HR-4472 : Still Just a Bill


First Amendment Protection Act

This bill makes various changes related to campaign finance.

Specifically, the bill repeals limits on coordinated party expenditures. It also provides statutory authority for the Supreme Court's holding in McCutcheon v. FEC, which invalidated limits on aggregate contributions by individuals.

Additionally, the bill 

  • raises contribution limits for state political party committees to match those contribution limits for national political party committees, 
  • allows two or more political committees to participate in joint fundraising activities in accordance with specified criteria,
  • provides statutory authority for certain privacy protections of donors to tax-exempt organizations,
  • prohibits federal funds from being used to make payments in support of a congressional election campaign, and
  • revises certain registration and reporting requirements.

The bill prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission from finalizing, issuing, or implementing any rule, regulation, or order regarding the disclosure of political contributions, contributions to tax-exempt organizations, or dues paid to trade associations. 

The bill also makes changes to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), including by (1) allowing the FEC to refuse to defend an action brought against the FEC pursuant to the unanimous vote of its members, and (2) increasing the annual rate of member pay.

Further, the bill (1) permanently extends the statutory authorization for the FEC's Administrative Fine Program, and (2) establishes a five-year statute of limitations for all proceedings to enforce the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.

The FEC must, within 120 days, publish proposed regulations to carry out this bill.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2023-09-12CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Elections.House committee actions
2023-07-06IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, and Oversight and Accountability, 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.House floor actions
2023-07-06IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, and Oversight and Accountability, 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.House floor actions
2023-07-06IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, and Oversight and Accountability, 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.House floor actions
2023-07-06IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, and Oversight and Accountability, 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.House floor actions
2023-07-06IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Sponsor :

Kelly Armstrong [R] (ND-0)
See Cosponsors

Policy Area :

Government Operations and Politics
Related Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Civil actions and liability
  • Congressional elections
  • Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
  • Federal officials
  • Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
  • Government information and archives
  • Political parties and affiliation
  • Right of privacy
  • Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
  • Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
  • Tax-exempt organizations
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations
  • Federal Election Commission (FEC)
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Related Bills

See Related Bills