Bill Summary
The "Campaign and Election Accountability Act" aims to strengthen the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 by explicitly prohibiting individuals from providing assistance to foreign nationals in making contributions or donations related to U.S. elections. Specifically, the legislation amends Section 319(a) of the Act to include a provision that makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly help a foreign national violate the existing ban on foreign contributions. This amendment is intended to enhance election integrity by preventing foreign influence in U.S. electoral processes. The new rules take effect for contributions and donations made after the Act is enacted.
Possible Impacts
The "Campaign and Election Accountability Act" could have various effects on individuals and entities involved in the electoral process. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Legal Accountability for Campaign Staff**: Individuals working on political campaigns may face stricter scrutiny and legal repercussions if they assist foreign nationals in making contributions or donations. This could lead to more rigorous training and compliance programs within campaign organizations to ensure that all staff are aware of the legal boundaries, thereby reducing the risk of unintentional violations.
2. **Limitations on Fundraising Efforts**: Political candidates and organizations may need to be more cautious during fundraising efforts, particularly when engaging with international donors or organizations. This legislation could deter potential contributions from foreign entities, as they might be concerned about inadvertently violating the law. Consequently, candidates may need to focus more on domestic fundraising strategies, potentially limiting their financial support.
3. **Impact on Political Advocacy Groups**: Advocacy groups that often work with international partners on political issues may need to reevaluate their strategies. If these organizations previously facilitated contributions or support from foreign nationals, they will now face legal barriers that could restrict their ability to fundraise or engage in electoral activities. This could lead to a decrease in resources available for campaigning on specific issues or causes, ultimately affecting the political landscape.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7193 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7193
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit
providing assistance to foreign nationals in making contributions or
donations in connection with elections, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 21, 2026
Mr. Subramanyam (for himself and Mr. Bilirakis) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House
Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit
providing assistance to foreign nationals in making contributions or
donations in connection with elections, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Campaign and Election Accountability
Act''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION WITH RESPECT TO PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO FOREIGN
NATIONALS IN MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS OR DONATIONS IN
CONNECTION WITH ELECTIONS.
(a) Prohibition.--Section 319(a) of the Federal Election Campaign
Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30121(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) a person to knowingly help or assist a foreign
national in violating this subsection.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
with respect to contributions and donations made on or after the date
of the enactment of this Act.
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