Bill would require donors behind political ads to register

What does this do?

This bill would require corporations, unions, Super PACs, nonprofits, trade associations, and similar groups to publicly disclose the names and addresses of donors who give $10,000 or more for election-related spending. Political ads paid for by these groups would have to clearly identify their top funders on screen or in audio. The bill also closes loopholes in the existing ban on foreign money, covering areas like state ballot measures, online political ads, and efforts to influence federal court nominations, and creates a new federal crime for using a shell company to hide foreign political contributions.

Who does it affect?

The bill applies to corporations, labor unions, Super PACs, nonprofit advocacy groups, trade associations, and politically active clubs. It also targets foreign governments and their agents who might try to spend money influencing American elections or judicial appointments.

Why does it matter?

Without these rules, election-related spending by outside groups can flow without voters knowing who is funding it. Closing foreign money loopholes means activities like online ad spending and influence over court nominations would fall under the same restrictions that already exist for other parts of the election process.

Where does it stand?