Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1828-1829)
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 28, 1996
Presidential Debate Reform Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to establish a Presidential Debate Commission one year before each general election for the offices of President and Vice President beginning with the general election held in 2000. Directs the Commission to establish: (1) one preliminary debate; (2) not more than two vice presidential debates; and (3) not less than two or more than four presidential debates. Authorizes appropriations to each Commission appointed such sums as may be necessary to carry out its activities with respect to the election involved. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the amount of Federal payments for a party's nominating convention for the following general election if the party's nominee for President or Vice President does not certify to the Presidential Debate Commission that the nominee will participate in all applicable Commission debates (other than a preliminary debate).
No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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