Campaign Finance Transparency Act
Sponsored By: Representative Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1]
Introduced
Summary
Stronger online donor verification to make digital political contributions more traceable and to deter anonymous or misattributed donations. This bill would set new ID, reporting, and refund rules for internet contributions.
Show full summary
- Online donors would have to provide the card verification value or code and ZIP code plus a state mailing address or an accepted ID such as a U.S. passport or permanent resident card. Recurring gifts would follow the initial verification rules and digital wallets are treated as compliant.
- Campaign treasurers would have 10 days to forward donor information and must keep records of donor name, address, date, and amount. Treasurers must refund contributions that fail verification, though showing best efforts can meet that duty.
- The bill would remove the $200 reporting threshold so all contributions must be reported, ban gift certificate and store card contributions, bar aiding contributions made in another person’s name, and require the Federal Election Commission to write implementing rules within 90 days and consult payment networks. The amendments would apply to contributions after a 90-day period following those rules.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Remove $200 reporting threshold
This bill would remove references to the $200 aggregate reporting threshold in several federal campaign reporting rules. That means many small donations that previously fell under the $200 aggregate exemption could need to be reported. The change would apply to contributions made after the bill's effective rules take effect (the Act delays practical application until FEC rulemaking and a 90‑day posting period).
New ID checks for online donations
This bill would require more ID and card data for online credit or debit card donations. Donors would need to provide the card verification code and billing ZIP and either a U.S. State mailing address or specified ID (citizens: voter mailing address, passport, or similar; lawful permanent residents: green card or DHS ID). The name on the card would have to match the donor. Committees would have to forward the contributor name, address, date, and amount to the committee treasurer within 10 days. Recurring gifts or stored cards would need full verification only at the first use. Digital wallet payments would be treated as subject to these rules. Treasurers would have to refund noncompliant contributions but could show they used "best efforts" to avoid liability.
Ban helping donations in another's name
This bill would make it illegal to knowingly direct, help, or assist someone to make a campaign contribution in another person's name. Recipients who suspect such a contribution was made would have to report the suspected contribution to the Federal Election Commission. The rule is aimed at deterring "straw" donations and increasing reporting of suspected fraud.
FEC rule deadline and timing
This bill would require the Federal Election Commission to issue implementing regulations within 90 days of enactment. The FEC would have to consult payment card networks and other stakeholders when writing the rules. The new donation rules would apply to contributions made after the 90‑day period that begins when the FEC promulgates those regulations.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1]
WI • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15]
IL • R
Sponsored 5/12/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov