Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to permit candidates for election for Federal office to designate an individual who will be authorized to disburse funds of the authorized campaign committees of the candidate in the event of the death of the candidate. 7/15/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on April 22, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to permit candidates for election to federal office to: (1) designate an individual for each of a candiate's authorized campaign committees who will be authorized to disburse funds of the committee in the event of the candidate's death; and (2) designate another individual to carry out the responsibilities of the designated individual in the event of the death or incapacity of the designated individual or the designated individual's [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit the use of public funds for political party conventions.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Political Convention Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions providing for the use of funds from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund for presidential nominating conventions.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend the Rules of the House of Representatives to reform the ethics process, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Accountability and Transparency in Ethics Act - Establishes an independent Investigations Commission within the legislative branch. Requires annual ethics training for Members and employees of the House of Representatives and for registered lobbyists. Amends Rule XXV (Limitations on Outside Earned Income and Acceptance of Gifts) of the Rules of the House to require advance authorization by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of any privately-funded trip by any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Amends such Rule and Rule XXXV (Gifts) of the Standing Rules of the Senate with respect to: (1) the market value of a flight on an airplane not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire; (2) a ban on gifts worth less than $50; and (3) disbursements for a national party convention [...]

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Latest Action: 01/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E3)

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit certain State election administration officials from actively participating in electoral campaigns.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Federal Election Integrity Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it unlawful for a chief state election administration official to take active part in political management or in a political campaign with respect to any election for federal office over which the official has supervisory authority.

Latest Action: 09/14/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process. 9/14/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 31, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 - Title I: Closing the Revolving Door - (Sec. 101) Amends the federal criminal code to extend from one to two years the ban on lobbying contacts by former: (1) very senior executive personnel with any Member, officer, or employee of the entity in which such person served before his or her tenure terminated; and (2) Senators with any Member, officer or employee of either chamber, or employee of any other legislative office.Continues the one-year ban on lobbying contacts by former: (1) Members of the House of Representatives with any Member, officer, or employee of either chamber, or employee of any other legislative office; (2) [...]

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Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3350)

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to repeal the requirement that persons making disbursements for electioneering communications file reports on such disbursements with the Federal Election Commission and the prohibition against the making of disbursements for electioneering communications by corporations and labor organizations, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

First Amendment Restoration Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to repeal: (1) a requirement that persons making disbursements for electioneering communications file reports on such disbursements with the Federal Election Commission; (2) a prohibition against the making of disbursements for electioneering communications by corporations and labor organizations; and (3) a provision treating coordinated communications as contributions.

Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H11302)

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court misinterpreted the First Amendment to the Constitution in the case of Buckley v. Valeo. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court misinterpreted the First Amendment to the Constitution in the case of Buckley v. Valeo because the decision failed to recognize: (1) that the unlimited spending of large amounts of money on elections has a corrosive effect on the electoral process not simply because of direct transactions between those who give large amounts of money and candidates and elected officials but because the presence of unlimited amounts of money corrupts the process on a more fundamental level; and (2) other legitimate state interests which justify limiting money in campaigns, including the need to preserve the integrity of our republican form of government, restore public confidence in government, and ensure all citizens a more equal opportunity to participate in the political [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to limitations on the amounts of contributions and expenditures that may be made in connection with campaigns for election to public office.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that Congress shall have power to set limits on the amount of contributions that may be accepted by, and the amount of expenditures that may be made by, in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for nomination or election to federal office.

Declares that a state shall have the power to set limits on the amount of contributions that may be accepted by, and the amount of expenditures that may be made by, in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for nomination or election to state or local office.

Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

10/31/2007--Introduced.

Constitutional Amendment - States that Congress shall have the power to regulate the raising and spending of money, including through setting limits, for campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, federal office.

Gives a state the power to regulate the raising and spending of money for state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, plebiscites, or other similar ballot measures and campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, state or local office.

Gives Congress the power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Latest Action: 01/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H948)

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to clarify and make corrections to the House ban on air travel. 1/24/2007--Introduced. Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise the new prohibition against the use by a Member, Delegate or Resident Commissioner of personal funds, official funds, or campaign funds for a flight on a nongovernmental plane that is not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire. Changes the prohibition to one against the use of such funds for a flight on a nongovernmental plane that is owned or operated by a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal (or from a private entity retaining or employing such individuals), except for flights: (1) on regularly scheduled air carriers; (2) at the public rate on chartered aircraft where seats are generally available to the public; and (3) on aircraft used in support of official duties [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 03/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.

Bill Text
To protect investors by fostering transparency and accountability of attorneys in private securities litigation. 2/14/2008--Introduced. Securities Litigation Attorney Accountability and Transparency Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Securities Act of 1933 to state that, in any private action in which the court enters a final judgment against plaintiff on the basis of a motion to dismiss, motion for summary judgment, or a trial on the merits, the court shall, upon defendant's motion, determine whether: (1) the position of the plaintiff was not substantially justified; (2) imposition of fees and expenses on the plaintiff's attorney would be just; and (3) the cost of such fees and expenses to the defendant is substantially burdensome or unjust. Requires the court to award the defendant reasonable fees and other expenses, and impose such fees and expenses on the plaintiff's attorney, if the court makes positive determinations in such a case. Places [...]

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Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14790-14791)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reform the system of public financing for Presidential elections, and for other purposes. 12/5/2007--Introduced. Presidential Funding Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to public financing of presidential election campaigns to: (1) quadruple (1:1 to 4:1) the matching rate for contributions to primary election candidates; (2) lower from $250 to $200 the limit on individual campaign contributions; (3) increase the presidential primary qualifying threshold from $5,000 to $25,000 in 20 states; (4) require presidential candidates to participate in the primary payment system to be eligible for general election payments; (5) move the starting date for payments to primary candidates from January 1 of a presidential election year to six months before the earliest state primary election; (6) allow additional payments and increased expenditure limits for candidates who face opponents who do not participate [...]

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Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 comm

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reform the system of public financing for Presidential elections, and for other purposes. 12/5/2007--Introduced. Presidential Funding Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to public financing of presidential election campaigns to: (1) quadruple (1:1 to 4:1) the matching rate for contributions to primary election candidates; (2) lower from $250 to $200 the limit on individual campaign contributions; (3) increase the presidential primary qualifying threshold from $5,000 to $25,000 in 20 states; (4) require presidential candidates to participate in the primary payment system to be eligible for general election payments; (5) move the starting date for payments to primary candidates from January 1 of a presidential election year to six months before the earliest state primary election; (6) allow additional payments and increased expenditure limits for candidates who face opponents who do not participate in public [...]

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Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To direct the Federal Trade Commission to revise the regulations regarding the do-not-call registry to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

12/5/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to revise the do-not-call registry provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

Defines politically-oriented recorded message telephone call.

Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

10/31/2007--Introduced.

Constitutional Amendment - States that Congress shall have the power to regulate the raising and spending of money, including through setting limits, for campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, federal office.

Gives a state the power to regulate the raising and spending of money for state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, plebiscites, or other similar ballot measures and campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, state or local office.

Gives Congress the power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Latest Action: 03/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.

Bill Text
To protect investors by fostering transparency and accountability of attorneys in private securities litigation. 10/23/2007--Introduced. Securities Litigation Attorney Accountability and Transparency Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Securities Act of 1933 to state that, in any private action in which the court enters a final judgment against plaintiff on the basis of a motion to dismiss, motion for summary judgment, or a trial on the merits, the court shall, upon defendant's motion, determine whether: (1) the position of the plaintiff was not substantially justified; (2) imposition of fees and expenses on the plaintiff's attorney would be just; and (3) the cost of such fees and expenses to the defendant is substantially burdensome or unjust. Requires the court to award the defendant reasonable fees and other expenses, and impose such fees and expenses on the plaintiff's attorney, if the court makes positive determinations in such a case. Places [...]

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Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S13099)

Bill Text
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

10/18/2007--Introduced.

Constitutional Amendment - States that Congress shall have the power to regulate the raising and spending of money, including through setting limits, for campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, federal office.

Gives a state the power to regulate the raising and spending of money for state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, plebiscites, or other similar ballot measures and campaigns for nomination for election to, or for election to, state or local office.

Gives Congress the power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Latest Action: 10/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to repeal the limitation on party expenditures on behalf of candidates in general elections.

10/10/2007--Introduced.

Campaign Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to repeal the limitation on party expenditures on behalf of candidates in general elections.

Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the graduated income tax rates that apply to principal campaign committees of candidates for Congress shall apply to all comparable committees of candidates for State and local offices.

10/4/2007--Introduced.

State and Local Candidate Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the graduated income tax rates applicable to principal campaign committees of candidates for Congress shall also apply to all comparable committees of candidates for state and local offices.

Latest Action: 10/01/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to repeal restrictions relating to electioneering communications, and for other purposes.

10/1/2007--Introduced.

Freedom of Political Speech Act of 2007 - Amends the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 to repeal: (1) disclosure requirements about disbursements for electioneering communications; and (2) the exception from the prohibition against such disbursements, directly or indirectly, by national banks, corporations, labor unions, or foreign nationals, in the case of disbursements from a segregated account to which individual U.S. citizens or lawful resident aliens have contributed for the express purpose of making such disbursements.