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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 8720· 119th Congress

Bill Tightens Rules on Who Can Give Campaign Money

Campaign Finance Transparency Act

Sponsor
Bryan Steil (R-WI)
Introduced
May 11, 2026
Last Action
Jul 13, 2026
Passage
38%
Introduced
May 11, 2026
Committee
Jul 13, 2026
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Requires campaigns to collect credit card verification codes and billing ZIP codes for online donations to confirm donor identity.
  • Eliminates the $200 threshold—campaigns must now report all donors' names and addresses, no matter the gift size.
  • Bans donations made through gift cards or when card name doesn't match donor name; prohibits straw donations (giving money in someone else's name).
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Donors: Less anonymity. All contributions now publicly tracked, even small ones under $200.
  • Campaigns: Added compliance costs and verification steps for processing online donations.
  • Foreign actors and straw donors: Harder to hide contributions; violators face FEC enforcement and potential criminal penalties.
  • Voters: More transparency about who's funding campaigns, but also potentially fewer small-dollar donors deterred by disclosure.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill passed House committee unanimously on May 14; now awaits House floor vote—no timeline set yet.
  • Federal Election Commission must write detailed rules for campaigns to follow once bill becomes law.
  • Contact your representative to ask where they stand on stricter campaign finance disclosure.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jul 13, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 651.
  • Jul 13, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-747.
  • Jul 13, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-747.
  • May 14, 2026Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 11 - 0.
  • May 14, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • May 11, 2026Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
  • May 11, 2026Introduced in House
  • May 11, 2026Introduced in House