PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 4, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: House of Representatives Election spending Limits and Benefits Title II: Reduction of Special Interest Influence Subtitle A: Limitations on Political Action Committees and Large Contributions of Individuals Subtitle B: Contributions Subtitle C: Additional Prohibitions on Contributions Subtitle D: Coordinated and Independent Expenditures Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Campaign Independence Restoration Act-Part II - Title I: House of Representatives Election Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to make candidates for election to the House of Representatives eligible to receive benefits under this Act if they declare that they will not exceed expenditure or contribution limits. Sets forth expenditure limits of $600,000 by a candidate and authorized committees, allowing additional expenditures for: (1) runoffs and contested primaries; and (2) complying candidates running against noncomplying candidates. Entitles eligible candidates to receive certain broadcast media rates and reduced postage rates. Directs the Federal Election Commission to certify a candidate who has met the requirements of this title as eligible for benefits under such title. Requires repayment of benefits by a candidate whose certification has been revoked. Sets forth laddered civil penalties for excess expenditures. (Sec. 102) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) provide for preemption only in situations beyond a station's control; and (2) extend the license revocation provision for failure to provide cable access. (Sec. 104) Amends FECA to set contribution limits for eligible House candidates. (Sec. 105) Sets forth expenditure reporting requirements. Title II: Reduction of Special Interest Influence - Subtitle A: Limitations on Political Action Committees and Large Contributions of Individuals - Amends FECA to modify political action committee contribution limits. Prohibits leadership committees. (Sec. 202) Limits the aggregate amount of large contributions to congressional campaigns. Subtitle B: Contributions - Revises requirements regarding contributions made through an intermediary or conduit. Subtitle C: Additional Prohibitions on Contributions - Prohibits: (1) a person not eligible to register to vote in a Federal election from contributing or promising to contribute in such an election; and (2) a person from accepting or soliciting such a contribution. Subtitle D: Coordinated and Independent Expenditures - Revises the definition of "independent expenditure." (Sec. 232) Treats: (1) payments coordinated with a candidate, agent, or committee as contributions; and (2) certain payments and communications containing express advocacy as expenditures. (Sec. 234) Sets forth related reporting requirements. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for expedited and mandatory Supreme Court review of any appeal of any interlocutory order or final court action on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act.
People & committees
Rep. Meehan, Martin T. [D-MA-5] · D–MA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology.
Referred to House Government Reform
Referred to House Commerce
Referred to the Committee on House Oversight, and in addition to the Committees on Commerce, and Government Reform and Oversight, 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.
Referred to House Oversight
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Mar 23, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.1777 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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