DISCLOSE Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 7802
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Government Operations and Politics
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-03-04: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-07-01T08:08:36Z

AI-Generated Summary

H.R. 7802: DISCLOSE Act of 2026

Purpose

The bill aims to increase transparency in election spending by requiring more detailed disclosures from corporations, labor organizations, Super PACs (political action committees that can raise unlimited funds for independent expenditures), and other entities. It seeks to close loopholes allowing foreign money in U.S. elections, promote an informed electorate, deter corruption, and enforce existing campaign finance laws through timely reporting of funding sources.

Key Provisions

Title I: Foreign Money Loopholes
Clarifies and expands the ban on foreign nationals' contributions, donations, expenditures, and certain online/digital activities influencing federal elections.
Requires a Government Accountability Office study every four years (through 2036) on illicit foreign money in federal elections, including targeting of specific communities.
Prohibits foreign nationals (especially governments, political parties, or sanctioned entities) from funding state/local ballot initiatives or referenda.
Criminalizes (up to 5 years imprisonment) using corporations to hide foreign election spending.

Title II: Campaign-Related Disbursement Reporting
Mandates "covered organizations" (corporations, LLCs, 501(c) nonprofits excluding 501(c)(3) charities, labor unions, 527 groups, certain PAC accounts) spending over $10,000 on election ads or transfers to file reports within 24 hours, disclosing:
Beneficial owners (natural persons with substantial control or economic interest).
Donors contributing $10,000+ (with inflation adjustments post-2027).
Details of expenditures over $1,000.
Extends reporting to spending on federal judicial nominations (e.g., ads supporting/opposing nominees).
Defines "campaign-related disbursements" broadly (independent expenditures, electioneering communications, public ads mentioning candidates, certain transfers).
Requires FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) coordination; effective January 1, 2027.

Title III: Administrative Reforms
Allows the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to petition the Supreme Court for certiorari (review of lower court decisions).
Centralizes judicial challenges to campaign finance laws in D.C. federal courts, expedites cases, permits congressional members to intervene or sue.

Title IV: Stand By Every Ad
Expands "stand by your ad" disclaimers for unauthorized audio/video/internet/digital ads and prerecorded calls funded by campaign-related disbursements:
CEO/officer must identify themselves and approve the message.
Lists top 2-5 funders (donors of $10,000+ in prior 12 months) for video/audio ads.
Short ads use website links or "adapted disclaimers" (e.g., hover-over text).
Effective January 1, 2027; no new internet disclaimer mandates for previously exempt persons.

Title V: Severability
If any part is struck down, the rest remains in effect.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) Amendments: Adds donor disclosure for dark money groups (previously minimal); broadens foreign money ban to online ads, judicial spending, transfers; redefines "contributions/donations."
New Criminal Penalty: 18 U.S.C. §612 bans shell corporations for foreign concealment.
Disclaimer Expansion: Requires funder lists beyond basic "paid for by" statements; applies to digital/prerecorded formats.
Judicial Process: Shifts reviews to D.C. courts; repeals scattered review provisions.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: FEC gains enforcement tools but must issue regulations (e.g., harassment exemptions); increased workload for audits/reporting. Comptroller General conducts periodic studies. FinCEN shares data.
Citizens/Voters: Greater visibility into ad funders aids informed voting; potential reduced foreign influence.
International Relations: Strengthens barriers to foreign election interference, signaling U.S. commitment to election integrity.
Organizations: Higher compliance costs/burdens for reporting; exceptions for business transactions, donor restrictions, harassment threats.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Covered Organizations: Corporations, unions, Super PACs, 501(c)(4/5/6) "dark money" groups, 527 organizations—must disclose donors/owners.
Donors/Beneficial Owners: Individuals/entities giving $10,000+ face public exposure (with limited privacy exemptions).
Candidates/Judges: Indirectly benefit from transparent opposition/support funding.
Voters/Public: Gain funding transparency.
FEC/Comptroller General/FinCEN: Enhanced roles in oversight.
Foreign Nationals/Entities: Restricted from more election activities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Constitutional: Relies on Supreme Court precedents (Buckley v. Valeo, Citizens United) upholding disclosure as minimally restrictive for anti-corruption/informed electorate interests; anticipates challenges but includes severability and harassment exemptions.
Legal: Self-executing effective dates bypass delayed FEC rules; centralized D.C. venue may streamline defense of law.
Political: Sponsored by over 100 House Democrats; targets "dark money" criticized post-Citizens United; could shift ad dynamics by deterring anonymous spending while exempting media/news.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]

Cosponsors (158)

Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9] and 108 more

Recent Actions

2026-03-04: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-03-04: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-03-04: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-03-04: Introduced in House
2026-03-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-04 — PDF (66 pages)