United States 116th Congress Status: In Committee 1 D cosponsors

S 956 — Brighter Sunshine on Donations Act

Last action — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Brighter Sunshine on Donations Act This bill requires the disclosure of certain federal campaign contributions regardless of the purpose of the contribution, subject to other requirements. Currently, reporting is generally required for a contribution over a certain amount for a communication expressly advocating for the election or defeat of a candidate (i.e., an independent expenditure), or a broadcast, cable, or satellite communication during preelection periods that refers to a candidate, but does not call for election or defeat (i.e., an electioneering communication).

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

4 changes Share ↗

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies the disclosure requirements for contributions related to independent expenditures and electioneering communications by removing the condition concerning the purpose of such contributions.

  • 52 U.S.C. 30104(c)(2)(C)

    which was made for the purpose of furthering an independent expenditure → (without regard to whether such contribution was made for the purpose of furthering an independent expenditure)

    This change broadens the scope of required disclosures by not limiting it to contributions made specifically for independent expenditures.

  • 52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(2)

    (determined without regard to whether the contributions were made for the purpose of furthering an electioneering communication)

    This addition requires disclosure of contributions regardless of whether they were made for the purpose of supporting electioneering communications.

  • 52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(2)(E)

    (determined without regard to whether the contributions were made for the purpose of furthering an electioneering communication)

    This modification clarifies the requirement for reporting contributions in relation to electioneering communications.

  • 52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(2)(F)

    (determined without regard to whether the contributions were made for the purpose of furthering an electioneering communication)

    This change ensures that all relevant contributions are disclosed, removing a previous limitation based on the intent of the contributions.

Action History

  1. Introduced in Senate

  2. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

finance elections
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Frequently asked questions

What does S 956 do?
Brighter Sunshine on Donations Act This bill requires the disclosure of certain federal campaign contributions regardless of the purpose of the contribution, subject to other requirements. Currently, reporting is generally required for a contribution over a certain amount for a communication expressly advocating for the election or defeat of a candidate (i.e., an independent expenditure), or a broadcast, cable, or satellite communication during preelection periods that refers to a candidate, but does not call for election or defeat (i.e., an electioneering communication).
Who sponsors S 956?
S 956 is sponsored by Merkley, Jeff (Democratic).
What is the current status of S 956?
This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track S 956?
Track S 956 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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