Campaign and Election Accountability Act
Term Dictionary
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- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
Summary
New bill targets foreign election interference by making it illegal to help foreign nationals donate to U.S. campaigns. Currently, foreign nationals can't contribute directly, but this closes a loophole by banning anyone from knowingly assisting them. Takes effect when signed into law.
Overview
This bill amends federal campaign finance law to ban helping foreign nationals make illegal political donations. It adds a new prohibition to existing law that already bars foreign nationals from contributing to U.S. elections. The measure has bipartisan support from Representatives Subramanyam (D-VA) and Bilirakis (R-FL).
Who does this affect?
Main groups: Political campaigns, campaign staff, consultants, and anyone involved in fundraising operations. Foreign nationals already banned from donating would remain banned.
Who benefits/loses: Campaigns benefit from clearer rules about foreign money. People who previously helped foreign nationals navigate donation restrictions would face legal consequences. Foreign nationals seeking to influence U.S. elections through intermediaries would be blocked.
Teen impact score: 2/10 (minimal teen connectionā€”teens cannot vote or donate to federal campaigns until age 18, purely civic education relevance)
What This Bill Does
- Amends Section 319(a) of Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30121(a)) by adding new paragraph (3)
- Makes it illegal for any person to "knowingly help or assist a foreign national" in making prohibited campaign contributions or donations
- Takes effect immediately upon enactment for all contributions/donations made on or after that date
- Closes enforcement gap where only foreign nationals faced penalties, not those who assisted them
Legislative Status
Introduced January 21, 2026. Currently in House Committee on House Administration.
In short
- Federal law already bans foreign nationals from donating to U.S. political campaigns
- This bill makes it illegal to help them do it anyway
- Anyone knowingly assisting foreign nationals in making prohibited donations would face penalties
- Applies to all contributions made after the law takes effect
- Aims to strengthen enforcement against foreign election interference
Why should I care?
Foreign election interference remains a major concern in American democracy. While foreign nationals already can't donate directly to campaigns, some have tried using U.S. citizens or organizations as intermediaries. This bill targets that workaround by making the helpers legally responsible too. It affects how campaigns raise money and who they can accept help from. The measure has bipartisan backing, suggesting broad agreement that foreign money shouldn't influence U.S. elections through any channel, direct or indirect.