Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act
3/15/2023, 7:00 PMSummary of Bill HR 1414
Bill 117 HR 1414, also known as the Restoring Integrity to America's Elections Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing issues related to election integrity. The bill seeks to strengthen the security and transparency of the electoral process in the United States.One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a national standard for voter identification. This would require all voters to present a valid form of identification before being allowed to cast their ballots. The bill also includes measures to improve the security of voting machines and ensure that they are not vulnerable to hacking or tampering.
In addition, the Restoring Integrity to America's Elections Act includes provisions to increase transparency in campaign finance. The bill would require political organizations to disclose their donors and the amounts of money they contribute. This is aimed at reducing the influence of special interests in the electoral process. Overall, the bill is designed to strengthen the integrity of America's elections and ensure that the voices of the American people are heard. It seeks to address concerns about voter fraud, election security, and campaign finance transparency. If passed, the Restoring Integrity to America's Elections Act could have a significant impact on the way elections are conducted in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 1414
Restoring Integrity to America's Elections Act
This bill revises provisions regarding the Federal Election Commission (FEC), including to change FEC membership.
Specifically, the bill reduces the number of appointed members of the FEC from six to five and permits no more than two members to be affiliated with the same political party. Further, it removes the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House as ex officio members.
Next, the bill establishes the Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel to recommend to the President individuals for nomination to the FEC. The President shall appoint the FEC chair, subject to Senate confirmation.
The bill distributes the FEC's powers between the chair and the other FEC members. Further, it requires the FEC to ensure that its forms allow for the use of an accent mark as part of an individual's identification.
The bill modifies the process for (1) the FEC to initiate an investigation, and (2) a party aggrieved by the FEC's dismissal of the party's complaint or the FEC's failure to take action on the party's complaint to seek judicial review in federal court. Additionally, individuals who submit written comments regarding requests for advisory opinions must be given an opportunity to appear at FEC hearings on those requests.
The bill also permanently extends the FEC's administrative penalty authority.
Finally, the bill provides statutory authority for limitations on ex parte communications as applied to FEC members and employees. It also specifies that FEC attorneys may represent the FEC before the Supreme Court.
