,,ii #aagth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #ebgg ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,december #ae1 #bjbb,mr4 ,durbin 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,markey1 ,mr4 ,murphy1 ,mr4 ,sanders1 ,ms4 ,klobuchar1 ,ms4 ,smith1 ,mr4 ,schatz1 and ,ms4 ,warren7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,finance ,a ,,bill ,to reform the financing of ,senate elections1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,fair ,elections ,now ,act of #bjbb4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,,title ,i--,small ,donor ,incentive ,programs,sec4 #aja4 ,sense of the ,senate regarding small donor incentive programs4,,title ,,ii--,small ,dollar ,financing of ,senate ,election ,campaigns,sec4 #bja4 ,eligibility requirements and benefits of fair elections financing of ,senate election campaigns4,sec4 #bjb4 ,prohibition on joint fundraising committees4,sec4 #bjc4 ,exception to limitation on coordinated expenditures by political party committees with participating candidates4,,title ,,iii--,responsibilities of the ,federal ,election ,commission,sec4 #cja4 ,petition for certiorari4,sec4 #cjb4 ,electronic filing of ,,fec reports4,,title ,,iv--,revenue ,provisions,sec4 #dja4 ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund revenue4,,title ,v--,miscellaneous ,provisions,sec4 #eja4 ,severability4,sec4 #ejb4 ,effective date4 ,i ,small ,donor ,incentive ,programs #aja4 ,sense of the ,senate regarding small donor incentive programs ,it is the sense of the ,senate that ,congress should take steps to allow more ,americans to fully participate in our democracy through authorizing publicly financed small donor incentive programs1 including small-dollar voucher programs that broaden and diversify the number of ,americans who are able to have their voice heard in the marketplace of ideas4 ,,ii ,small ,dollar ,financing of ,senate ,election ,campaigns #bja4 ,eligibility requirements and benefits of fair elections financing of ,senate election campaigns ,the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 ,v ,fair ,elections ,financing of ,senate ,election ,campaigns ,a ,general provisions #eja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,allocation from the fund ,the term allocation from the ,fund means an allocation of money from the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund to a participating candidate pursuant to section #ebb4 7#b7 ,commission ,the term ,commission means the ,federal ,election ,commission4 7#c7 ,enhanced matching contribution ,the term enhanced matching contribution means an enhanced matching payment provided to a participating candidate for qualified small dollar contributions1 as provided under section #ebd4 7#d7 ,enhanced support qualifying period ,the term enhanced support qualifying period means1 with respect to a general election1 the period which begins #fj days before the date of the election and ends #ad days before the date of the election4 7#e7 ,fair elections qualifying period ,the term ,fair ,elections qualifying period means1 with respect to any candidate for ,senator1 the period-- 7,a7 beginning on the date on which the candidate files a statement of intent under section #eaa7;a77#a72 and 7,b7 ending on the date that is #cj days before-- 7i7 the date of the primary election2 or 7ii7 in the case of a ,state that does not hold a primary election1 the date prescribed by ,state law as the last day to qualify for a position on the general election ballot4 7#f7 ,fair elections start date ,the term ,fair ,elections start date means1 with respect to any candidate1 the date that is #ahj days before-- 7,a7 the date of the primary election2 or 7,b7 in the case of a ,state that does not hold a primary election1 the date prescribed by ,state law as the last day to qualify for a position on the general election ballot4 7#g7 ,fund ,the term ,fund means the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established by section #ejb4 7#h7 ,immediate family ,the term immediate family means1 with respect to any candidate-- 7,a7 the candidate's spouse2 7,b7 a child1 stepchild1 parent1 grandparent1 brother1 half-brother1 sister1 or half-sister of the candidate or the candidate's spouse2 and 7,c7 the spouse of any person described in subparagraph 7,b74 7#i7 ,matching contribution ,the term matching contribution means a matching payment provided to a participating candidate for qualified small dollar contributions1 as provided under section #ebc4 7#aj7 ,nonparticipating candidate ,the term nonparticipating candidate means a candidate for ,senator who is not a participating candidate4 7#aa7 ,participating candidate ,the term participating candidate means a candidate for ,senator who is certified under section #ead as being eligible to receive an allocation from the ,fund4 7#ab7 ,qualifying contribution ,the term qualifying contribution means1 with respect to a candidate1 a contribution that-- 7,a7 is in an amount that is-- 7i7 not less than #e2 and 7ii7 not more than #bjj2 7,b7 is made by an individual who is not otherwise prohibited from making a contribution under this ,act2 7,c7 is made during the ,fair ,elections qualifying period2 and 7,d7 meets the requirements of section #eab7;b74 7#ac7 ,qualified small dollar contribution ,the term qualified small dollar contribution means1 with respect to a candidate1 any contribution 7or series of contributions7-- 7,a7 which is not a qualifying contribution 7or does not include a qualifying contribution72 7,b7 which is made by an individual who is not prohibited from making a contribution under this ,act2 and 7,c7 the aggregate amount of which does not exceed #bjj per election4 7#ad7 ,qualifying multicandidate political committee contribution 7,a7 ,in general ,the term qualifying multicandidate political committee contribution means any contribution to a candidate that is made from a qualified account of a multicandidate political committee 7within the meaning of section #cae7;a77#b774 7,b7 ,qualified account ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 the term qualified account means1 with respect to a multicandidate political committee1 a separate1 segregated account of the committee that consists solely of contributions which meet the following requirements3 7i7 ,all contributions to such account are made by individuals who are not prohibited from making contributions under this ,act4 7ii7 ,the aggregate amount of contributions from each individual to such account and all other accounts of the political committee do not exceed the amount described in paragraph 7#ac77;,c74 #ejb4 ,freedom from ,influence ,fund 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury a fund to be known as the ,freedom from ,influence ,fund4 7b7 ,amounts held by ,fund ,the ,fund shall consist of the following amounts3 7#a7 ,appropriated amounts 7,a7 ,in general ,amounts appropriated to the ,fund4 7,b7 ,sense of the ,senate regarding appropriations ,it is the sense of the ,senate that-- 7i7 there should be imposed on any payment made to any person 7other than a ,state or local government or a foreign nation7 who has a contract with the ,government of the ,united ,states in excess of #aj1jjj1jjj a tax equal to #j4ej percent of amount paid pursuant to each contract1 except that the aggregate tax on each contract for any taxable year shall not exceed #ejj1jjj2 and 7ii7 the revenue from such tax should be appropriated to the ,fund4 7#b7 ,voluntary contributions ,voluntary contributions to the ,fund4 7#c7 ,other deposits ,amounts deposited into the ,fund under-- 7,a7 section #eac7;c7 7relating to exceptions to contribution requirements72 7,b7 section #eba7;c7 7relating to remittance of allocations from the ,fund72 7,c7 section #ecb 7relating to violations72 and 7,d7 any other section of this ,act4 7#d7 ,investment returns ,interest on1 and the proceeds from1 the sale or redemption of1 any obligations held by the ,fund under subsection 7c74 7c7 ,investment ,the ,commission shall invest portions of the ,fund in obligations of the ,united ,states in the same manner as provided under section #ifjb7;b7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7d7 ,use of ,fund 7#a7 ,in general ,the sums in the ,fund shall be used to provide benefits to participating candidates as provided in subtitle ,c4 7#b7 ,insufficient amounts ,under regulations established by the ,commission1 rules similar to the rules of section #ijjf7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code shall apply4 ,b ,eligibility and certification #eaa4 ,eligibility 7a7 ,in general ,a candidate for ,senator is eligible to receive an allocation from the ,fund for any election if the candidate meets the following requirements3 7#a7 ,the candidate files with the ,commission a statement of intent to seek certification as a participating candidate under this title during the period beginning on the ,fair ,elections start date and ending on the last day of the ,fair ,elections qualifying period4 7#b7 ,the candidate meets the qualifying contribution requirements of section #eab4 7#c7 ,the candidate files with the ,commission a statement certifying that the authorized committees of the candidate meet the requirements of section #eac7;d77#b74 7#d7 ,not later than the last day of the ,fair ,elections qualifying period1 the candidate files with the ,commission an affidavit signed by the candidate and the treasurer of the candidate's principal campaign committee declaring that the candidate-- 7,a7 has complied and1 if certified1 will comply with the contribution and expenditure requirements of section #eac2 7,b7 if certified1 will not run as a nonparticipating candidate during such year in any election for the office that such candidate is seeking2 and 7,c7 has either qualified or will take steps to qualify under ,state law to be on the ballot4 7b7 ,general election ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 a candidate shall not be eligible to receive an allocation from the ,fund for a general election or a general runoff election unless the candidate's party nominated the candidate to be placed on the ballot for the general election or the candidate otherwise qualified to be on the ballot under ,state law4 #eab4 ,qualifying contribution requirement 7a7 ,in general ,a candidate for ,senator meets the requirement of this section if1 during the ,fair ,elections qualifying period1 the candidate obtains-- 7#a7 a number of qualifying contributions equal to the sum of-- 7,a7 #b1jjj2 plus 7,b7 #ejj for each congressional district in the ,state with respect to which the candidate is seeking election2 and 7#b7 a total dollar amount of qualifying contributions equal to #aj percent of the amount of the allocation such candidate would be entitled to receive for the primary election under section #ebb7;c77#a7 7determined without regard to paragraph 7#e7 thereof7 if such candidate were a participating candidate4 7b7 ,requirements relating to receipt of qualifying contribution ,each qualifying contribution-- 7#a7 may be made by means of a personal check1 money order1 debit card1 credit card1 or electronic payment account2 7#b7 shall be accompanied by a signed statement containing the contributor's name and the contributor's address in the ,state in which the contributor is registered to vote2 and 7#c7 shall be acknowledged by a receipt that is sent to the contributor with a copy kept by the candidate for the ,commission and a copy kept by the candidate for the election authorities in the ,state with respect to which the candidate is seeking election4 7c7 ,verification of qualifying contributions ,the ,commission shall establish procedures for the auditing and verification of qualifying contributions to ensure that such contributions meet the requirements of this section4 #eac4 ,contribution and expenditure requirements 7a7 ,general rule ,a candidate for ,senator meets the requirements of this section if1 during the election cycle of the candidate1 the candidate-- 7#a7 except as provided in subsection 7b71 accepts no contributions other than-- 7,a7 qualifying contributions2 7,b7 qualified small dollar contributions2 7,c7 qualifying multicandidate political committee contributions2 7,d7 allocations from the ,fund under section #ebb2 7,e7 matching contributions under section #ebc2 7,f7 enhanced matching contributions under section #ebd2 7,g7 vouchers provided to the candidate under section #ebe2 7,h7 subject to subsection 7c71 personal funds of the candidate or of any immediate family member of the candidate 7other than funds received through qualified small dollar contributions72 and 7,i7 subject to subsection 7d71 contributions from individuals who are otherwise permitted to make contributions under this ,act1 subject to the applicable limitations of section #cae1 except that the aggregate amount of contributions a participating candidate may accept from any individual with respect to any election during the election cycle may not exceed #a1jjj2 and 7#b7 makes no expenditures from any amounts other than from-- 7,a7 qualifying contributions2 7,b7 qualified small dollar contributions2 7,c7 qualifying multicandidate political committee contributions2 7,d7 allocations from the ,fund under section #ebb2 7,e7 matching contributions under section #ebc2 7,f7 enhanced matching contributions under section #ebd2 7,g7 vouchers provided to the candidate under section #ebe2 7,h7 subject to subsection 7c71 personal funds of the candidate or of any immediate family member of the candidate 7other than funds received through qualified small dollar contributions72 and 7,i7 subject to subsection 7d71 contributions from individuals who are otherwise permitted to make contributions under this ,act1 subject to the applicable limitations of section #cae1 except that the aggregate amount of contributions a participating candidate may accept from any individual with respect to any election during the election cycle may not exceed #a1jjj4 ,for purposes of this subsection1 a payment made by a political party in coordination with a participating candidate shall not be treated as a contribution to or as an expenditure made by the participating candidate4 7b7 ,contributions for leadership ,p,a,cs1 etc ,a political committee of a participating candidate which is not an authorized committee of such candidate may accept contributions other than contributions described in subsection 7a77#a7 from any person if-- 7#a7 the aggregate contributions from such person for any calendar year do not exceed #bjj2 and 7#b7 no portion of such contributions is disbursed in connection with the campaign of the participating candidate4 7c7 ,special rules for personal funds ,a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate may use personal funds 7including personal funds of any immediate family member of the candidate7 so long as-- 7#a7 the aggregate amount used with respect to the election cycle 7including any period of the cycle occurring prior to the candidate's certification as a participating candidate7 does not exceed #ej1jjj2 and 7#b7 the funds are used only for making direct payments for the receipt of goods and services which constitute authorized expenditures in connection with the election cycle involved4 7d7 ,requirements relating to subsequent contributions and notification requirements 7#a7 ,restriction on subsequent contributions 7,a7 ,prohibiting donor from making subsequent nonqualified contributions during election cycle ,an individual who makes a qualified small dollar contribution to a candidate with respect to an election may not make any subsequent contribution to such candidate with respect to the election cycle which is not a qualified small dollar contribution4 7,b7 ,treatment of subsequent nonqualified contributions ,if1 notwithstanding the prohibition described in subparagraph 7,a71 an individual who makes a qualified small dollar contribution to a candidate with respect to an election makes a subsequent contribution to such candidate with respect to the election which is prohibited under subparagraph 7,a7 because it is not a qualified small dollar contribution1 the candidate may take one of the following actions3 7i7 ,not later than #b weeks after receiving the contribution1 the candidate may return the subsequent contribution to the individual4 ,in the case of a subsequent contribution which is not a qualified small dollar contribution because the contribution fails to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#ac77;,c7 of section #eja 7relating to the aggregate amount of qualified small dollar contributions that may be made by an individual to a candidate71 the candidate may return an amount equal to the difference between the amount of the subsequent contribution and the amount described in such paragraph4 7ii7 ,the candidate may retain the subsequent contribution1 so long as not later than #b weeks after receiving the subsequent contribution1 the candidate remits to the ,commission for deposit in the ,freedom from ,influence ,fund established by section #ejb an amount equal to any payments received by the candidate under this title which are attributable to the qualified small dollar contribution made by the individual involved4 7,c7 ,no effect on ability to make multiple contributions ,nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit an individual from making multiple qualified small dollar contributions to any candidate or any number of candidates1 so long as each contribution meets the definition of a qualified small dollar contribution under section #eja7ac74 7#b7 ,notification requirements for candidates 7,a7 ,notification ,each authorized committee of a candidate who seeks to be a participating candidate under this title shall provide the following information in any materials for the solicitation of contributions1 including any internet site through which individuals may make contributions to the committee3 7i7 ,a statement that if the candidate is certified as a participating candidate under this title1 the candidate will receive matching payments in an amount which is based on the total amount of qualified small dollar contributions received4 7ii7 ,a statement that a contribution which meets the definition of a qualified small dollar contribution under section #eja7ac7 shall be treated as a qualified small dollar contribution under this title4 7iii7 ,a statement that if a contribution is treated as qualified small dollar contribution under this title1 the individual who makes the contribution may not make any contribution to the candidate or the authorized committees of the candidate during the election cycle which is not a qualified small dollar contribution4 7,b7 ,alternative methods of meeting requirements ,an authorized committee may meet the requirements of subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 by including the information described in paragraph 7#a7 in the receipt provided under section #eab7;b77#c7 to a person making a qualified small dollar contribution2 or 7ii7 by modifying the information it provides to persons making contributions which is otherwise required under title ,,iii 7including information it provides through the internet74 7e7 ,exception ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 a candidate shall not be treated as having failed to meet the requirements of this section if any contributions that are not qualified small dollar contributions1 qualifying contributions1 qualifying multicandidate political committee contributions1 or contributions that meet the requirements of subsection 7b7 and that are accepted before the date the candidate files a statement of intent under section #eaa7;a77#a7 are-- 7#a7 returned to the contributor2 or 7#b7 submitted to the ,commission for deposit in the ,fund4 #ead4 ,certification 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #e days after a candidate for ,senator files an affidavit under section #eaa7;a77#d71 the ,commission shall-- 7#a7 certify whether or not the candidate is a participating candidate2 and 7#b7 notify the candidate of the ,commission's determination4 7b7 ,revocation of certification 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commission may revoke a certification under subsection 7a7 if-- 7,a7 a candidate fails to qualify to appear on the ballot at any time after the date of certification2 or 7,b7 a candidate otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of this title1 including any regulatory requirements prescribed by the ,commission4 7#b7 ,repayment of benefits ,if certification is revoked under paragraph 7#a71 the candidate shall repay to the ,fund an amount equal to the value of benefits received under this title plus interest 7at a rate determined by the ,commission7 on any such amount received4 ,c ,benefits #eba4 ,benefits for participating candidates 7a7 ,in general ,for each election with respect to which a candidate is certified as a participating candidate under section #ead1 such candidate shall be entitled to-- 7#a7 an allocation from the ,fund to make or obligate to make expenditures with respect to such election1 as provided in section #ebb2 7#b7 matching contributions1 as provided in section #ebc2 7#c7 enhanced matching contributions1 as provided in section #ebd2 and 7#d7 for the general election1 vouchers for broadcasts of political advertisements1 as provided in section #ebe4 7b7 ,restriction on uses of allocations from the fund ,allocations from the ,fund received by a participating candidate under section #ebb1 matching contributions under section #ebc1 and enhanced matching contributions under section #ebd may only be used for campaign-related costs4 7c7 ,remitting allocations from the fund 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than the date that is #ahj days after an election in which the participating candidate appeared on the ballot1 such participating candidate shall remit to the ,commission for deposit in the ,fund an amount equal to the lesser of-- 7,a7 the amount of money in the candidate's campaign account2 or 7,b7 the sum of the allocations from the ,fund received by the candidate under section #ebb1 the matching contributions received by the candidate under section #ebc1 and the enhanced matching contributions under section #ebd4 7#b7 ,exceptions 7,a7 ,subsequent election ,in the case of a candidate who qualifies to be on the ballot for a primary runoff election1 a general election1 or a general runoff election1 the amounts described in paragraph 7#a7 may be retained by the candidate and used in such subsequent election4 7,b7 ,candidate seeking certification for next election cycle ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 a participating candidate may withhold not more than #ajj1jjj from the amount required to be remitted under paragraph 7#a7 if the candidate files a signed affidavit with the ,commission that the candidate will seek certification as a participating candidate with respect to the next election cycle1 except that the candidate may not use any portion of the amount withheld until the candidate is certified as a participating candidate with respect to that next election cycle4 ,if the candidate fails to seek certification as a participating candidate prior to the last day of the qualifying period for the next election cycle 7as described in section #eaa71 or if the ,commission notifies the candidate of the ,commission's determination that the candidate does not meet the requirements for certification as a participating candidate with respect to such cycle1 the candidate shall immediately remit to the ,commission the amount withheld4 #ebb4 ,allocations from the fund 7a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall make allocations from the ,fund under section #eba7;a77#a7 to a participating candidate-- 7#a7 in the case of amounts provided under subsection 7d77#a71 after the date on which such candidate is certified as a participating candidate under section #ead2 7#b7 in the case of a general election after-- 7,a7 the date of the certification of the results of the primary election or the primary runoff election2 or 7,b7 in any case in which there is no primary election1 the date the candidate qualifies to be placed on the ballot2 and 7#c7 in the case of a primary runoff election or a general runoff election1 after the certification of the results of the primary election or the general election1 as the case may be4 7b7 ,method of payment ,the ,commission shall distribute funds available to participating candidates under this section through the use of an electronic funds exchange or a debit card4 7c7 ,timing of payment ,the ,commission shall1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that the ,secretary is able to make payments under this section from the ,treasury not later than #b business days after date of the applicable certification as described in subsection 7a74 7d7 ,amounts 7#a7 ,primary election allocation2 initial allocation ,except as provided in paragraph 7#e71 the ,commission shall make an allocation from the ,fund for a primary election to a participating candidate in an amount equal to #fg percent of the base amount with respect to such participating candidate4 7#b7 ,primary runoff election allocation ,the ,commission shall make an allocation from the ,fund for a primary runoff election to a participating candidate in an amount equal to #be percent of the amount the participating candidate was eligible to receive under this section for the primary election4 7#c7 ,general election allocation ,except as provided in paragraph 7#e71 the ,commission shall make an allocation from the ,fund for a general election to a participating candidate in an amount equal to the base amount with respect to such candidate4 7#d7 ,general runoff election allocation ,the ,commission shall make an allocation from the ,fund for a general runoff election to a participating candidate in an amount equal to #be percent of the base amount with respect to such candidate4 7#e7 ,uncontested elections 7,a7 ,in general ,in the case of a primary or general election that is an uncontested election1 the ,commission shall make an allocation from the ,fund to a participating candidate for such election in an amount equal to #be percent of the allocation which such candidate would be entitled to under this section for such election if this paragraph did not apply4 7,b7 ,uncontested election defined ,for purposes of this subparagraph1 an election is uncontested if not more than #a candidate has campaign funds 7including payments from the ,fund7 in an amount equal to or greater than #aj percent of the allocation a participating candidate would be entitled to receive under this section for such election if this paragraph did not apply4 7e7 ,base amount 7#a7 ,in general ,except as otherwise provided in this subsection1 the base amount for any candidate is an amount equal to the sum of-- 7,a7 #gej1jjj2 plus 7,b7 #aej1jjj for each congressional district in the ,state with respect to which the candidate is seeking election4 7#b7 ,indexing ,in each even-numbered year after #bjbg-- 7,a7 each dollar amount under paragraph 7#a7 shall be increased by the percent difference between the price index 7as defined in section #cae7;c77#b77;,a77 for the #ab months preceding the beginning of such calendar year and the price index for calendar year #bjbb2 7,b7 each dollar amount so increased shall remain in effect for the #b-year period beginning on the first day following the date of the last general election in the year preceding the year in which the amount is increased and ending on the date of the next general election2 and 7,c7 if any amount after adjustment under subparagraph 7,a7 is not a multiple of #ajj1 such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of #ajj4 #ebc4 ,matching payments for qualified small dollar contributions 7a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall pay to each participating candidate an amount equal to #fjj percent of the amount of qualified small dollar contributions received by the candidate from individuals after the date on which such candidate is certified under section #ead4 7b7 ,limitation ,the aggregate payments under subsection 7a7 with respect to any candidate shall not exceed #djj percent of the allocation such candidate is entitled to receive for such election under section #ebb 7determined without regard to subsection 7d77#e7 thereof74 7c7 ,time of payment ,the ,commission shall make payments under this section not later than #b business days after the receipt of a report made under subsection 7d74 7d7 ,reports 7#a7 ,in general ,each participating candidate shall file reports of receipts of qualified small dollar contributions at such times and in such manner as the ,commission may by regulations prescribe4 7#b7 ,contents of reports ,each report under this subsection shall disclose-- 7,a7 the amount of each qualified small dollar contribution received by the candidate2 and 7,b7 the name1 address1 and occupation of each individual who made a qualified small dollar contribution to the candidate4 7#c7 ,frequency of reports ,reports under this subsection shall be made no more frequently than-- 7,a7 once every month until the date that is #ij days before the date of the election2 and 7,b7 once every week after the period described in subparagraph 7,a7 and until the date of the election4 7#d7 ,limitation on regulations ,the ,commission may not prescribe any regulations with respect to reporting under this subsection with respect to any election after the date that is #ahj days before the date of such election4 7e7 ,appeals ,the ,commission shall provide a written explanation with respect to any denial of any payment under this section and shall provide the opportunity for review and reconsideration within #e business days of such denial4 #ebd4 ,enhanced matching support 7a7 ,in general ,in addition to the payments made under section #ebc1 the ,commission shall make an additional payment to an eligible candidate under this section4 7b7 ,eligibility ,a candidate is eligible to receive an additional payment under this section if the candidate meets each of the following requirements3 7#a7 ,the candidate is on the ballot for the general election for the office the candidate seeks4 7#b7 ,the candidate is certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to the election4 7#c7 ,during the enhanced support qualifying period1 the candidate receives qualified small dollar contributions in a total amount of not less than the sum of #ae1jjj for each congressional district in the ,state with respect to which the candidate is seeking election4 7#d7 ,during the enhanced support qualifying period1 the candidate submits to the ,commission a request for the payment which includes-- 7,a7 a statement of the number and amount of qualified small dollar contributions received by the candidate during the enhanced support qualifying period2 7,b7 a statement of the amount of the payment the candidate anticipates receiving with respect to the request2 and 7,c7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7#e7 ,after submitting a request for the additional payment under paragraph 7#d71 the candidate does not submit any other application for an additional payment under this title4 7c7 ,amount 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 the amount of the additional payment made to an eligible candidate under this subtitle shall be an amount equal to #ej percent of-- 7,a7 the amount of the payment made to the candidate under section #ebc with respect to the qualified small dollar contributions which are received by the candidate during the enhanced support qualifying period 7as included in the request submitted by the candidate under 7b77#d77;,a772 or 7,b7 in the case of a candidate who is not eligible to receive a payment under section #ebc with respect to such qualified small dollar contributions because the candidate has reached the limit on the aggregate amount of payments under section #ebc1 the amount of the payment which would have been made to the candidate under section #ebc with respect to such qualified small dollar contributions if the candidate had not reached such limit4 7#b7 ,limit ,the amount of the additional payment determined under paragraph 7#a7 with respect to a candidate may not exceed the sum of #aej1jjj for each congressional district in the ,state with respect to which the candidate is seeking election4 7#c7 ,no effect on aggregate limit ,the amount of the additional payment made to a candidate under this section shall not be included in determining the aggregate amount of payments made to a participating candidate with respect to an election cycle under section #ebc4 #ebe4 ,political advertising vouchers 7a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall establish and administer a voucher program for the purchase of airtime on broadcasting stations for political advertisements in accordance with the provisions of this section4 7b7 ,candidates ,the ,commission shall only disburse vouchers under the program established under subsection 7a7 to participants certified pursuant to section #ead who have agreed in writing to keep and furnish to the ,commission such records1 books1 and other information as it may require4 7c7 ,amounts ,the ,commission shall disburse vouchers to each candidate certified under subsection 7b7 in an aggregate amount equal to #ajj1jjj multiplied by the number of congressional districts in the ,state with respect to which such candidate is running for office4 7d7 ,use 7#a7 ,exclusive use ,vouchers disbursed by the ,commission under this section may be used only for the purchase of broadcast airtime for political advertisements relating to a general election for the office of ,senate by the participating candidate to which the vouchers were disbursed1 except that-- 7,a7 a candidate may exchange vouchers with a political party under paragraph 7#b72 and 7,b7 a political party may use vouchers only to purchase broadcast airtime for political advertisements for generic party advertising 7as defined by the ,commission in regulations71 to support candidates for ,state or local office in a general election1 or to support participating candidates of the party in a general election for ,federal office1 but only if it discloses the value of the voucher used as an expenditure under section #cae7;d74 7#b7 ,exchange with political party committee 7,a7 ,in general ,a participating candidate who receives a voucher under this section may transfer the right to use all or a portion of the value of the voucher to a committee of the political party of which the individual is a candidate 7or1 in the case of a participating candidate who is not a member of any political party1 to a committee of the political party of that candidate's choice7 in exchange for money in an amount equal to the cash value of the voucher or portion exchanged4 7,b7 ,continuation of candidate obligations ,the transfer of a voucher1 in whole or in part1 to a political party committee under this paragraph does not release the candidate from any obligation under the agreement made under subsection 7b7 or otherwise modify that agreement or its application to that candidate4 7,c7 ,party committee obligations ,any political party committee to which a voucher or portion thereof is transferred under subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 shall account fully1 in accordance with such requirements as the ,commission may establish1 for the receipt of the voucher2 and 7ii7 may not use the transferred voucher or portion thereof for any purpose other than a purpose described in paragraph 7#a77;,b74 7,d7 ,voucher as a contribution under ,,feca ,if a candidate transfers a voucher or any portion thereof to a political party committee under subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 the value of the voucher or portion thereof transferred shall be treated as a contribution from the candidate to the committee1 and from the committee to the candidate1 for purposes of sections #cjb and #cjd2 7ii7 the committee may1 in exchange1 provide to the candidate only funds subject to the prohibitions1 limitations1 and reporting requirements of title ,,iii of this ,act2 and 7iii7 the amount1 if identified as a voucher exchange1 shall not be considered a contribution for the purposes of sections #cae and #eac4 7e7 ,value2 acceptance2 redemption 7#a7 ,voucher ,each voucher disbursed by the ,commission under this section shall have a value in dollars1 redeemable upon presentation to the ,commission1 together with such documentation and other information as the ,commission may require1 for the purchase of broadcast airtime for political advertisements in accordance with this section4 7#b7 ,acceptance ,a broadcasting station shall accept vouchers in payment for the purchase of broadcast airtime for political advertisements in accordance with this section4 7#c7 ,redemption ,the ,commission shall redeem vouchers accepted by broadcasting stations under paragraph 7#b7 upon presentation1 subject to such documentation1 verification1 accounting1 and application requirements as the ,commission may impose to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the voucher redemption system4 7#d7 ,expiration 7,a7 ,candidates ,a voucher may only be used to pay for broadcast airtime for political advertisements to be broadcast before midnight on the day before the date of the ,federal election in connection with which it was issued and shall be null and void for any other use or purpose4 7,b7 ,exception for political party committees ,a voucher held by a political party committee may be used to pay for broadcast airtime for political advertisements to be broadcast before midnight on ,december #cast of the odd-numbered year following the year in which the voucher was issued by the ,commission4 7#e7 ,voucher as expenditure under feca ,the use of a voucher to purchase broadcast airtime constitutes an expenditure as defined in section #cja7i77;,a74 7f7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,broadcasting station ,the term broadcasting station has the meaning given that term by section #cae7;f77#a7 of the ,communications ,act of #aicd4 7#b7 ,political party ,the term political party means a major party or a minor party as defined in section #ijjb 7#c7 or 7#d7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf 7#bf ,u4,s4,c4 #ijjb 7#c7 or 7#d774 ,d ,administrative provisions #eca4 ,duties of the ,federal ,election ,commission 7a7 ,duties and powers 7#a7 ,administration ,the ,commission shall have the power to administer the provisions of this title and shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this title1 including regulations-- 7,a7 to establish procedures for-- 7i7 verifying the amount of valid qualifying contributions with respect to a candidate2 7ii7 effectively and efficiently monitoring and enforcing the limits on the raising of qualified small dollar contributions2 7iii7 monitoring the raising of qualifying multicandidate political committee contributions through effectively and efficiently monitoring and enforcing the limits on individual contributions to qualified accounts of multicandidate political committees2 7iv7 effectively and efficiently monitoring and enforcing the limits on the use of personal funds by participating candidates2 7v7 monitoring the use of allocations from the ,fund and matching contributions under this title through audits or other mechanisms2 and 7vi7 the administration of the voucher program under section #ebe2 and 7,b7 regarding the conduct of debates in a manner consistent with the best practices of ,states that provide public financing for elections4 7#b7 ,review of ,fair ,elections financing 7,a7 ,in general ,after each general election for ,federal office1 the ,commission shall conduct a comprehensive review of the ,fair ,elections financing program under this title1 including-- 7i7 the maximum dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions under section #eja7ac72 7ii7 the maximum and minimum dollar amounts for qualifying contributions under section #eja7ab72 7iii7 the number and value of qualifying contributions a candidate is required to obtain under section #eab to qualify for allocations from the ,fund2 7iv7 the amount of allocations from the ,fund that candidates may receive under section #ebb2 7v7 the maximum amount of matching contributions a candidate may receive under section #ebc2 7vi7 the maximum amount of enhanced matching contributions a candidate may receive under section #ebd2 7vii7 the amount and usage of vouchers under section #ebe2 7viii7 the overall satisfaction of participating candidates and the ,american public with the program2 and 7ix7 such other matters relating to financing of ,senate campaigns as the ,commission determines are appropriate4 7,b7 ,criteria for review ,in conducting the review under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission shall consider the following3 7i7 ,qualifying contributions and qualified small dollar contributions ,the ,commission shall consider whether the number and dollar amount of qualifying contributions required and maximum dollar amount for such qualifying contributions and qualified small dollar contributions strikes a balance regarding the importance of voter involvement1 the need to assure adequate incentives for participating1 and fiscal responsibility1 taking into consideration the number of primary and general election participating candidates1 the electoral performance of those candidates1 program cost1 and any other information the ,commission determines is appropriate4 7ii7 ,review of program benefits ,the ,commission shall consider whether the totality of the amount of funds allowed to be raised by participating candidates 7including through qualifying contributions and small dollar contributions71 allocations from the ,fund under section #ebb1 matching contributions under section #ebc1 enhanced matching contributions under section #ebd1 and vouchers under section #ebe are sufficient for voters in each ,state to learn about the candidates to cast an informed vote1 taking into account the historic amount of spending by winning candidates1 media costs1 primary election dates1 and any other information the ,commission determines is appropriate4 7,c7 ,recommendations for adjustment of amounts ,based on the review conducted under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission shall make recommendations to ,congress for any adjustment of the following amounts3 7i7 ,the maximum dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions under section #eja7ac77;,c74 7ii7 ,the maximum and minimum dollar amounts for qualifying contributions under section #eja7ab77;,a74 7iii7 ,the number and value of qualifying contributions a candidate is required to obtain under section #eab7;a77#a74 7iv7 ,the base amount for candidates under section #ebb7;d74 7v7 ,the maximum amount of matching contributions a candidate may receive under section #ebc7;b74 7vi7 ,the maximum amount of enhanced matching contributions a candidate may receive under section #ebd7;c74 7vii7 ,the dollar amount for vouchers under section #ebe7;c74 7,d7 ,report ,not later than ,march #cj following any general election for ,federal office1 the ,commission shall submit a report to ,congress on the review conducted under subparagraph 7,a7 and any recommendations developed under subparagraph 7,c74 ,such report shall contain a detailed statement of the findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations of the ,commission based on such review4 7b7 ,reports ,not later than ,march #cj1 #bjbf1 and every #b years thereafter1 the ,commission shall submit to the ,senate ,committee on ,rules and ,administration a report documenting1 evaluating1 and making recommendations relating to the administrative implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this title4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle4 #ecb4 ,violations and penalties 7a7 ,civil penalty for violation of contribution and expenditure requirements ,if a candidate who has been certified as a participating candidate under section #ead accepts a contribution or makes an expenditure that is prohibited under section #eac1 the ,commission shall assess a civil penalty against the candidate in an amount that is not more than #c times the amount of the contribution or expenditure4 ,any amounts collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the ,fund4 7b7 ,repayment for improper use of freedom from influence fund 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,commission determines that any benefit made available to a participating candidate under this title was not used as provided for in this title or that a participating candidate has violated any of the dates for remission of funds contained in this title1 the ,commission shall so notify the candidate and the candidate shall pay to the ,fund an amount equal to-- 7,a7 the amount of benefits so used or not remitted1 as appropriate2 and 7,b7 interest on any such amounts 7at a rate determined by the ,commission74 7#b7 ,other action not precluded ,any action by the ,commission in accordance with this subsection shall not preclude enforcement proceedings by the ,commission in accordance with section #cji7;a71 including a referral by the ,commission to the ,attorney ,general in the case of an apparent knowing and willful violation of this title4 4 #bjb4 ,prohibition on joint fundraising committees ,section #cjb7;e7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajb7;e77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#f7 ,no authorized committee of a participating candidate 7as defined in section #eja7 may establish a joint fundraising committee with a political committee other than an authorized committee of a candidate4 4 #bjc4 ,exception to limitation on coordinated expenditures by political party committees with participating candidates ,section #cae7;d7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c77;,a71 by striking in the case of and inserting except as provided in paragraph 7#f71 in the case of2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#f7 7,a7 ,the limitation under paragraph 7#c77;,a7 shall not apply with respect to any expenditure from a qualified political party-participating candidate coordinated expenditure fund4 7,b7 ,in this paragraph1 the term qualified political party-participating candidate coordinated expenditure fund means a fund established by the national committee of a political party1 or a ,state committee of a political party1 including any subordinate committee of a ,state committee1 for purposes of making expenditures in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for election to the office of ,senator who is a participating candidate 7as defined in section #eja71 that only accepts qualified coordinated expenditure contributions4 7,c7 ,in this paragraph1 the term qualified coordinated expenditure contribution means1 with respect to the general election campaign of a candidate for election to the office of ,senator who is a participating candidate 7as defined in section #eja71 any contribution 7or series of contributions7-- 7i7 which is made by an individual who is not prohibited from making a contribution under this ,act2 and 7ii7 the aggregate amount of which does not exceed #ejj per election4 4 ,,iii ,responsibilities of the ,federal ,election ,commission #cja4 ,petition for certiorari ,section #cjg7;a77#f7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajg7;a77#f77 is amended by inserting 7including a proceeding before the ,supreme ,court on certiorari7 after appeal4 #cjb4 ,electronic filing of ,,fec reports ,section #cjd7;a77#aa7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;a77#aa77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking under this ,act-- and all that follows and inserting under this ,act shall be required to maintain and file such designation1 statement1 or report in electronic form accessible by computers42 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking #dh hours and all that follows through filed electronically7 and inserting #bd hours2 and 7#c7 by striking subparagraph 7,d74 ,,iv ,revenue ,provisions #dja4 ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund revenue 7a7 ,in general ,the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by inserting after chapter #cf the following new chapter3 #cg ,tax on ,payments ,pursuant to ,certain ,government ,contracts ,sec4 #deja4 ,imposition of tax4 #deja4 ,imposition of tax 7a7 ,tax imposed ,there is hereby imposed on any payment made to a qualified person pursuant to a contract with the ,government of the ,united ,states a tax equal to #j4ej percent of the amount paid4 7b7 ,limitation ,the aggregate amount of tax imposed per contract under subsection 7a7 for any calendar year shall not exceed #ejj1jjj4 7c7 ,qualified person ,for purposes of this section1 the term qualified person means any person which-- 7#a7 is not a ,state or local government1 a foreign nation1 or an organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 which is exempt from taxation under section #eja7;a71 and 7#b7 has a contract with the ,government of the ,united ,states with a value in excess of #aj1jjj1jjj4 7d7 ,payment of tax ,the tax imposed by this section shall be paid by the person receiving such payment4 7e7 ,use of revenue generated by tax ,it is the sense of the ,senate that amounts equivalent to the revenue generated by the tax imposed under this chapter should be appropriated for the financing of a ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund and used for the public financing of ,senate elections4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of chapters of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter #cf the following3 ,chapter #cg--,tax on ,payments ,pursuant to ,certain ,government ,contracts 4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply to contracts entered into after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,v ,miscellaneous ,provisions #eja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this ,act or amendment made by this ,act1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this ,act and amendments made by this ,act1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 #ejb4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in general ,except as may otherwise be provided in this ,act and in the amendments made by this ,act1 this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act shall apply with respect to elections occurring during #bjbh or any succeeding year1 without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated the final regulations necessary to carry out this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act by the deadline set forth in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,deadline for regulations ,not later than ,june #cj1 #bjbf1 the ,federal ,election ,commission shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act4