funds (including payments from the
Fund) in an amount equal to or greater than 10 percent of the
allocation a participating candidate would be entitled to
receive under this section for such election if this
paragraph did not apply.
``(e) Base Amount.--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, the base amount for any candidate is an amount
equal to the sum of--
``(A) $750,000; plus
``(B) $150,000 for each congressional district in the State
with respect to which the candidate is seeking election.
``(2) Indexing.--In each even-numbered year after 2027--
``(A) each dollar amount under paragraph (1) shall be
increased by the percent difference between the price index
(as defined in section 315(c)(2)(A)) for the 12 months
preceding the beginning of such calendar year and the price
index for calendar year 2022;
``(B) each dollar amount so increased shall remain in
effect for the 2-year period beginning on the first day
following the date of the last general election in the year
preceding the year in which the amount is increased and
ending on the date of the next general election; and
``(C) if any amount after adjustment under subparagraph (A)
is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to
the nearest multiple of $100.
``SEC. 523. MATCHING PAYMENTS FOR QUALIFIED SMALL DOLLAR
CONTRIBUTIONS.
``(a) In General.--The Commission shall pay to each
participating candidate an amount equal to 600 percent of the
amount of qualified small dollar contributions received by
the candidate from individuals after the date on which such
candidate is certified under section 514.
``(b) Limitation.--The aggregate payments under subsection
(a) with respect to any candidate shall not exceed 400
percent of the allocation such candidate is entitled to
receive for such election under section 522 (determined
without regard to subsection (d)(5) thereof).
``(c) Time of Payment.--The Commission shall make payments
under this section not later than 2 business days after the
receipt of a report made under subsection (d).
``(d) Reports.--
``(1) In general.--Each participating candidate shall file
reports of receipts of qualified small dollar contributions
at such times and in such manner as the Commission may by
regulations prescribe.
``(2) Contents of reports.--Each report under this
subsection shall disclose--
``(A) the amount of each qualified small dollar
contribution received by the candidate; and
``(B) the name, address, and occupation of each individual
who made a qualified small dollar contribution to the
candidate.
``(3) Frequency of reports.--Reports under this subsection
shall be made no more frequently than--
``(A) once every month until the date that is 90 days
before the date of the election; and
``(B) once every week after the period described in
subparagraph (A) and until the date of the election.
``(4) Limitation on regulations.--The Commission may not
prescribe any regulations with respect to reporting under
this subsection with respect to any election after the date
that is 180 days before the date of such election.
``(e) Appeals.--The Commission shall provide a written
explanation with respect to any denial of any payment under
this section and shall provide the opportunity for review and
reconsideration within 5 business days of such denial.
``SEC. 524. ENHANCED MATCHING SUPPORT.
``(a) In General.--In addition to the payments made under
section 523, the Commission shall make an additional payment
to an eligible candidate under this section.
``(b) Eligibility.--A candidate is eligible to receive an
additional payment under this section if the candidate meets
each of the following requirements:
``(1) The candidate is on the ballot for the general
election for the office the candidate seeks.
``(2) The candidate is certified as a participating
candidate under this title with respect to the election.
``(3) During the enhanced support qualifying period, the
candidate receives qualified small dollar contributions in a
total amount of not less than the sum of $15,000 for each
congressional district in the State with respect to which the
candidate is seeking election.
``(4) During the enhanced support qualifying period, the
candidate submits to the Commission a request for the payment
which includes--
``(A) a statement of the number and amount of qualified
small dollar contributions received by the candidate during
the enhanced support qualifying period;
``(B) a statement of the amount of the payment the
candidate anticipates receiving with respect to the request;
and
``(C) such other information and assurances as the
Commission may require.
``(5) After submitting a request for the additional payment
under paragraph (4), the candidate does not submit any other
application for an additional payment under this title.
``(c) Amount.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the amount of
the additional payment made to an eligible candidate under
this subtitle shall be an amount equal to 50 percent of--
``(A) the amount of the payment made to the candidate under
section 523 with respect to the qualified small dollar
contributions which are received by the candidate during the
enhanced support qualifying period (as included in the
request submitted by the candidate under (b)(4)(A)); or
``(B) in the case of a candidate who is not eligible to
receive a payment under section 523 with respect to such
qualified small dollar contributions because the candidate
has reached the limit on the aggregate amount of payments
under section 523, the amount of the payment which would have
been made to
[[Page S7258]]
the candidate under section 523 with respect to such
qualified small dollar contributions if the candidate had not
reached such limit.
``(2) Limit.--The amount of the additional payment
determined under paragraph (1) with respect to a candidate
may not exceed the sum of $150,000 for each congressional
district in the State with respect to which the candidate is
seeking election.
``(3) No effect on aggregate limit.--The amount of the
additional payment made to a candidate under this section
shall not be included in determining the aggregate amount of
payments made to a participating candidate with respect to an
election cycle under section 523.
``SEC. 525. POLITICAL ADVERTISING VOUCHERS.
``(a) In General.--The Commission shall establish and
administer a voucher program for the purchase of airtime on
broadcasting stations for political advertisements in
accordance with the provisions of this section.
``(b) Candidates.--The Commission shall only disburse
vouchers under the program established under subsection (a)
to participants certified pursuant to section 514 who have
agreed in writing to keep and furnish to the Commission such
records, books, and other information as it may require.
``(c) Amounts.--The Commission shall disburse vouchers to
each candidate certified under subsection (b) in an aggregate
amount equal to $100,000 multiplied by the number of
congressional districts in the State with respect to which
such candidate is running for office.
``(d) Use.--
``(1) Exclusive use.--Vouchers disbursed by the Commission
under this section may be used only for the purchase of
broadcast airtime for political advertisements relating to a
general election for the office of Senate by the
participating candidate to which the vouchers were disbursed,
except that--
``(A) a candidate may exchange vouchers with a political
party under paragraph (2); and
``(B) a political party may use vouchers only to purchase
broadcast airtime for political advertisements for generic
party advertising (as defined by the Commission in
regulations), to support candidates for State or local office
in a general election, or to support participating candidates
of the party in a general election for Federal office, but
only if it discloses the value of the voucher used as an
expenditure under section 315(d).
``(2) Exchange with political party committee.--
``(A) In general.--A participating candidate who receives a
voucher under this section may transfer the right to use all
or a portion of the value of the voucher to a committee of
the political party of which the individual is a candidate
(or, in the case of a participating candidate who is not a
member of any political party, to a committee of the
political party of that candidate's choice) in exchange for
money in an amount equal to the cash value of the voucher or
portion exchanged.
``(B) Continuation of candidate obligations.--The transfer
of a voucher, in whole or in part, to a political party
committee under this paragraph does not release the candidate
from any obligation under the agreement made under subsection
(b) or otherwise modify that agreement or its application to
that candidate.
``(C) Party committee obligations.--Any political party
committee to which a voucher or portion thereof is
transferred under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) shall account fully, in accordance with such
requirements as the Commission may establish, for the receipt
of the voucher; and
``(ii) may not use the transferred voucher or portion
thereof for any purpose other than a purpose described in
paragraph (1)(B).
``(D) Voucher as a contribution under feca.--If a candidate
transfers a voucher or any portion thereof to a political
party committee under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) the value of the voucher or portion thereof
transferred shall be treated as a contribution from the
candidate to the committee, and from the committee to the
candidate, for purposes of sections 302 and 304;
``(ii) the committee may, in exchange, provide to the
candidate only funds subject to the prohibitions,
limitations, and reporting requirements of title III of this
Act; and
``(iii) the amount, if identified as a `voucher exchange',
shall not be considered a contribution for the purposes of
sections 315 and 513.
``(e) Value; Acceptance; Redemption.--
``(1) Voucher.--Each voucher disbursed by the Commission
under this section shall have a value in dollars, redeemable
upon presentation to the Commission, together with such
documentation and other information as the Commission may
require, for the purchase of broadcast airtime for political
advertisements in accordance with this section.
``(2) Acceptance.--A broadcasting station shall accept
vouchers in payment for the purchase of broadcast airtime for
political advertisements in accordance with this section.
``(3) Redemption.--The Commission shall redeem vouchers
accepted by broadcasting stations under paragraph (2) upon
presentation, subject to such documentation, verification,
accounting, and application requirements as the Commission
may impose to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the
voucher redemption system.
``(4) Expiration.--
``(A) Candidates.--A voucher may only be used to pay for
broadcast airtime for political advertisements to be
broadcast before midnight on the day before the date of the
Federal election in connection with which it was issued and
shall be null and void for any other use or purpose.
``(B) Exception for political party committees.--A voucher
held by a political party committee may be used to pay for
broadcast airtime for political advertisements to be
broadcast before midnight on December 31st of the odd-
numbered year following the year in which the voucher was
issued by the Commission.
``(5) Voucher as expenditure under feca.--The use of a
voucher to purchase broadcast airtime constitutes an
expenditure as defined in section 301(9)(A).
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Broadcasting station.--The term `broadcasting
station' has the meaning given that term by section 315(f)(1)
of the Communications Act of 1934.
``(2) Political party.--The term `political party' means a
major party or a minor party as defined in section 9002 (3)
or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9002
(3) or (4)).
``Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions
``SEC. 531. DUTIES OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION.
``(a) Duties and Powers.--
``(1) Administration.--The Commission shall have the power
to administer the provisions of this title and shall
prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this
title, including regulations--
``(A) to establish procedures for--
``(i) verifying the amount of valid qualifying
contributions with respect to a candidate;
``(ii) effectively and efficiently monitoring and enforcing
the limits on the raising of qualified small dollar
contributions;
``(iii) monitoring the raising of qualifying multicandidate
political committee contributions through effectively and
efficiently monitoring and enforcing the limits on individual
contributions to qualified accounts of multicandidate
political committees;
``(iv) effectively and efficiently monitoring and enforcing
the limits on the use of personal funds by participating
candidates;
``(v) monitoring the use of allocations from the Fund and
matching contributions under this title through audits or
other mechanisms; and
``(vi) the administration of the voucher program under
section 525; and
``(B) regarding the conduct of debates in a manner
consistent with the best practices of States that provide
public financing for elections.
``(2) Review of fair elections financing.--
``(A) In general.--After each general election for Federal
office, the Commission shall conduct a comprehensive review
of the Fair Elections financing program under this title,
including--
``(i) the maximum dollar amount of qualified small dollar
contributions under section 501(13);
``(ii) the maximum and minimum dollar amounts for
qualifying contributions under section 501(12);
``(iii) the number and value of qualifying contributions a
candidate is required to obtain under section 512 to qualify
for allocations from the Fund;
``(iv) the amount of allocations from the Fund that
candidates may receive under section 522;
``(v) the maximum amount of matching contributions a
candidate may receive under section 523;
``(vi) the maximum amount of enhanced matching
contributions a candidate may receive under section 524;
``(vii) the amount and usage of vouchers under section 525;
``(viii) the overall satisfaction of participating
candidates and the American public with the program; and
``(ix) such other matters relating to financing of Senate
campaigns as the Commission determines are appropriate.
``(B) Criteria for review.--In conducting the review under
subparagraph (A), the Commission shall consider the
following:
``(i) Qualifying contributions and qualified small dollar
contributions.--The Commission shall consider whether the
number and dollar amount of qualifying contributions required
and maximum dollar amount for such qualifying contributions
and qualified small dollar contributions strikes a balance
regarding the importance of voter involvement, the need to
assure adequate incentives for participating, and fiscal
responsibility, taking into consideration the number of
primary and general election participating candidates, the
electoral performance of those candidates, program cost, and
any other information the Commission determines is
appropriate.
``(ii) Review of program benefits.--The Commission shall
consider whether the totality of the amount of funds allowed
to be raised by participating candidates (including through
qualifying contributions and small dollar contributions),
allocations from the Fund under section 522, matching
contributions under section 523, enhanced matching
contributions under section 524, and vouchers under section
525 are sufficient for voters in each State to learn about
the candidates to cast an informed vote, taking into account
the historic amount of spending by winning candidates, media
costs, primary
[[Page S7259]]
election dates, and any other information the Commission
determines is appropriate.
``(C) Recommendations for adjustment of amounts.--Based on
the review conducted under subparagraph (A), the Commission
shall make recommendations to Congress for any adjustment of
the following amounts:
``(i) The maximum dollar amount of qualified small dollar
contributions under section 501(13)(C).
``(ii) The maximum and minimum dollar amounts for
qualifying contributions under section 501(12)(A).
``(iii) The number and value of qualifying contributions a
candidate is required to obtain under section 512(a)(1).
``(iv) The base amount for candidates under section 522(d).
``(v) The maximum amount of matching contributions a
candidate may receive under section 523(b).
``(vi) The maximum amount of enhanced matching
contributions a candidate may receive under section 524(c).
``(vii) The dollar amount for vouchers under section
525(c).
``(D) Report.--Not later than March 30 following any
general election for Federal office, the Commission shall
submit a report to Congress on the review conducted under
subparagraph (A) and any recommendations developed under
subparagraph (C). Such report shall contain a detailed
statement of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations
of the Commission based on such review.
``(b) Reports.--Not later than March 30, 2026, and every 2
years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the Senate
Committee on Rules and Administration a report documenting,
evaluating, and making recommendations relating to the
administrative implementation and enforcement of the
provisions of this title.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to
carry out the purposes of this subtitle.
``SEC. 532. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES.
``(a) Civil Penalty for Violation of Contribution and
Expenditure Requirements.--If a candidate who has been
certified as a participating candidate under section 514
accepts a contribution or makes an expenditure that is
prohibited under section 513, the Commission shall assess a
civil penalty against the candidate in an amount that is not
more than 3 times the amount of the contribution or
expenditure. Any amounts collected under this subsection
shall be deposited into the Fund.
``(b) Repayment for Improper Use of Freedom From Influence
Fund.--
``(1) In general.--If the Commission determines that any
benefit made available to a participating candidate under
this title was not used as provided for in this title or that
a participating candidate has violated any of the dates for
remission of funds contained in this title, the Commission
shall so notify the candidate and the candidate shall pay to
the Fund an amount equal to--
``(A) the amount of benefits so used or not remitted, as
appropriate; and
``(B) interest on any such amounts (at a rate determined by
the Commission).
``(2) Other action not precluded.--Any action by the
Commission in accordance with this subsection shall not
preclude enforcement proceedings by the Commission in
accordance with section 309(a), including a referral by the
Commission to the Attorney General in the case of an apparent
knowing and willful violation of this title.''.
SEC. 202. PROHIBITION ON JOINT FUNDRAISING COMMITTEES.
Section 302(e) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
(52 U.S.C. 30102(e)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(6) No authorized committee of a participating candidate
(as defined in section 501) may establish a joint fundraising
committee with a political committee other than an authorized
committee of a candidate.''.
SEC. 203. EXCEPTION TO LIMITATION ON COORDINATED EXPENDITURES
BY POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEES WITH
PARTICIPATING CANDIDATES.
Section 315(d) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
(52 U.S.C. 30116(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``in the case of'' and
inserting ``except as provided in paragraph (6), in the case
of''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6)(A) The limitation under paragraph (3)(A) shall not
apply with respect to any expenditure from a qualified
political party-participating candidate coordinated
expenditure fund.
``(B) In this paragraph, the term `qualified political
party-participating candidate coordinated expenditure fund'
means a fund established by the national committee of a
political party, or a State committee of a political party,
including any subordinate committee of a State committee, for
purposes of making expenditures in connection with the
general election campaign of a candidate for election to the
office of Senator who is a participating candidate (as
defined in section 501), that only accepts qualified
coordinated expenditure contributions.
``(C) In this paragraph, the term `qualified coordinated
expenditure contribution' means, with respect to the general
election campaign of a candidate for election to the office
of Senator who is a participating candidate (as defined in
section 501), any contribution (or series of contributions)--
``(i) which is made by an individual who is not prohibited
from making a contribution under this Act; and
``(ii) the aggregate amount of which does not exceed $500
per election.''.
TITLE III--RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION
SEC. 301. 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. 302. ELECTRONIC FILING OF FEC REPORTS.
Section 304(a)(11) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104(a)(11)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``under this Act--''
and all that follows and inserting ``under this Act shall be
required to maintain and file such designation, statement, or
report in electronic form accessible by computers.'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``48 hours'' and all
that follows through ``filed electronically)'' and inserting
``24 hours''; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (D).
TITLE IV--REVENUE PROVISIONS
SEC. 401. FREEDOM FROM INFLUENCE FUND REVENUE.
(a) In General.--The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by inserting after chapter 36 the following new
chapter:
``CHAPTER 37--TAX ON PAYMENTS PURSUANT TO CERTAIN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
``Sec. 4501. Imposition of tax.
``SEC. 4501. IMPOSITION OF TAX.
``(a) Tax Imposed.--There is hereby imposed on any payment
made to a qualified person pursuant to a contract with the
Government of the United States a tax equal to 0.50 percent
of the amount paid.
``(b) Limitation.--The aggregate amount of tax imposed per
contract under subsection (a) for any calendar year shall not
exceed $500,000.
``(c) Qualified Person.--For purposes of this section, the
term `qualified person' means any person which--
``(1) is not a State or local government, a foreign nation,
or an organization described in section 501(c)(3) which is
exempt from taxation under section 501(a), and
``(2) has a contract with the Government of the United
States with a value in excess of $10,000,000.
``(d) Payment of Tax.--The tax imposed by this section
shall be paid by the person receiving such payment.
``(e) Use of Revenue Generated by Tax.--It is the sense of
the Senate that amounts equivalent to the revenue generated
by the tax imposed under this chapter should be appropriated
for the financing of a Freedom From Influence Fund and used
for the public financing of Senate elections.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of chapters of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after
the item relating to chapter 36 the following:
``Chapter 37--Tax on Payments Pursuant to Certain Government
Contracts''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall apply to contracts entered into after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 501. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Act or amendment made by this Act,
or the application of a provision or amendment to any person
or circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the
remainder of this Act and amendments made by this Act, and
the application of the provisions and amendment to any person
or circumstance, shall not be affected by the holding.
SEC. 502. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--Except as may otherwise be provided in
this Act and in the amendments made by this Act, this Act and
the amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to
elections occurring during 2028 or any succeeding year,
without regard to whether or not the Federal Election
Commission has promulgated the final regulations necessary to
carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act by the
deadline set forth in subsection (b).
(b) Deadline for Regulations.--Not later than June 30,
2026, the Federal Election Commission shall promulgate such
regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act and the
amendments made by this Act.
______
By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Ms. Warren, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Merkley,
Ms. Hirono, Mr. Markey, Mr. Van Hollen, and Mr. Blumenthal):
S.J. Res. 67. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the
Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to
vote; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of
the resolution be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the resolution was ordered to
be printed in the Record, as follows:
S.J. Res. 67
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in
[[Page S7260]]
Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring
therein), That the following article is proposed as an
amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which
shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the
Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-
fourths of the several States:
``Article --
``Section 1. Every citizen of the United States, who is of
legal voting age, shall have the fundamental right to vote in
any public election held in the jurisdiction in which the
citizen resides.
``Section 2. The fundamental right of citizens of the
United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the
United States or by any State or political subdivision within
a State unless such denial or abridgment is in furtherance of
a compelling governmental interest and is the least
restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental
interest.
``Section 3. The portion of section 2 of the fourteenth
article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States
that consists of the phrase `or other crime,' is repealed.
``Section 4. The Congress shall have the power to enforce
this article and protect against any denial or abridgement of
the fundamental right to vote by legislation.''.
____________________