Federal Election Enforcement and Disclosure Reform Act
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 23, 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal Election Commission Reform Title II: Enhanced Campaign Finance Disclosure Federal Election Enforcement and Disclosure Reform Act - Title I: Federal Election Commission Reform - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA), with respect to the Federal Election Commission, to: (1) revise requirements regarding the membership of the Commission, including limiting Commissioners to serving a single term of seven years; (2) mandate electronic filing of FECA reports; (3) grant independent litigating authority to the Commission; (4) permit a person who files a complaint to bring a civil action against the Commission if the Commission fails to investigate or dismiss the complaint within 120 days after the complaint is filed; and (5) direct the Commission to establish a schedule of monetary penalties for the late filing of reports. (Sec. 107) Establishes the Advisory Committee on Federal Campaign Reform to study the laws (including regulations) that affect how election campaigns are conducted and the implementation of such laws and make recomendations for change. Requires the Committee to submit a biennial report to the Congress which shall include: (1) any recommendations for changes in the laws governing the conduct of Federal campaigns, including any changes in the rules of the Senate or the House of Representatives to which a majority of Committee members agree; and (2) a draft of any proposed legislation, including both the majority and the minority views with regard to any recommendation. Sets forth fast track procedures for congressional consideration of a Federal election bill to carry out the Committee's recommendations in the draft legislation submitted. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 108) Authorizes appropriations for the funding of the Commission. Directs the Commission to establish, by regulation, a schedule of user fees that apply to persons required to file reports. States that any fees collected are hereby appropriated for use by the Commission and the Advisory Committee in carrying out their duties, and shall remain available without fiscal year limitation. Limits the estimated operating costs of the Commission and the Advisory Committee. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the Commission to conduct random audits and investigations to ensure voluntary compliance with FECA. Extends the period during which campaign audits may be begun. (Sec. 110) Authorizes the Commission to seek an injunction, if, at any time in certain proceedings, the Commission believes that there is a substantial likelihood that a violation of FECA is occurring or is about to occur. (Sec. 111) Increases the penalty for knowing and willful violations. (Sec. 112) Permits the Commission to expedite certain proceedings. Title II: Enhanced Campaign Finance Disclosure - Requires authorized committees to deposit certain contributions in an escrow account unless the information required is complete. (Sec. 202) Modifies the term "identification" to include an affirmation that any individual (or any other person) is not prohibited from making a contribution. (Sec. 203) Revises certain reporting requirements.
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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