108th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2709
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to replace the
Federal Election Commission with the Federal Election Administration, and
for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 10, 2003
Mr. SHAYS (for himself and Mr. MEEHAN) introduced the following bill; which
was referred to the Committee on House Administration
A BILL
To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to replace the
Federal Election Commission with the Federal Election Administration, and
for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) SHORT TITLE- This Act may be cited as the `Federal Election Administration
Act of 2003'.
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS- The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--FEDERAL ELECTION ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 101. Establishment of the Federal Election Administration.
`Subtitle B--Administrative Provisions
`Chapter 1--Establishment of the Federal Election Administration
`Sec. 351. Establishment of the Federal Election Administration.
`Sec. 352. Composition of Federal Election Administration.
`Sec. 353. Staff director.
`Sec. 354. General counsel.
`Sec. 355. Inspector general.
`Chapter 2--Operation of the Federal Election Administration
`Sec. 361. Powers of the Chair and Administration.
`Sec. 362. Independent budget requests and legislative proposals.
`Sec. 363. Advisory opinions.
`Sec. 364. Issuance and enforcement of subpoenas.
`Sec. 365. Rulemaking authority.
`Sec. 366. Litigation authority.
`Sec. 367. Availability of reports.
`Sec. 368. Audits and field examinations.
`Sec. 369. Congressional oversight.
`Chapter 3--Enforcement
`Sec. 371. Initiation of enforcement actions by Administration.
`Sec. 372. Complaint to initiate enforcement action.
`Sec. 373. Civil enforcement actions.
`Sec. 374. Notification of nonfilers.
`Sec. 375. Civil monetary penalties.
`Sec. 376. Cease-and-desist orders.
`Sec. 377. Collection.
`Sec. 378. Confidentiality.
`Sec. 379. Criminal penalties.
`Sec. 380. Period of limitations.'.
Sec. 102. Executive schedule positions.
Sec. 103. GAO examination of enforcement of campaign finance laws by the
Department of Justice.
Sec. 104. GAO study and report on appropriate funding levels.
Sec. 105. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 106. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II--TRANSITION PROVISIONS
Sec. 201. Transfer of functions of Federal Election Commission.
Sec. 202. Transfer of property, records, and personnel.
Sec. 204. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 205. Effective date.
TITLE I--FEDERAL ELECTION ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION ADMINISTRATION.
(a) IN GENERAL- Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2
U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle:
`Subtitle B--Administrative Provisions
`CHAPTER 1--ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION ADMINISTRATION
`SEC. 351. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION ADMINISTRATION.
`(a) IN GENERAL- There is established the Federal Election Administration
(in this Act referred to as the `Administration').
`(b) INDEPENDENT ESTABLISHMENT- The Administration shall be an independent
establishment (as defined in section 104 of title 5, United States Code).
`(c) PURPOSE- The Administration shall administer, seek to obtain compliance
with, enforce, and formulate policy in a manner that is consistent with the
language and intent of Congress with respect to the following statutes:
`(2) The Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act under chapter 95 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
`(3) The Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act under chapter
96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
`(d) EXCLUSIVE CIVIL JURISDICTION- The Administration shall have exclusive
jurisdiction with respect to the civil enforcement of the statutes identified
in subsection (c).
`(e) VOTING REQUIREMENT- All decisions of the Administration with respect
to the exercise of its duties and powers under this Act, except those expressly
reserved for decision by the Chair, shall be made by a majority vote of its
members.
`(f) MEETINGS AND QUORUM-
`(1) MEETINGS- The Administration shall meet--
`(A) at least once each month; and
`(B) at the call of the Chair.
`(2) QUORUM- A majority of the members of the Administration shall constitute
a quorum.
`(g) SEAL- The Administration shall procure a proper seal, with such suitable
inscriptions and devices as the President shall approve. This seal, to be
known as the official seal of the Federal Election Administration, shall be
kept and used to verify official documents, under such rules and regulations
as the Administration may prescribe. Judicial notice shall be taken of the
seal.
`(h) PRINCIPAL OFFICE- The principal office of the Administration shall be
in or near the District of Columbia, but the Administration may meet or exercise
any of its powers anywhere in the United States.
`SEC. 352. COMPOSITION OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION ADMINISTRATION.
`(a) IN GENERAL- The Administration shall be composed of 3 members, 1 of whom
shall serve as the Chair of the Administration. The 2 members of the Administration
other than the Chair shall not be affiliated with the same political party.
`(1) IN GENERAL- Each member of the Administration shall be appointed by
the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
`(2) CHAIR- The President shall, at the time of nomination of the first
3 members of the Administration, designate 1 of the 3 to serve as the Chair.
Any individual appointed to succeed, or to fill the unexpired term of, that
member (or any member succeeding that member) shall serve as the Chair.
`(A) An individual who is appointed under paragraph (1) shall possess
demonstrated integrity, independence, and public credibility.
`(B) An individual may not be appointed under paragraph (1) if--
`(i) such individual is serving or has served as a member of the Federal
Election Commission subject to a term limit; or
`(ii) at any time during the 4-year period ending on the date of the
nomination of such individual, the individual was--
`(I) a candidate, an employee of a candidate, or an attorney for a
candidate;
`(II) an elected officeholder, an employee of an elected officeholder,
or an attorney for an elected officeholder;
`(III) an officer or employee of a political party or an attorney
for a political party; or
`(IV) employed in a position in the executive branch of the Government
of a confidential or policy-determining character under Schedule C
of subpart C of part 213 of title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
`(A) CHAIR- The Chair of the Administration shall be appointed for a term
of 10 years.
`(B) OTHER MEMBERS- Subject to subparagraph (C), the 2 members of the
Administration other than the Chair shall be appointed for a term of 6
years.
`(C) INITIAL APPOINTMENTS- Of the members initially appointed under subparagraph
(B), 1 member shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.
`(2) LIMITATION TO ONE TERM- A member of the Administration may only serve
1 term, except that--
`(A) the individual appointed under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1)
who is appointed for the term described in subparagraph (C) of such paragraph
may be appointed to a 6-year term in addition to the term described in
such subparagraph; and
`(B) an individual appointed under paragraph (4) to fill the remainder
of an unexpired term that has less than 1/2 of the term remaining may
be appointed to serve another term.
`(3) EXPIRED TERMS- An individual may continue to serve as a member of the
Administration after the expiration of such individual's term until the
earlier of--
`(A) the date on which such individual's successor has taken office; or
`(B) 1 year following the date on which the term of such member expired.
`(4) VACANCIES- An individual appointed upon a vacancy occurring before
the expiration of the term for which the individual's predecessor was appointed
shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. Such
vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
`(5) OTHER ACTIVITIES- An individual may not engage in any other business,
vocation, or employment while serving as a member of the Administration.
`(d) REMOVAL- A member of the Administration may be removed by the President
only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.
`SEC. 353. STAFF DIRECTOR.
`(a) IN GENERAL- There shall be in the Administration a staff director.
`(b) RESPONSIBILITIES- The staff director--
`(1) shall assist the Administration in its administration and operations;
`(2) shall perform such responsibilities as the Administration shall prescribe;
and
`(3) may, with the approval of the Chair--
`(A) appoint and fix the pay of such additional personnel as the staff
director considers appropriate without regard to the provisions of title
5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service;
and
`(B) procure temporary and intermittent services to the same extent as
is authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at
rates for individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual
rate of basic pay in effect for grade GS-15 of the General Schedule (5
U.S.C. 5332).
`(c) APPOINTMENT- The staff director shall be appointed by the Chair, after
consultation with the other members of the Administration.
`(d) OTHER ACTIVITIES- An individual may not engage in any other business,
vocation, or employment while serving as the staff director.
`SEC. 354. GENERAL COUNSEL.
`(a) IN GENERAL- There shall be in the Administration a general counsel.
`(b) RESPONSIBILITIES- The general counsel shall--
`(1) serve as the chief legal officer of the Administration;
`(2) provide legal assistance to the Administration concerning its programs
and policies;
`(3) advise and assist the Administration in carrying out its responsibilities
under section 361; and
`(4) represent the Administration in any proceeding in court or before an
administrative law judge.
`(c) APPOINTMENT- The general counsel shall be appointed by the Chair, after
consultation with the other members of the Administration.
`SEC. 355. INSPECTOR GENERAL.
`There shall be in the Administration an inspector general. The inspector
general and the office of inspector general shall be subject to the Inspector
General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.).
`CHAPTER 2--OPERATION OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION ADMINISTRATION
`SEC. 361. POWERS OF THE CHAIR AND ADMINISTRATION.
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Chair shall be the chief administrative officer of
the Administration with the authority to administer the Administration and
shall, after consultation with the other 2 members of the Administration,
have the power to appoint or remove the staff director and general counsel
and to establish the budget of the Administration.
`(2) OTHER POWERS- The Chair has the power--
`(A) to the fullest extent practicable, to request the assistance of other
agencies and departments of the United States, including the personnel
and facilities of such agencies and departments and the heads of such
agencies and departments may make available to the Chair such personnel,
facilities, and other assistance, with or without reimbursement;
`(B) to appoint, assign, remove, and compensate administrative law judges
in accordance with title 5, United States Code;
`(C) to require, by special or general orders, any person to submit, under
oath, such written reports and answers to questions as the Chair may prescribe;
`(D) to administer oaths or affirmations;
`(E) to issue and enforce subpoenas in accordance with section 364;
`(F) in any proceeding or investigation, to order testimony to be taken
by deposition before any person who is designated by the Chair and has
the power to administer oaths and, in such instances, to compel testimony
and the production of evidence in the same manner as authorized under
subparagraph (E);
`(G) to pay witnesses fees and mileage in accordance with section 364(d);
and
`(H) to make independent budget requests to Congress in accordance with
section 362.
`(b) ADMINISTRATION- The Administration shall have the power--
`(1) to initiate, defend, or appeal, through the general counsel, any civil
action in the name of the Administration to enforce the provisions of this
Act and chapters 95 and 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
`(2) to assess civil penalties for violations of this Act and chapters 95
and 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
`(3) to issue cease-and-desist orders to prevent violations of this Act
and chapters 95 and 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
`(4) to establish procedures and schedules for agency adjudication that
ensure timely enforcement of this Act and chapters 95 and 96 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986;
`(5) to render advisory opinions under section 363;
`(6) to develop prescribed forms, and to make, amend, and repeal rules,
pursuant to section 365;
`(7) to establish procedures for alternative dispute resolution of violations
of this Act or of chapters 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
`(8) to conduct investigations and hearings expeditiously, to encourage
voluntary compliance, and to report apparent violations to the appropriate
law enforcement authorities; and
`(9) to transmit to the President and to Congress no later than June 1 of
each year, a report which states in detail the activities of the Administration
in carrying out its duties under this Act, and which includes any recommendations
for any legislative or other action the Administration considers appropriate.
`SEC. 362. INDEPENDENT BUDGET REQUESTS AND LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS.
`(a) EXEMPTION FROM OMB OVERSIGHT- Whenever the Chair submits any budget estimate
or request to the President or the Office of Management and Budget, the Chair
shall concurrently transmit a copy of such estimate or request to Congress.
`(b) AUTHORITY TO MAKE INDEPENDENT LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS- Whenever the
Administration submits any legislative recommendation, testimony, or comments
on legislation requested by Congress or by any Member of Congress, to the
President or the Office of Management and Budget, the Administration shall
concurrently transmit a copy thereof to Congress or to the Member requesting
the same. No officer or agency of the United States shall have any authority
to require the Administration to submit its legislative recommendations, testimony,
or comments on legislation, to any office or agency of the United States for
approval, comments, or review, prior to the submission of such recommendations,
testimony, or comments to Congress.
`SEC. 363. ADVISORY OPINIONS.
`(a) REQUESTS FOR ADVISORY OPINIONS-
`(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 60 days after the Administration receives
from a person a complete written request concerning the application of this
Act, chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or a rule or
regulation prescribed by the Administration, with respect to a specific
transaction or activity by the person, the Administration shall render a
written advisory opinion relating to such transaction or activity to the
person.
`(2) REQUESTS BY CANDIDATES- If an advisory opinion is requested by a candidate,
or any authorized committee of such candidate, during the 60-day period
before any election for Federal office involving the requesting party, the
Administration shall render a written advisory opinion relating to such
request no later than 20 days after the Administration receives a complete
written request.
`(b) RULEMAKING REQUIRED- Any rule of law which is not stated in this Act
or in chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 may be initially
proposed by the Administration only as a rule or regulation pursuant to procedures
established in section 365. No opinion of an advisory nature may be issued
by the Administration or any other officer or employee of the Administration
except in accordance with the provisions of this section.
`(c) RELIANCE ON ADVISORY OPINIONS-
`(1) IN GENERAL- Any advisory opinion rendered by the Administration under
subsection (a) may be relied upon by--
`(A) any person involved in the specific transaction or activity with
respect to which such advisory opinion is rendered; and
`(B) any person involved in any specific transaction or activity which
is indistinguishable in all its material aspects from the transaction
or activity with respect to which such advisory opinion is rendered.
`(2) PROTECTION FROM LIABILITY- Notwithstanding any other provisions of
law, any person who relies upon any provision or finding of an advisory
opinion in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1) and who acts
in good faith in accordance with the provisions and findings of such advisory
opinion shall not, as a result of any such act, be subject to any sanction
provided by this Act or by chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986.
`(d) PUBLICATION OF REQUESTS- The Administration shall make public any request
made under subsection (a) for an advisory opinion. Before rendering an advisory
opinion, the Administration shall accept written comments submitted by any
interested party within the 10-day period following the date on which the
request is made public.
`SEC. 364. ISSUANCE AND ENFORCEMENT OF SUBPOENAS.
`(a) ISSUANCE BY THE CHAIR- If the Administration is conducting an investigation
pursuant to section 371 or 372, the Chair shall, on behalf of the Administration,
have the power to require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses
and the production of all documentary evidence relating to the execution of
the Administration's duties.
`(b) ISSUANCE BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE- Any administrative law judge
presiding over an enforcement action pursuant to section 373 shall have the
power to require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and
the production of all documentary evidence relating to the administrative
law judge's duties.
`(c) ISSUANCE AND ENFORCEMENT OF SUBPOENAS-
`(1) ISSUANCE- Subpoenas issued under subsection (a) or (b) shall bear the
signature of the Chair or an administrative law judge, respectively, and
shall be served by any person or class of persons designated by the Chair
or administrative law judge for that purpose.
`(2) ENFORCEMENT- In the case of contumacy or failure to obey a subpoena
issued under subsection (a) or (b), the Federal district court for the judicial
district in which the subpoenaed person resides, is served, or may be found
may issue an order requiring such person to appear at any designated place
to testify or to produce documentary or other evidence. Any failure to obey
the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of that
court.
`(d) WITNESS ALLOWANCES AND FEES- Section 1821 of title 28, United States
Code, shall apply to witnesses requested or subpoenaed to appear at any hearing
of the Administration. The per diem and mileage allowances for witnesses shall
be paid from funds available to pay the expenses of the Administration.
`(e) JURISDICTION- Subpoenas for witnesses who are required to attend a Federal
district court may run into any other district.
`SEC. 365. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
`(a) IN GENERAL- The Administration may, pursuant to the provisions of chapter
5 of title 5, United States Code, prescribe such rules and regulations as
the Administration deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
and chapters 95 and 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including the
authority to promulgate rules of practice and procedure for agency adjudications.
`(b) AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE INDEPENDENT REGULATIONS- Whenever the Administration
promulgates any regulation, it shall not be required to submit such regulation
for review or approval to the President or the Office of Management and Budget.
`(c) CONDUCT OF ACTIVITIES- The Administration shall prepare written rules
for the conduct of its activities, including procedures for the conduct of
enforcement actions under sections 371, 372, and 373.
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Administration shall prescribe forms necessary to implement
this Act and chapters 95 and 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
`(2) PUBLIC PROTECTION- Any forms prescribed by the Administration under
paragraph (1), and any information-gathering activities of the Administration
under this Act, shall not be subject to the provisions of section 3512 of
title 44, United States Code.
`(e) RELIANCE UPON RULES AND REGULATIONS- Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, any person who relies upon any rule or regulation prescribed by the
Administration in accordance with the provisions of this section and who acts
in good faith in accordance with such rule or regulation shall not, as a result
of such act, be subject to any sanction provided by this Act or by chapter
95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
`(f) CONSULTATION WITH IRS- In prescribing rules, regulations, and forms under
this section, the Administration and the Secretary of the Treasury shall consult
and work together to promulgate rules, regulations, and forms which are mutually
consistent. The Administration shall report to Congress annually on the steps
it has taken to comply with this section.
`(1) IN GENERAL- Any person adversely affected by a rule, regulation, or
form promulgated by the Administration may obtain judicial review of such
rule, regulation, or form by filing a petition in the United States Court
of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
`(2) SCOPE OF REVIEW- For purposes of conducting the judicial review described
in paragraph (1), the provisions of section 706 of title 5, United States
Code, shall apply.
`(h) RULE AND REGULATION DEFINED- In this Act, the terms `rule' and `regulation'
mean a provision or series of interrelated provisions stating a single, separable
rule of law.
`SEC. 366. LITIGATION AUTHORITY.
`(a) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding sections 516 and 518 of title 28, United
States Code, and section 3106 of title 5, United States Code, the Administration
is authorized to bring, appear in, defend against, and appeal any action instituted
under this Act or chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, in
any court either--
`(1) by attorneys employed by the Administration; or
`(2) by counsel whom it may appoint, on a temporary basis as may be necessary
for such purpose, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States
Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and whose compensation
it may fix without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter
III of chapter 53 of such title.
`(b) COMPENSATION OF APPOINTED COUNSEL- The compensation of counsel appointed
on a temporary basis under subsection (a)(2) shall be paid out of any funds
otherwise available to pay the compensation of employees of the Administration.
`(c) INDEPENDENCE FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL- In pursuing an action under this
section, the Administration may act independently of the Attorney General.
`SEC. 367. AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS.
`(a) IN GENERAL- The Administration shall--
`(1) prepare, publish, and furnish to all persons required to file reports
and statements under this Act a manual recommending uniform methods of bookkeeping
and reporting;
`(2) develop a filing, coding, and cross-indexing system consistent with
the purposes of this Act;
`(3) within 48 hours after the time of the receipt by the Administration
of reports and statements filed with the Administration, make them available
for public inspection, and copying, at the expense of the person requesting
such copying, except that any information copied from such reports or statements
may not be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions
or for commercial purposes, other than using the name and address of any
political committee to solicit contributions from such committee;
`(4) keep such designations, reports, and statements for a period of 10
years from the date of receipt and maintain computerized records of such
designations, reports, and statements thereafter;
`(5)(A) compile and maintain a cumulative index of designations, reports,
and statements filed under this Act, publish the index at regular intervals,
and make the index available for purchase directly or by mail;
`(B) compile, maintain, and revise a separate cumulative index of reports
and statements filed by multicandidate committees, including in such index
a list of multicandidate committees; and
`(C) compile and maintain a list of multicandidate committees, which shall
be revised and made available monthly;
`(6) prepare and publish periodically lists of authorized committees which
fail to file reports as required by this Act; and
`(7) serve as a national clearinghouse for the compilation of information
and review of procedures with respect to the administration of Federal elections.
`(b) PSEUDONYMS- For purposes of subsection (a)(3), a political committee
may submit 10 pseudonyms on each report filed in order to protect against
the illegal use of names and addresses of contributors, but only if such committee
attaches a list of such pseudonyms to the appropriate report. The Administration
shall exclude these lists from the public record.
`(c) CONTRACTS- The Administration may enter into contracts for the purpose
of performing the duties described in subsection (a).
`(d) AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS- Reports or other information described in subsection
(a) shall be available to the public, except that--
`(1) copies shall be made available without cost, upon request, to agencies
and branches of the Federal Government; and
`(2) information made available as a result of the application of paragraph
(7) of such subsection shall be made available to the public only upon the
payment of the cost thereof.
`SEC. 368. AUDITS AND FIELD EXAMINATIONS.
`(a) IN GENERAL- The Administration may, in accordance with the provisions
of this section, conduct audits and field investigations of any political
committee required to file a report under section 304.
`(b) PRIORITY- All audits and field investigations concerning the verification
for, and receipt and use of, any payments received by a candidate or committee
under chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be given
priority.
`(c) AUDITS AND FIELD EXAMINATIONS WHERE THRESHOLDS NOT MET-
`(1) INTERNAL REVIEW- The Administration shall conduct an internal review
of reports filed by selected committees to determine if the reports filed
by a particular committee meet the threshold requirements for substantial
compliance with the Act. Such thresholds for compliance shall be established
by the Administration.
`(2) AUDITS AND FIELD EXAMINATIONS- The Administration may vote to conduct
an audit and field investigation of any committee which it determines under
paragraph (1) does not meet the threshold requirements established by the
Administration. Such audits shall be commenced within 30 days of such vote,
except that any audit under the provisions of this subsection of an authorized
committee of a candidate shall be commenced within 6 months of the election
for which such committee is authorized.
`(1) IN GENERAL- In addition to any audits conducted under subsection (c),
the Administration may, subject to paragraph (2), conduct audits of any
committee selected at random to ensure compliance with this Act. The selection
of any committee under this paragraph shall be based on standards and procedures
adopted by the Administration, except that in any calendar year such audits
may be initiated against no more than 3 percent of all authorized candidate
campaign committees.
`(A) IN GENERAL- If the Administration selects a committee for audit under
paragraph (1), the Administration shall promptly notify the committee
of the selection and commence the audit within 30 days of the selection.
`(B) SPECIAL RULES FOR AUTHORIZED COMMITTEES- If the committee selected
under paragraph (1) is an authorized committee of a candidate, the audit--
`(i) shall be commenced and actively undertaken within 6 months of the
election for which the committee is authorized; and
`(ii) may examine compliance with this Act only with respect to that
election.
`(3) EXCEPTION- This subsection shall not apply to an authorized committee
of a candidate for President or Vice President subject to audit under section
9007 or 9038 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
`SEC. 369. CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT.
`Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit, restrict, or diminish any
investigatory, informational, oversight, supervisory, or disciplinary authority
or function of Congress or any committee of Congress with respect to elections
for Federal office.
`CHAPTER 3--ENFORCEMENT
`SEC. 371. INITIATION OF ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS BY ADMINISTRATION.
`(a) IN GENERAL- The Administration may initiate a civil enforcement action
under section 373 if, after conducting an investigation, the Administration
finds reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of this Act or of chapter
95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 has occurred or is about to
occur.
`(b) BASIS FOR FINDINGS- The Administration may make a finding under subsection
(a) based on any information available to the Administration, including the
filing of a complaint under section 372.
`(c) NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE NO VIOLATION- Prior to initiating
an enforcement action under subsection (a), the Administration shall give
any person under investigation notice and the opportunity to demonstrate that
there are no reasonable grounds to believe a violation has occurred or is
about to occur, but the Administration's decision on such matter shall not
be subject to judicial review.
`SEC. 372. COMPLAINT TO INITIATE ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
`(a) FILING OF COMPLAINT-
`(1) IN GENERAL- Any person may file a complaint with the Administration
alleging a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986.
`(2) TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS- A complaint filed under paragraph (1) shall
be--
`(A) in writing, signed, and sworn to by the person filing such complaint;
`(C) made under penalty of perjury and subject to the provisions of section
1001 of title 18, United States Code.
`(3) ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION- Subject to paragraph (4), based on the
allegations in a complaint filed under paragraph (1), and such investigations
the Administration deems necessary and appropriate, the Administration may--
`(A) initiate a civil enforcement action under section 373 if the Administration
finds reasonable grounds to believe a violation has occurred or is about
to occur; or
`(B) dismiss the complaint.
`(4) PROHIBITION OF ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS- The Commission may not conduct
any investigation or take any other action under this section solely on
the basis of a complaint of a person whose identity is not disclosed to
the Administration.
`(b) NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE NO VIOLATION- Prior to initiating
an enforcement action under subsection (a)(3)(A), the Administration shall
give any person named in a complaint notice and an opportunity to demonstrate
that there are no reasonable grounds to believe a violation described in such
subsection has occurred or is about to occur, but the Administration's determination
under subsection (a)(3) shall not be subject to judicial review in an action
brought by such person.
`(c) FAILURE BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE TIMELY ACTION-
`(1) IN GENERAL- If the Administration--
`(A) dismisses a complaint filed under subsection (a); or
`(B) fails to initiate a civil enforcement action under section 373 within
180 days of the filing of such a complaint,
the person filing the complaint under subsection (a) may seek judicial review
of the Administration's dismissal, or failure to act, in Federal district
court in the District of Columbia or in the district in which such person
resides.
`(2) SCOPE OF REVIEW- The court shall review the Administration's dismissal
of the complaint or failure to act in accordance with the provisions of
section 706 of title 5, United States Code.
`(3) COURT ORDERS- The court may order the Administration to initiate an
enforcement action or to conduct a further investigation of the complaint
within a time set by the court.
`SEC. 373. CIVIL ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS.
`(a) IN GENERAL- The Administration shall have the authority to impose a civil
monetary penalty under section 375, issue a cease-and-desist order under section
376, or do both, if the Administration finds, by an order made on the record
after notice and an opportunity for hearing before an administrative law judge
pursuant to subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, that
a person has violated (or, in the case of a cease-and-desist order, has violated
or is about to violate) this Act or chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986. The general counsel shall represent the Administration in any
proceeding before an administrative law judge.
`(b) NOTICE AND REQUEST FOR HEARING-
`(1) NOTICE- If the Administration finds under section 371 or 372 that there
are reasonable grounds to believe a violation has occurred or is about to
occur, the Administration shall serve written notice of the charges on each
respondent, and shall conduct such further investigation as the Administration
deems necessary and appropriate.
`(2) REQUEST FOR HEARING- Each respondent shall have an opportunity to request,
prior to the date that is 30 days after the date on which the notice is
received, a hearing on the charges before an administrative law judge.
`(3) EFFECT OF FAILURE TO REQUEST A HEARING- If no hearing is requested,
the Administration shall make a finding on the charges, and shall issue
whatever relief the Administration deems appropriate under sections 375
and 376.
`(1) PROCEDURES FOR ENTERING INTO CONCILIATION AGREEMENTS-
`(A) IN GENERAL- If the respondent requests a hearing under subsection
(b)(2), the Administration shall attempt, for a period that does not exceed
60 days (or 15 days if the hearing is requested within 60 days of an election),
to correct or prevent such violation by informal methods of conference,
conciliation, and persuasion, and to enter into a conciliation agreement
with the respondent. In the case of a hearing that is requested at a time
other than within 60 days of an election, the period for conciliation
shall not be less than 30 days unless an agreement is reached before then.
`(B) INCLUSION OF CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES- A conciliation agreement may
include a requirement that the person involved in such conciliation shall
pay a civil monetary penalty that does not exceed the amounts set forth
in subsection (a) of section 375 or, in the case of a knowing and willful
violation, the amounts set forth in subsection (b) of such section. The
conciliation agreement may also include the requirement that the person
involved consent to the terms of a cease-and-desist order, as provided
in section 376.
`(C) REPRESENTATION BY GENERAL COUNSEL- The general counsel shall represent
the Administration in any negotiations for a conciliation agreement and
any such conciliation agreement shall be subject to the approval of the
Administration.
`(D) BAR TO FURTHER ACTION- A conciliation agreement, unless violated,
is a complete bar to any further action by the Administration.
`(2) CONFIDENTIALITY- No action by the Administration or any other person,
and no information derived in connection with any conciliation attempt by
the Administration may be made public by the Administration, without the
written consent of the respondent, except that if a conciliation agreement
is agreed upon and signed by the Administration and the respondent, the
Administration shall make such agreement public.
`(3) VIOLATION OF CONCILIATION AGREEMENT- In any case in which a person
has entered into a conciliation agreement with the Administration under
paragraph (1), the Administration may institute a civil action for relief
if the Administration believes the person has violated any provision of
such conciliation agreement. Such civil action shall be brought in the Federal
district court for the district in which the respondent resides or has its
principal place of business, or for the District of Columbia. Such court
shall have jurisdiction to issue any relief appropriate under sections 375
and 376. For the Administration to obtain relief in any such action, the
Administration need only establish that the person has violated, in whole
or in part, any requirement of such conciliation agreement.
`(d) HEARING- At the request of any respondent, a hearing on the charges served
under subsection (b)(1) shall be conducted before an administrative law judge,
who shall make such findings of fact and conclusions of law as the administrative
law judge deems appropriate. The administrative law judge shall also have
the authority to impose a civil monetary penalty on the respondent, issue
a cease-and-desist order, or both. The decision of the administrative law
judge shall constitute final agency action unless an appeal is taken under
subsection (e).
`(e) APPEAL TO ADMINISTRATION-
`(1) RIGHT TO APPEAL- The general counsel and each respondent shall each
have a right to appeal to the Administration from any final determination
made by an administrative law judge.
`(2) REVIEW OF ALJ DETERMINATIONS- In the event of an appeal under paragraph
(1), the Administration shall review the determination of the administrative
law judge to determine whether--
`(A) a finding of material fact is not supported by substantial evidence;
`(B) a conclusion of law is erroneous;
`(C) the determination of the administrative law judge is contrary to
law or to the duly promulgated rules or decisions of the Administration;
`(D) a prejudicial error of procedure was committed; or
`(E) the decision or the relief ordered is otherwise arbitrary, capricious,
or an abuse of discretion.
`(3) FINAL AGENCY ACTION- The decision of the Administration shall constitute
final agency action.
`(1) IN GENERAL- Any party aggrieved by a final agency action and who has
exhausted all administrative remedies, including requesting a hearing before
an administrative law judge and appealing an adverse decision of an administrative
law judge to the Administration, may obtain judicial review of such action
in the United States Court of Appeals for any circuit wherein such person
resides or has its principal place of business, or in the United States
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
`(2) SCOPE OF REVIEW- For purposes of conducting the judicial review described
in paragraph (1), the provisions of section 706 of title 5, United States
Code, shall apply.
`(3) PETITION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW- To obtain judicial review under paragraph
(1), an aggrieved party described in such paragraph shall file a petition
with the court during the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the
order was issued. A copy of such petition shall be transmitted forthwith
by the clerk of the court to the Administration, and thereupon the Administration
shall file in the court the record upon which the order complained of was
entered, as provided in section 2112 of title 28, United States Code.
`SEC. 374. NOTIFICATION OF NONFILERS.
`(a) NOTIFICATION- Before taking any action under section 373 against any
person who has failed to file a report required under section 304(a)(2)(A)(iii)
for the calendar quarter immediately preceding the election involved, or in
accordance with section 304(a)(2)(A)(i), the Administration shall notify the
person of such failure to file the required reports.
`(b) OPPORTUNITY FOR RESPONSE- If a satisfactory response is not received
within 4 business days after the date of notification, the Administration
shall, pursuant to section 367(a)(6), publish before the election the name
of the person and the report or reports such person has failed to file.
`SEC. 375. CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES.
`(a) IN GENERAL- Any person who violates this Act, or chapter 95 or 96 of
the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, shall be liable to the United States for a civil monetary penalty
for each violation which does not exceed the greater of $5,000 or an amount
equal to any contribution or expenditure involved in such violation. Such
penalty shall be imposed by the Administration pursuant to section 373.
`(b) KNOWING AND WILLFUL VIOLATIONS- Any person who commits a knowing and
willful violation of this Act, or of chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, shall be liable to the United States for a civil monetary penalty
for each violation which does not exceed the greater of $10,000 or an amount
equal to 200 percent of any contribution or expenditure involved in such violation
(or, in the case of a violation of section 320, which is not less than 300
percent of the amount involved in the violation and is not more than the greater
of $50,000 or 1,000 percent of the amount involved in the violation). Such
penalty shall be imposed by the Administration pursuant to section 373.
`(c) DETERMINATION OF CIVIL MONETARY PENALTY- In determining the amount of
a civil monetary penalty under this section with respect to a violation described
in this section, the Administration or an administrative law judge shall take
into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation
and, with respect to the violator, any prior violation, the degree of culpability,
and such other matters as justice may require.
`(d) REFERRAL TO ATTORNEY GENERAL-
`(1) IN GENERAL- If the Administration determines that a knowing and willful
violation of this Act which is subject to section 379, or a knowing and
willful violation of chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
has occurred or is about to occur, the Administration may refer such apparent
violation to the Attorney General without regard to any limitations set
forth under section 373.
`(2) REPORTING BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL- Whenever the Administration refers
an apparent violation to the Attorney General, the Attorney General shall
report to the Administration any action taken by the Attorney General regarding
the apparent violation. Each report shall be transmitted within 60 days
after the date the Administration refers an apparent violation, and every
30 days thereafter until the final disposition of the apparent violation.
`SEC. 376. CEASE-AND-DESIST ORDERS.
`(a) IN GENERAL- If the Administration finds, after notice and opportunity
for hearing under section 373, that any person is violating, has violated,
or is about to violate any provision of this Act, or chapter 95 or 96 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any rule or regulation thereunder, the Administration
may publish any findings and enter an order requiring such person, or any
other person that is, was, or would be a cause of the violation due to an
act or omission the person knew or should have known would contribute to such
violation, to cease and desist from committing or causing such violation and
any future violation of the same provision, rule, or regulation. Such order
may, in addition to requiring a person to cease and desist from committing
or causing a violation, require such person to comply (or to take steps to
effect compliance) with such provision, rule, or regulation, upon such terms
and conditions and within such time as the Administration may specify in such
order.
`(b) TEMPORARY ORDER- Whenever the Administration determines that an alleged
violation or threatened violation specified in the notice initiating a civil
enforcement action under section 373, or the continuation thereof, is likely
to result in violation of this Act, or of chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, and substantial harm to the public interest, the Administration
may apply to the Federal district court for the district in which the respondent
resides or has its principal place of business, in which the alleged or threatened
violation occurred or is about to occur, or for the District of Columbia,
for a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction requiring the
respondent to cease and desist from the violation or threatened violation
and to take such action to prevent the violation or threatened violation.
The Administration may apply for such order without regard to any limitation
under section 373.
`SEC. 377. COLLECTION.
`If any person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty--
`(1) after the order making the assessment has become a final order and
such person has not timely filed a petition for judicial review of the order
in accordance with section 373(f)(2) or if the order of the Administration
is upheld after judicial review; or
`(2) after a court in an action brought under section 373(c)(3) has entered
a final judgment no longer subject to appeal in favor of the Administration,
the Attorney General shall recover the amount assessed (plus interest at currently
prevailing rates from the date of the expiration of the 30-day period referred
to in section 373(f)(2) or the date of such final judgment, as the case may
be) in an action brought in any appropriate district court of the United States.
In such an action, the validity, amount, and appropriateness of such penalty
shall not be subject to review.
`SEC. 378. CONFIDENTIALITY.
`(a) PRIOR TO A FINDING OF REASONABLE GROUNDS- Any proceedings conducted by
the Administration prior to a finding that there are reasonable grounds to
believe a violation of the law has occurred or is about to occur, including
any investigation pursuant to section 371 or pursuant to a complaint filed
under section 372, shall be confidential and none of the Administration's
records concerning the complaint shall be made public, except that the person
filing a complaint pursuant to section 372 is permitted to make such complaint
public.
`(b) AFTER A FINDING OF REASONABLE GROUNDS- Except as provided in subsection
(d), if the Administration makes a finding pursuant to section 371 or 372
that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of law has occurred
or is about to occur--
`(1) the finding of the Administration as well as any complaint filed under
section 372, any notice of charges, and any answer or similar documents
filed with the Administration shall be made public; and
`(2) all proceedings conducted before an administrative law judge under
section 373, and all documents used during such proceedings, shall be made
public.
`(c) AFTER DISMISSAL OF A COMPLAINT OR CONCLUSION OF PROCEEDINGS FOLLOWING
A FINDING OF REASONABLE GROUNDS- Subject to subsection (d), following the
Administration's dismissal of a complaint filed under section 372 or the termination
of proceedings following a finding of reasonable grounds under section 371
or 372, the Administration shall, not later than the date that is 30 days
after such dismissal or termination, make public--
`(1) the complaint, any notice of charges, and any answer or similar documents
filed with the Administration (unless such information has already been
made public under subsection (b)(1));
`(2) any order setting forth the Administration's final action on the complaint;
`(3) any findings made by the Administration in relation to the action;
and
`(4) all documentary materials and testimony constituting the record on
which the Administration relied in taking its actions.
Subject to subsection (d), the affirmative disclosure requirement of this
subsection is without prejudice to the right of any person to request and
obtain records relating
to an investigation under section 552 of title 5, United States Code.
`(d) CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS AND PROCEEDINGS OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE-
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Administration shall issue regulations providing for
the protection of information the disclosure of which under subsection (b)
or (c) would impair any person's constitutionally protected right of privacy,
freedom of speech, or freedom of association. The Administration shall also
issue regulations addressing the application of exemptions from disclosure
contained in section 552 of title 5, United States Code, to records comprising
the Administration's investigative files. Such regulations shall consider
the need to protect any person's constitutionally protected rights to privacy,
freedom of speech, and freedom of association, as well as the need to make
information about the Administration's activities and decisions widely accessible
to the public.
`(2) PETITION TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY-
`(A) IN GENERAL- Any person who would be adversely affected by any disclosure
of information about the person made pursuant to subsection (b) or (c),
or by the conduct in public of a hearing or other proceeding conducted
pursuant to section 373, shall have the right to petition the Administration
to maintain the confidentiality of such information or such proceeding
on the ground that such information falls within the scope of any exemption
from disclosure contained in section 552 of title 5, United States Code,
or is prohibited from disclosure under the Administration's regulations,
the Constitution, or any other provision of law. Upon the receipt of such
petition, the Administration shall make a prompt determination whether
the information should be kept confidential, and shall withhold such information
from disclosure pending this determination. The Administration shall notify
the petitioner in writing of the determination.
`(B) REGULATIONS- The Administration shall prescribe regulations governing
the consideration of petitions under this paragraph. Such regulations
shall provide for public notice of the pendancy of any petition filed
under subparagraph (A) and the right of any interested party to respond
to or comment on such petition.
`(e) PENALTIES- Any member or employee of the Administration, or any other
person, who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined not more
than $2,000. Any such member, employee, or other person who knowingly and
willfully violates the provisions of this section shall be fined not more
than $5,000.
`SEC. 379. CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
`(a) KNOWING AND WILLFUL VIOLATIONS- Any person who knowingly and willfully
commits a violation of any provision of this Act that involves the making,
receiving, or reporting of any contribution, donation, or expenditure--
`(1) aggregating $25,000 or more during a calendar year shall be fined under
title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or
both; or
`(2) aggregating $2,000 or more (but less than $25,000) during a calendar
year shall be fined under such title, or imprisoned for not more than 1
year, or both.
`(b) CONTRIBUTIONS OR EXPENDITURES BY NATIONAL BANKS, CORPORATIONS, OR LABOR
ORGANIZATIONS- In the case of a knowing and willful violation of section 316(b)(3),
the penalties set forth in subsection (a) shall apply to each violation involving
an amount aggregating $250 or more during a calendar year. Such a violation
of section 316(b)(3) may incorporate a violation of section 317(b), 320, or
321.
`(c) FRAUDULENT MISREPRESENTATION OF CAMPAIGN AUTHORITY- In the case of a
knowing and willful violation of section 322, the penalties set forth in subsection
(a) shall apply without regard to whether the making, receiving, or reporting
of a contribution or expenditure of $1,000 or more is involved.
`(d) PROHIBITION OF CONTRIBUTIONS IN NAME OF ANOTHER- Any person who knowingly
and willfully commits a violation of section 320 involving an amount aggregating
more than $10,000 during a calendar year shall be--
`(1) imprisoned for not more than 2 years if the amount is less than $25,000
and subject to imprisonment under subsection (a) if the amount is $25,000
or more;
`(2) fined not less than 300 percent of the amount involved in the violation
and not more than the greater of--
`(B) 1,000 percent of the amount involved in the violation; or
`(3) both imprisoned as provided under paragraph (1) and fined as provided
under paragraph (2).
`(e) EFFECT OF CONCILIATION AGREEMENTS-
`(1) EVIDENCE OF LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND INTENT- In any criminal action brought
for a violation of any provision of this Act or of chapter 95 or 96 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, any defendant may evidence their lack of
knowledge or intent to commit the alleged violation by introducing as evidence
a conciliation agreement entered into between the defendant and the Administration
under section 373(c)(1) which specifically deals with the act or failure
to act constituting such violation and which is still in effect.
`(2) CONSIDERATION BY COURTS- In any criminal action brought for a violation
of any provision of this Act or of chapter 95 or 96 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, the court before which such action is brought shall take into
account, in weighing the seriousness of the violation and in considering
the appropriateness of the penalty to be imposed if the defendant is found
guilty, whether--
`(A) the specific act or failure to act which constitutes the violation
for which the action was brought is the subject of a conciliation agreement
entered into between the defendant and the Administration under section
373(c)(1);
`(B) the conciliation agreement is in effect; and
`(C) the defendant is, with respect to the violation involved, in compliance
with the conciliation agreement.
`SEC. 380. PERIOD OF LIMITATIONS.
`No person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any violation of this
Act, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within
5 years after the date of the violation.'.
SEC. 102. EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE POSITIONS.
(a) EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE LEVEL III POSITION- Section 5314 of title 5, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`Chair, Federal Election Administration.'.
(b) EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE LEVEL IV POSITIONS- Section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`Members (other than the Chair), Federal Election Administration.
`Staff Director, Federal Election Administration.
`Inspector General, Federal Election Administration.'.
(c) EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE LEVEL V POSITION- Section 5316 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`General Counsel, Federal Election Administration.'.
SEC. 103. GAO EXAMINATION OF ENFORCEMENT OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
(a) EXAMINATION- The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct
a thorough examination of the enforcement of the criminal provisions of the
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) and chapters
95 and 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by the Attorney General.
(b) REPORT- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Comptroller General shall submit to the Attorney General and Congress
a report on the examination conducted under subsection (a) together with recommendations
on how the Attorney General may improve the enforcement of the criminal provisions
of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) and chapters
95 and 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including recommendations
on the resources that the Attorney General would require to effectively enforce
such criminal provisions.
SEC. 104. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON APPROPRIATE FUNDING LEVELS.
(a) STUDY- The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an ongoing
study on the level of funding that constitutes an adequate level of resources
for the Federal Election Administration to competently execute the responsibilities
imposed on the Administration by this Act.
(b) REPORT- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act,
and once every 2 years thereafter, the Comptroller General shall submit to
the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Congress a report
on the study conducted under subsection (a) together with recommendations
for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General
determines to be appropriate.
SEC. 105. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) INDEPENDENT AGENCY- Section 104 of title 5, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking `and' after the semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting `; and'; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(3) the Federal Election Administration.'.
(b) COVERAGE UNDER INSPECTOR GENERAL ACT- Section 8G(a)(2) of the Inspector
General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking `Federal Election
Commission' and inserting `Federal Election Administration'.
(c) COVERAGE OF PERSONNEL UNDER HATCH ACT- Section 7323(b) of title 5, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking `Federal Election Commission' and inserting
`Federal Election Administration'; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(B)(i)(I), by striking `Federal Election Commission'
and inserting `Federal Election Administration'.
(d) EXCLUSION FROM SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE- Section 3132(a)(1)(C) of title
5, United States Code, is amended by striking `Federal Election Commission'
and inserting `Federal Election Administration'.
(e) SUBTITLE A- Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2
U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended by inserting before section 301 the following:
`Subtitle A--General Provisions'.
SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 314 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 439c) is
amended to read as follows:
`AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
`SEC. 314. For each fiscal year, there are authorized to be appropriated to
the Administration such sums as may be necessary for the purpose of carrying
out its functions under this Act and under chapters 95 and 96 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986.'.
TITLE II--TRANSITION PROVISIONS
SEC. 201. TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS OF FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION.
There are transferred to the Federal Election Administration established under
section 351 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (as added by section
101) all functions that the Federal Election Commission exercised before the
date described in section 205(a).
SEC. 202. TRANSFER OF PROPERTY, RECORDS, AND PERSONNEL.
(a) PROPERTY AND RECORDS- The contracts, liabilities, records, property, and
other assets and interests of, or made available in connection with, the offices
and functions of the Federal Election Commission which are transferred by
this title are transferred to the Federal Election Administration.
(b) PERSONNEL- The personnel employed in connection with the offices and functions
of the Federal Election Commission which are transferred by this title are
transferred to the Federal Election Administration.
SEC. 203. REPEALS.
The following provisions of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 are
repealed:
(1) Section 306 (2 U.S.C. 437c).
(2) Section 307 (2 U.S.C. 437d).
(3) Section 308 (2 U.S.C. 437f).
(4) Section 309 (2 U.S.C. 437g).
(5) Section 310 (2 U.S.C. 437h).
(6) Section 311 (2 U.S.C. 438).
(7) Section 314 (2 U.S.C. 439c).
(8) Section 406 (2 U.S.C. 455).
SEC. 204. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et
seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 301, by striking paragraph (10) and inserting the following:
`(10) The term `Administration' means the Federal Election Administration.';
(2) by striking `Federal Election Commission' and inserting `Administration'
each place it appears; and
(3) by striking `Commission' and inserting `Administration' each place it
appears.
(b) Section 3502(1)(B) of title 44, United States Code, is amended by striking
`Federal Election Commission' and inserting `Federal Election Administration'.
(c) Section 207(j)(7)(B)(i) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
striking `the Federal Election Commission by a former officer or employee
of the Federal Election Commission' and inserting `the Federal Election Administration
by a former officer or employee of the Federal Election Commission or the
Federal Election Administration'.
(d) Section 103 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (e), by striking `the Federal Election Commission' and
inserting `the Federal Election Administration'; and
(2) in subsection (k), by striking `the Federal Election Commission' and
inserting `the Federal Election Administration'.
(e)(1) Section 9002(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to
read as follows:
`(3) The term `Administration' means the Federal Election Administration
established under section 351 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.'.
(2) Chapter 95 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
`Commission' and inserting `Administration' each place it appears.
(f)(1) Section 9032(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to
read as follows:
`(3) The term `Administration' means the Federal Election Administration
established under section 351 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.'.
(2) Chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
`Commission' and inserting `Administration' each place it appears.
(g) Section 6 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg-4)
is amended by striking `Federal Election Commission' and inserting `Federal
Election Administration'.
(h) Section 9 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg-7)
is amended by striking `Federal Election Commission' and inserting `Federal
Election Administration'.
(i) Section 3(c) of the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped
Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ee-1(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking `Federal Election Commission' and inserting
`Federal Election Administration'; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking `Federal Election Commission' and inserting
`Federal Election Administration'.
SEC. 205. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) IN GENERAL- This title and the amendments made by this title shall take
effect on the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) TERMINATION OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION- Notwithstanding any other
provision of, or amendment made by, this Act, the members of the Federal Election
Commission shall be removed from office on the date described in subsection
(a).
END