Summary: Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act or DISCLOSE Act - Title I: Regulation of Certain Political Spending - (Sec. 101) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to prohibit: (1) independent expenditures and payments for electioneering communications by government contractors if the value of the contract is at least $10 million; (2) recipients of assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) from making any contribution to any political party, committee, or candidate for public office, or to any person for any political purpose or use, or from making any independent expenditure or disbursing any funds for an electioneering communication; and (3) persons who enter into negotiations for an oil or gas exploration, development, or production lease under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act from making any contribution to any political party, committee, or candidate for public office or to any person for any political purpose or use, or from making any independent expenditure or disbursing any funds for an electioneering communication. (Sec. 102) Applies the ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals to foreign-controlled domestic corporations. Requires the highest ranking official of a corporation, before making any contribution, donation, expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication in connection with a federal election, to file a certification with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), if this has not been done already, that the corporation is not prohibited from carrying out such activity. Declares that nothing prohibits any domestic corporation from establishing, administering, and soliciting contributions to a separate segregated fund, so long as: (1) none of the amounts in the fund are provided by any prohibited foreign national; and (2) no such foreign national has the power to direct, dictate, or control the fund. Declares that nothing prohibits any domestic corporation from making a contribution or donation in connection with a state or local election to the extent permitted under state or local law, so long as no foreign national has the power to direct, dictate, or control such contribution or donation. Declares that nothing prohibits any domestic corporation from carrying out certain activities, so long as: (1) none of the amounts used to carry out such activities are provided by any prohibited foreign national; and (2) no prohibited foreign national has the power to direct, dictate, or control such activity. (Sec. 103) Treats as contributions: (1) any payments by any person (except a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or a political committee of a political party) for coordinated communications; and (2) political party communications made on behalf of candidates if made under the control or direction of a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee. Defines "coordinated communication" as: (1) a publicly distributed or disseminated communication referring to a candidate or an opponent of such candidate which is made during a specified election period in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or a political committee of a political party; or (2) any communication that republishes, disseminates, or distributes, in whole or in part, any broadcast or any written, graphic, or other form of campaign material prepared by a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or their agents. Excludes from the meaning of "coordinated communication": (1) a communication appearing in a news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication, unless such facilities are owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate; or (2) a communication which constitutes a candidate debate or forum.` Repeals the prohibition against contributions by individuals age 17 or younger. (Sec. 105) Prohibits a communication which is disseminated through the Internet from being treated as a form of general public political advertising unless the communication was placed for a fee on another person's website. Title II: Promoting Effective Disclosure of Campaign-Related Activity - Subtitle A: Treatment of Independent Expenditures and Electioneering Communications Made by All Persons - (Sec. 201) Revises the definition of independent expenditure to mean, in part, an expenditure that, when taken as a whole, expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, or is the functional equivalent of express advocacy. Requires any person making independent expenditures exceeding $10,000 to: (1) file a report electronically within 24 hours; and (2) file a new report electronically each time the person makes or contracts to make independent expenditures in an aggregate amount equal to or greater than $10,000 (or $1,000, if less than 20 days before an election) with respect to the same election. (Sec. 202) Increases from 60 days to 120 days the period before a general election during which a communication shall be considered an electioneering communication. (Sec. 203) Requires mandatory electronic filing by persons making independent expenditures or electioneering communications exceeding $10,000 at any time. Subtitle B: Expanded Requirements for Corporations and Other Organizations - (Sec. 211) Requires corporations, labor organizations, tax-exempt charitable organizations, and political organizations other than political committees (covered organizations) to include specified additional information in reports on independent expenditures of at least $10,000, including certain actual or deemed transfers of money to other persons, but excluding amounts paid from separate segregated funds as well as amounts designated for specified campaign-related activities. Requires certain additional information in electioneering communication reports. Prescribes special rules for transfers aggregating at least $50,000 between covered organizations treated as transfers between affiliates, including transfers to affiliated tax-exempt charitable organizations. (Sec. 212) Sets forth special rules for the use of general treasury funds by covered organizations for campaign-related activity, including both designated and unrestricted donor payments to an organization. Authorizes mutually agreed restrictions on the use of donated funds for campaign-related activity between a covered organization and a person who does not want his or her identity disclosed in a significant funder statement or a Top 5 Funders list. Prescribes special rules for transfers aggregating at least $50,000 between covered organizations treated as transfers between affiliates, including transfers to affiliated tax-exempt charitable organizations. (Sec. 213) Authorizes covered organizations to make optional use of a separate Campaign-Related Activity Account for making disbursements for campaign-related activity. Requires such an Account to be reduced by the amount of organization revenues attributable to donations or payments from a person other than the covered organization who has an agreement with the organization that it will not use such donations or payments for campaign related activity. (Sec. 214) Requires any electioneering communication transmitted through radio or television which is paid for by a political committee (including a political committee of a political party), other than a political committee which receives or accepts contributions or donations which do not comply with the contribution limits or source prohibitions of FECA, to include an audio statement identifying the name of the political committee responsible. Prescribes additional information to be included in certain radio or television electioneering communications by persons (including significant funders of campaign-related communications of a covered organization) other than a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or a political committee of a political party. Prescribes a format for the individual disclosure statement. (Sec. 215) Indexes certain amounts under FECA. Subtitle C: Reporting Requirements for Registered Lobbyists - (Sec. 221) Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require registered lobbyists to report information on independent expenditures or electioneering communications of at least $1,000 to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Title III: Disclosure by Covered Organizations of Information on Campaign Related Activity - (Sec. 301) Requires covered organizations to disclose to shareholders, members, or donors information on disbursements for campaign-related activity. Requires a covered organization that maintains an Internet site to post on it a hyperlink from its homepage to the location on the FEC website containing information required to be reported with respect to public independent expenditures, including disbursements for electioneering communications. Title IV: Other Provisions - (Sec. 401) Authorizes judicial review of the provisions of this Act by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and on appeal by the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Grants Members of Congress the right to: (1) bring an action to challenge the constitutionality of a provision of this Act; or (2) intervene in any action challenging the constitutionality of a provision of this Act, either in support of or opposition to the position of a party to the case. (Sec. 402) Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect any provision of law, rule, or regulation which waives a requirement to disclose information relating to any person in any case in which there is a reasonable probability that the information disclosure would subject the person to threats, harassments, or reprisals.

democracy strengthened casting light spending elections act regulation certain political spending sec amends federal_election_campaign_act feca prohibit independent expenditures payments electioneering communications government contractors value contract million recipients assistance troubled_asset_relief_program tarp emergency_economic_stabilization_act eesa making contribution political party committee candidate public office person political purpose use making independent expenditure disbursing funds electioneering communication persons enter negotiations oil gas exploration development production lease outer_continental_shelf_lands_act making contribution political party committee candidate public office person political purpose use making independent expenditure disbursing funds electioneering communication sec applies ban contributions expenditures foreign nationals foreign controlled domestic corporations requires highest ranking official corporation making contribution donation expenditure independent expenditure disbursement electioneering communication connection federal election file certification federal_election_commission fec corporation prohibited carrying activity declares prohibits domestic corporation establishing administering soliciting contributions separate segregated fund long amounts fund provided prohibited foreign national foreign national power direct control fund declares prohibits domestic corporation making contribution donation connection state local election extent permitted state local law long foreign national power direct control contribution donation declares prohibits domestic corporation carrying certain activities long amounts carry activities provided prohibited foreign national prohibited foreign national power direct control activity sec treats contributions payments person candidate candidate authorized committee political committee political party coordinated communications political party communications behalf candidates control direction candidate candidate authorized committee defines coordinated communication publicly distributed disseminated communication referring candidate opponent candidate specified election period cooperation consultation concert request candidate candidate authorized committee political committee political party communication disseminates distributes broadcast written form campaign material prepared candidate candidate authorized committee agents excludes meaning coordinated communication communication appearing news story distributed facilities broadcasting station newspaper magazine publication facilities owned controlled political party political committee candidate communication constitutes candidate debate forum repeals prohibition contributions individuals age younger sec prohibits communication disseminated internet treated form general public political advertising communication placed fee person website title promoting effective disclosure campaign related activity subtitle treatment independent expenditures electioneering communications persons sec revises definition independent expenditure mean expenditure taken expressly advocates election defeat clearly identified candidate functional equivalent express advocacy requires person making independent expenditures exceeding file report electronically hours file new report electronically time person makes contracts independent expenditures aggregate equal greater days election respect election sec increases days days period general election communication shall considered electioneering communication sec requires mandatory electronic filing persons making independent expenditures electioneering communications exceeding time subtitle expanded requirements corporations organizations sec requires corporations labor organizations tax exempt charitable organizations political organizations political committees covered organizations include specified additional information reports independent expenditures including certain actual deemed transfers money persons excluding amounts paid separate segregated funds amounts designated specified campaign related activities requires certain additional information electioneering communication reports prescribes special rules transfers aggregating covered organizations treated transfers affiliates including transfers affiliated tax exempt charitable organizations sec sets forth special rules use general treasury funds covered organizations campaign related activity including designated unrestricted donor payments organization authorizes mutually agreed restrictions use donated funds campaign related activity covered organization person want identity disclosed significant statement funders list prescribes special rules transfers aggregating covered organizations treated transfers affiliates including transfers affiliated tax exempt charitable organizations sec authorizes covered organizations optional use separate making disbursements campaign related activity requires account reduced organization revenues attributable donations payments person covered organization agreement organization use donations payments campaign related activity sec requires electioneering communication transmitted radio television paid political committee including political committee political party political committee receives accepts contributions donations comply contribution limits source prohibitions feca include audio statement identifying political committee responsible prescribes additional information included certain radio television electioneering communications persons including significant funders campaign related communications covered organization candidate candidate authorized committee political committee political party prescribes format individual disclosure statement sec indexes certain amounts feca subtitle reporting requirements registered lobbyists sec amends lobbying disclosure act require registered lobbyists report information independent expenditures electioneering communications secretary senate clerk house_of_representatives title iii disclosure covered organizations information campaign related activity sec requires covered organizations disclose shareholders members donors information disbursements campaign related activity requires covered organization maintains internet site post hyperlink homepage location fec website containing information required reported respect public independent expenditures including disbursements electioneering communications title provisions sec authorizes judicial review provisions act district_of_columbia appeal congress right bring action challenge constitutionality provision act intervene action challenging constitutionality provision act support opposition position party case sec declares act shall construed affect provision law rule regulation waives requirement disclose information relating person case reasonable probability information disclosure subject person threats reprisals


Summary: Poll Tape Transparency Act of 2010 - Amends the Help America Vote Act with respect to the requirements for each voting system used in a federal election. Requires the appropriate election official, upon the closing of the polls at each polling place, and under the observation of the certified tabulation observers admitted to the polling place, to: (1) announce the vote orally; (2) post a copy of the poll tape reflecting the totals from each voting machine in the polling place upon which votes were cast; (3) prepare and post a statement of the total number of individuals who appeared at the polling place to cast ballots; and (4) display by noon the following day, at a prominent public location, a copy of each poll tape and statement. Requires display of such information also on the official public websites of the applicable local election official and chief state election official. Specifies similar treatment of ballots cast at early voting sites, absentee ballots, and the daily count of provisional ballots.

poll tape transparency act amends help america vote act respect requirements voting system federal election requires appropriate election official closing polls polling place observation certified tabulation observers admitted polling place announce vote orally post copy poll tape reflecting totals voting machine polling place votes cast prepare post statement total number individuals appeared polling place cast ballots display following day prominent public location copy poll tape statement requires display information official public websites applicable local election official chief state election official specifies similar treatment ballots cast early voting sites absentee ballots daily count provisional ballots


Summary: Vote Tabulation Audit Act of 2010 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require states to meet specified standards for transparent and accurate tabulation of votes and aggregation of vote counts in federal elections, including standards for: (1) the treatment of ballots cast at early voting sites as well as absentee ballots and provisional ballots; and (2) mandatory hand recount in case of unresolved discrepancy. Requires the Election Assistance Commission to: (1) reimburse states to cover the costs of carrying out tabulations at certain polling places of votes cast on paper optical scan ballots; and (2) adopt a model format for the posting of the tabulation of votes and aggregate vote counts.

vote tabulation audit act amends help america vote act require states meet specified standards transparent accurate tabulation votes aggregation vote counts federal elections including standards treatment ballots cast early voting sites absentee ballots provisional ballots mandatory hand recount case unresolved discrepancy requires election_assistance_commission reimburse states cover costs carrying certain polling places votes cast paper optical scan ballots adopt model format posting tabulation votes aggregate vote counts


Summary: Accountability in Corporate Political Activity Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit a corporation organized by authority of any law of Congress from engaging in any campaign-related activity if the corporation has been subject to: (1) any federal criminal penalty; (2) a civil money penalty under this Act; or (3) a civil money penalty under any other federal law in an amount equal to or greater than $1 million.

accountability corporate political activity act amends federal election campaign act prohibit corporation organized authority law congress engaging campaign related activity corporation subject federal criminal penalty civil money penalty act civil money penalty federal law equal greater million


Summary: Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to prohibit anyone from performing lobbying activities on behalf of a client which is a country whose government the Secretary of State has determined has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.

amends lobbying disclosure act prohibit performing lobbying activities behalf client country government secretary state determined repeatedly provided support acts international terrorism


Summary: Lobbying Disclosure Enhancement Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish the Lobbying Disclosure Act Enforcement Task Force, which shall: (1) have primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting each case referred to the Attorney General involving a lobbyist or lobbying firm that has been notified that it may be in noncompliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 and that has failed to provide an appropriate response within 60 days; and (2) collect and disseminate information regarding enforcement of such Act. Authorizes appropriations. Amends such Act to: (1) provide for referral of cases to the Attorney General (current law provides for referrals to the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia); and (2) require the Attorney General's enforcement report to specified congressional committees to include the name of the individual lobbyists or lobbying firms involved in each case. Authorizes the Attorney General to make recommendations to Congress regarding: (1) the enforcement of and compliance with such Act; and (2) the need for resources available for the enhanced enforcement of such Act.

lobbying disclosure enhancement act directs attorney general establish lobbying disclosure act enforcement task force shall primary responsibility investigating prosecuting case referred attorney general involving lobbyist lobbying firm notified noncompliance lobbying disclosure act failed provide appropriate response days collect disseminate information enforcement act authorizes appropriations amends act provide referral cases attorney general current law provides referrals united_states attorney district_of_columbia require attorney general enforcement report specified congressional committees include individual lobbyists lobbying firms involved case authorizes attorney general recommendations congress enforcement compliance act need resources available enhanced enforcement act


Summary: Let My Absentee Ballot Count Act of 2010 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require state and local election officials, in designing the absentee ballot used in an election for federal office, to consult with the U.S. Postal Service so that the ballot is designed in a manner which minimizes the amount of postage required for the voter to return the ballot. Requires a state to design each such absentee ballot in a manner which includes an envelope or other covering so that the contents of the ballot are not visible during transmission. Requires the state or local election official responsible for the receipt of voted absentee ballots to implement procedures to track and confirm their receipt, and to make the tracking information available to the voter before election day, by means of online access using the Internet site of the official's office. States that, if an individual eligible to vote is informed before election day that the individual's absentee ballot will not be counted, and the individual casts a ballot at the polling place on election day, then: (1) the vote cast on the absentee ballot shall not be counted; (2) the ballot cast at the polling place shall be treated as a regular ballot and not as a provisional ballot, and shall be counted; and (3) the individual shall not be considered to be in violation of any law which prohibits an individual from casting more than one vote in any election. Prohibits a state from refusing to accept an absentee ballot in a federal election solely on the grounds that the ballot is not notarized or signed by a witness.

let absentee ballot count act amends help america vote act require state local election officials designing absentee ballot election federal office consult ballot designed manner minimizes postage required voter return ballot requires state design absentee ballot manner includes envelope covering contents ballot visible transmission requires state local election official responsible receipt voted absentee ballots implement procedures track confirm receipt tracking information available voter election day means online access internet site official office states individual eligible vote informed election day individual absentee ballot counted individual ballot polling place election day vote cast absentee ballot shall counted ballot cast polling place shall treated regular ballot provisional ballot shall counted individual shall considered violation law prohibits individual casting vote election prohibits state refusing accept absentee ballot federal election solely grounds ballot notarized signed witness


Summary: Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to require the expedited delivery of all marked absentee ballots from overseas uniformed services voters for regularly scheduled general elections for federal office to the appropriate election officials on or before the last Friday preceding the date of the regularly scheduled general election for federal office, except that in the case of an election occurring prior to the regularly scheduled general election for federal office held in November 2012, such delivery shall be on or before the seventh day preceding such election.

amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act require expedited delivery marked absentee ballots overseas uniformed services voters regularly scheduled general elections federal office appropriate election officials friday preceding date regularly scheduled general election federal office case election occurring prior regularly scheduled general election federal office held november delivery shall seventh day preceding election


Summary: Presidential Funding Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to public financing of presidential election campaigns, to: (1) quadruple (from 1:1 to 4:1) the matching rate for contributions to primary election candidates or their authorized committees for contributions not exceeding $200 (currently, $250); (2) eliminate primary and general election spending limits on participating candidates; (3) increase the eligibility threshold for receiving matching payments from $5,000 to $25,000 in contributions from residents of each of at least 20 states; (4) limit the maximum campaign contribution by individuals to $1,000 for primaries (currently, $2,400); (5) allow an inflation adjustment for periods after 2012 for contribution limitations and matching payment amounts; (6) prohibit contributions raised by lobbyists or political action committees from qualifying for matching fund payments; (7) require candidates who accept public financing in primary elections to accept such financing in general elections; (8) change the starting date for payment of matching funds to primary candidates from January 1 of the election year to 6 months before the first presidential primary or caucus; (9) allow an equal payment to eligible candidates in a presidential election of $50 million with additional matching funds according to a specified formula; and (10) increase from $3 to $10 ($6 to $20 for joint returns) the tax checkoff for the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) increase to $50 million the limit on coordinated spending by a national party and its presidential candidate; (2) prohibit political parties from spending unregulated funds (soft money) on their national conventions; (3) prohibit an authorized committee of a candidate from establishing a joint fundraising committee with a political committee other than the candidate's authorized committee; and (4) require presidential campaign committees to disclose information about bundled campaign contributions (i.e., a series of contributions exceeding specified threshold amounts)

presidential funding act amends internal revenue code respect public financing presidential election campaigns matching rate contributions primary election candidates authorized committees contributions exceeding currently eliminate primary general election spending limits participating candidates increase eligibility threshold receiving matching payments contributions residents states limit maximum campaign contribution individuals primaries currently allow inflation adjustment periods contribution limitations matching payment amounts prohibit contributions raised lobbyists political action committees qualifying matching fund payments require candidates accept public financing primary elections accept financing general elections change starting date payment matching funds primary candidates january election year months presidential primary caucus allow equal payment eligible candidates presidential election million additional matching funds according specified formula increase joint returns tax checkoff presidential_election_campaign_fund amends federal_election_campaign_act increase million limit coordinated spending national party presidential candidate prohibit political parties spending unregulated funds soft money national conventions prohibit authorized committee candidate establishing joint fundraising committee political committee candidate authorized committee require presidential campaign committees disclose information bundled campaign contributions series contributions exceeding specified threshold amounts


Summary: Fair Elections Now Act - Title I: Fair Elections Financing of House Election Campaigns - (Sec. 101) Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to provide certified participating House of Representatives candidates with payments, to be used only for authorized election expenditures, consisting of allocations from the Fair Elections Fund (Fund) as well as Fund payments to match 400% of the amount of certain small dollar contributions (aggregating no more than $100 per contributor per election). Sets forth formulae for determining such allocations and matching payments. Prescribes eligibility and certification requirements for participating candidates. Prohibits a participating candidate from accepting contributions from any source other than the qualifying contributions, allocations, and payments provided for in this Act. Excepts from this prohibition any contributions accepted before a candidate files a statement of intent to seek certification as a participating candidate, but only if the contributions are returned to the contributor, deposited in the Fund, or spent subject to a specified restriction. Prohibits expenditures from any amounts other than qualifying contributions or payments, except in certain circumstances. Allows a political committee of a participating candidate which is not an authorized committee to accept non-qualifying contributions from any person if: (1) the aggregate amount of the contributions from such person for any election during the election cycle does not exceed $100; and (2) no portion of such contributions is disbursed in connection with the participating candidate's campaign. Prohibits such a candidate, with certain exceptions, from making expenditures from any amounts outside such sources or from personal funds or the funds of any immediate family member of the candidate (other than funds received through qualified contributions). Requires a participating candidate, during the election cycle for the office involved, to participate in at least: (1) one public debate before the primary election with other participating and other willing candidates from the same party seeking the same nomination; and (2) two public debates before the general election with other participating and other willing candidates seeking the same office. Requires such a candidate, after an election, to remit any unspent funds to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for deposit in the Fund, with an exception for expenditures incurred but not paid as of the date of remittance. Establishes the Fund in the Treasury. Establishes within the FEC a Fair Elections Oversight Board to administer this title, including assessing civil monetary penalties for violations. (Sec. 102) Requires the deposit of penalties in the Fund. (Sec. 103) Prohibits: (1) use of contributions by a participating candidate for any purposes other than an election campaign; and (2) establishment of joint fundraising committees with any political committee other than a candidate's authorized committee. (Sec. 105) Revises the formula for the limitation on coordinated expenditures by political party committees with participating candidates. (Sec. 106) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the deposit into the Fund of 10% of the proceeds from competitive auctions for a recovered analog spectrum. (Requires deposit of only 90% of such proceeds in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund.) Title II: Responsibilities of the Federal Election Commission - (Sec. 201) Amends FECA to empower the FEC to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to review a civil action. (Sec. 202) Requires all designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under FECA by candidates for the U.S. Senate to be filed directly with the FEC instead of the Secretary of the Senate. (Sec. 203) Eliminates the threshold amount condition to require the filing of all designations, statements, or reports on aggregate contributions or expenditures in electronic form accessible by computers, regardless of amount. Reduces from 48 hours to 24 hours after their receipt the deadline for the FEC to make designations, statements, reports, or notifications available to the public in the FEC office and on the Internet. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth severability and effective date provisions.

fair elections act title fair elections financing house election campaigns sec amends federal_election_campaign_act feca provide certified participating house_of_representatives candidates payments authorized election expenditures consisting allocations fund payments match certain small dollar contributions aggregating contributor election sets forth formulae determining allocations matching payments prescribes eligibility certification requirements participating candidates prohibits participating candidate accepting contributions source qualifying contributions allocations payments provided act excepts prohibition contributions accepted candidate files statement intent seek certification participating candidate contributions returned contributor deposited fund spent subject specified restriction prohibits expenditures amounts qualifying contributions payments certain circumstances allows political committee participating candidate authorized committee accept non qualifying contributions person aggregate contributions person election election cycle exceed portion contributions disbursed connection participating candidate campaign prohibits candidate certain exceptions making expenditures amounts outside sources personal funds funds immediate family member candidate funds received qualified contributions requires participating candidate election cycle office involved participate public debate primary election participating willing candidates party seeking nomination public general election participating willing candidates seeking office requires candidate election remit unspent funds federal_election_commission fec deposit fund exception expenditures incurred paid date remittance establishes fund treasury establishes fec fair elections oversight board administer title including assessing civil monetary penalties violations sec requires deposit penalties fund sec prohibits use contributions participating candidate purposes election campaign establishment joint fundraising committees political committee candidate authorized committee sec revises formula limitation coordinated expenditures political party committees participating candidates sec amends communications act require deposit proceeds competitive auctions recovered analog spectrum requires deposit proceeds digital television transition public safety fund title responsibilities federal_election_commission sec amends feca empower fec petition writ certiorari review civil action sec requires designations statements reports required filed feca candidates filed directly fec instead secretary senate sec eliminates threshold condition require filing designations statements reports aggregate contributions expenditures electronic form accessible computers regardless reduces hours hours receipt deadline fec designations statements reports notifications available public fec office internet title iii miscellaneous provisions sets forth severability effective date provisions


Summary: Sex Offender Notification of International Travel Act - Amends the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act to require sex offenders required to register under such Act to notify their residential jurisdictions of their intent to travel from the United States to another country, regardless of the duration of the travel. Requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), to develop an international travel notification form to obtain information about sex offenders traveling outside the United States, including each such offender's name, address, social security number, email addresses, citizenship, passport or passport card number, and travel itinerary and the purpose of the trip. Establishes: (1) a Cyber Crimes Center (CCC) in the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of DHS to address criminal acts crossing U.S. borders through cyberspace; and (2) the Child Exploitation Investigations Center within the CCC to coordinate all agency child exploitation initiatives relating to child exploitation, child trafficking, and forced child labor. Authorizes the CCC to create and advance public awareness campaigns to further its mission. Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the DHS Secretary, to conduct research and development activities for the prevention and investigation of child exploitation crimes. Amends the federal criminal code to extend the authority to issue administrative subpoenas in federal offenses involving the sexual exploitation or abuse of children to the DHS Secretary and the Postmaster General.

sex offender notification international travel act amends sex offender registration notification act require sex offenders required register act notify residential jurisdictions intent travel united_states country regardless duration travel requires attorney general consultation secretary homeland_security dhs develop international travel notification form obtain information sex offenders traveling outside united_states including offender address social security number email addresses citizenship passport passport card number travel itinerary purpose trip establishes ccc customs enforcement office dhs address criminal acts crossing borders cyberspace child exploitation investigations center ccc coordinate agency child exploitation initiatives relating child exploitation child trafficking forced child labor authorizes ccc create advance public awareness campaigns mission directs attorney general consultation dhs secretary conduct research development activities prevention investigation child exploitation crimes amends federal criminal code extend authority issue administrative subpoenas federal offenses involving sexual exploitation abuse children dhs secretary postmaster_general


Summary: Free Speech and Citizen Fairness Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to repeal the annual aggregate limit on the amount of contributions by individuals in a federal election campaign to: (1) candidates and their authorized committees; and (2) political committees which are not political committees of national political parties. Repeals the limitations on the amount of coordinated or independent expenditures in a federal election campaign by national or state political parties. Exempts from treatment as a contribution or an expenditure in a federal election campaign any uncompensated personal services related to Internet activities, or use of equipment or services for uncompensated Internet activities, engaged in by any individual, group of individuals, or corporation wholly owned by one or more individuals that: (1) engages primarily in Internet activities; and (2) does not derive a substantial portion of its revenue from sources other than income from its Internet activities. States that "Internet activity" includes: (1) sending or forwarding electronic messages; (2) providing a hyperlink or other direct access to another person's website; (3) blogging; (4) creating, maintaining, or hosting a website; (5) paying a nominal fee for the use of another person's website; and (6) any other form of communication distributed over the Internet. Extends the general media exemption from treatment as an expenditure to any Internet or electronic publication (including a blog).

free speech amends federal election campaign act repeal annual aggregate limit contributions individuals federal election campaign candidates authorized committees political committees political committees national political parties repeals limitations coordinated independent expenditures federal election campaign national state political parties exempts treatment contribution expenditure federal election campaign uncompensated personal services related internet activities use equipment services uncompensated internet activities engaged individual group individuals corporation wholly owned individuals engages primarily internet activities derive substantial portion revenue sources income internet activities states internet activity includes sending forwarding electronic messages providing hyperlink direct access person website creating maintaining hosting website paying nominal fee use person website form communication distributed internet extends general media exemption treatment expenditure internet electronic publication including


Summary: Voter Integrity Act - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a grant under the Act to any state that does not certify that its laws prohibit an alien from voting in local or state elections.

help america vote act prohibit grant act state certify laws prohibit alien voting local state elections


Summary: Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any authorized committee of a candidate or any other political committee established, maintained, or controlled by a candidate or person who holds a federal office from employing the spouse or any immediate family member of such candidate or federal office holder. Amends the federal criminal code to subject to specified criminal and civil penalties any spouse of a Member of Congress who: (1) was not a registered lobbyist at least one year before the Member's election to Congress; but (2) knowingly lobbies any Member of Congress on behalf of a client for compensation; or (3) is associated with any such lobbying activity by his or her employer.

amends federal_election_campaign_act prohibit authorized committee candidate political committee established maintained controlled candidate person holds federal office employing spouse immediate family member candidate federal office holder amends federal criminal code subject specified criminal civil penalties spouse member congress registered lobbyist year member election congress knowingly member congress behalf client compensation associated lobbying activity employer


Summary: Troubled Asset Relief Program Transparency Reporting Act - Prohibits the use by a recipient or its subsidiary of Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 for lobbying expenditures or political contributions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, through enhanced internal reporting and oversight requirements, to develop and publish corporate governance principles and ethical guidelines for such recipients, including specified restrictions. Sets forth recipient reporting and certifying requirements governing such TARP funds. Requires the Secretary to make such reports and certifications publicly available online and free of charge. Subjects persons to civil fines for violating such prohibition on the use of TARP funds or failing to file the required report or certification. Bars recipients from future TARP funds for noncompliance with such guidelines unless the Secretary determines that reasonable steps have been taken to bring their actions into compliance with and to prevent future violations of this Act.

troubled asset relief program transparency reporting act prohibits use recipient subsidiary troubled_asset_relief_program tarp funds emergency_economic_stabilization_act lobbying expenditures political contributions requires secretary treasury enhanced internal reporting oversight requirements develop publish corporate governance principles ethical guidelines recipients including specified restrictions sets forth recipient reporting certifying requirements governing tarp funds requires secretary reports certifications publicly available online free charge subjects persons civil fines violating prohibition use tarp funds failing file required report certification bars recipients future tarp funds noncompliance guidelines secretary determines reasonable steps taken bring actions compliance prevent future violations act


Summary: Weekend Voting Act - Amends the Revised Statutes with respect to the time of election to establish the first Saturday and Sunday after the first Friday in November, in every even numbered year, as the days for the election, in each state and territory, of Delegates to, or Members of, Congress. Amends federal law with respect to presidential elections and vacancies to establish the first Saturday and Sunday after the first Friday in November, in every fourth year, as the days for the election of the President and Vice President of the United States. Amends such federal laws to establish the same polling place hours in the United States for both congressional and presidential elections, namely from 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday till 6:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, with polls allowed to close between the hours of 10:00 p.m. local time on Saturday and 6:00 a.m. local time on Sunday as provided by the law of the state in which the polling place is located.

weekend voting act amends revised statutes respect time election establish saturday sunday friday november numbered year days election state territory delegates members congress amends federal law respect presidential elections vacancies establish saturday sunday friday november fourth year days election president vice president united_states amends federal laws establish polling place hours united_states congressional presidential elections est saturday till est sunday polls allowed close hours local time saturday local time sunday provided law state polling place located


Summary: Title I: District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009 - District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Considers the District of Columbia a congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives. Declares that the District shall not be considered a state for purposes of representation in the Senate. Applies to the District in the same manner as it applies to a state the federal law providing for the 15th and subsequent decennial censuses and for apportionment of Representatives in Congress. Limits the District to one Member under any reapportionment of Members. Modifies the formula regarding the number of presidential electors to subject it to the 23rd amendment to the Constitution in the case of the District. (Sec. 3) Increases membership of the House from 435 to 437 Members. Provides for a reapportionment of Members resulting from such increase. Requires: (1) the President to submit to Congress a revised version of the most recent statement of such apportionment reflecting that the District of Columbia is entitled to one Representative and identifying Utah as the other state entitled to one Representative; and (2) the Clerk of the House, upon receipt of such revision, to make such identifications to the Speaker of the House. (Sec. 4) Requires the additional Representative to which the state of Utah is entitled to be elected pursuant to a redistricting plan enacted by the state. (Sec. 6) Repeals provisions of: (1) the District of Columbia Delegate Act establishing the office of District of Columbia Delegate to the House of Representatives; and (2) the District of Columbia Statehood Constitution Convention Initiative of 1979 providing for election of a Representative for the District. Makes conforming amendments to the District of Columbia Elections Code of 1955. (Sec. 8) Sets forth procedures for expedited judicial review of any action brought to challenge the constitutionality of any provision of this Act or any amendment made by it. Grants Members of Congress the right to intervene or file legal pleadings or briefs either in support of or opposition to the position of a party in any action in which the constitutionality of any provision of this Act or any amendment made by this Act is challenged. Authorizes any Member of Congress to bring such an action. (Sec. 9) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take action to encourage and promote diversity in communication media ownership and to ensure that broadcast station licenses are used in the public interest. (Sec. 10) Denies the FCC authority to require broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, commonly referred to as the Fairness Doctrine. Title II: Second Amendment Enforcement Act - Second Amendment Enforcement Act - (Sec. 203) Amends specified law prohibiting the killing of wild birds and wild animals in the District of Columbia to declare that nothing in it or any other provision of law shall authorize or be construed to permit the Council, the Mayor, or any governmental or regulatory authority of the District to prohibit, constructively prohibit, or unduly burden the ability of persons otherwise not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law from acquiring, possessing in their homes or businesses, or using for sporting, self-protection or other lawful purposes, any firearm neither prohibited by federal law nor subject to the National Firearms Act. Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms. Declares that nothing in such prohibitions shall be construed to prohibit the District from regulating or prohibiting the carrying of firearms by a person, either concealed or openly, other than at the person's dwelling place, place of business, or on other land possessed by the person. (Sec. 204) Amends the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 (FCRA) to repeal the definition of a machine gun as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily converted or restored to shoot semiautomatically, more than 12 shots without manual reloading. (Thus repeals the ban on semiautomatic weapons.) Redefines "machine gun" as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or may be readily restored to shoot automatically, more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. Includes the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person. (Sec. 205) Repeals the District's: (1) registration requirement for possession of firearms; and (2) requirement that licensed firearms dealers keep records of ammunition received into inventory and ammunition sold or transferred. Maintains the current ban on the possession and control of a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, or short-barreled rifle. (Sec. 206) Amends FCRA to allow an individual to possess ammunition in the District if the individual owns (currently, holds the valid registration certificate for) a firearm of the same gauge or caliber as such ammunition. (In effect, repeals the handgun ammunition ban.) (Sec. 207) Repeals the requirement that firearms in the possession of individuals (other than law enforcement personnel) must be kept unloaded, disassembled, or with the trigger locked, unless the firearm is kept at an individual's place of business, or while being used for lawful recreational purposes within the District of Columbia. (Sec. 208) Eliminates criminal penalties for: (1) possessing an unregistered firearm; or (2) carrying a pistol whether loaded or unloaded in one's dwelling house, place of business, or on land possessed by such person. Makes conforming amendments to the District of Columbia Code. (Sec. 210) Amends the federal criminal code to make it lawful for any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to sell or deliver a handgun to a District resident if such licensee's place of business is located in Maryland or Virginia. (Sec. 211) Repeals the Firearms Registration Act of 2008 and the Firearms Registration Emergency Amendment Act of 2008, as passed by the District of Columbia.

title district district columbia house voting rights act sec considers district_of_columbia congressional district purposes representation house_of_representatives declares district shall considered state purposes representation senate applies district manner applies state federal law providing 15th subsequent decennial censuses apportionment representatives congress limits district member reapportionment members modifies formula number presidential electors subject 23rd amendment constitution case district sec increases membership house members provides reapportionment members resulting increase requires president submit congress revised version recent statement apportionment reflecting district_of_columbia entitled representative identifying utah state entitled representative clerk house receipt revision identifications speaker house sec requires additional representative state utah entitled elected pursuant redistricting plan enacted state sec repeals provisions district_of_columbia delegate act establishing office district_of_columbia delegate house_of_representatives district_of_columbia statehood constitution convention initiative providing election representative district makes conforming amendments district_of_columbia elections code sec sets forth procedures expedited judicial review action brought challenge constitutionality provision act amendment grants members congress right intervene file legal pleadings briefs support opposition position party action constitutionality provision act amendment act challenged authorizes member congress bring action sec amends communications act direct federal_communications_commission fcc action encourage promote diversity communication media ownership ensure broadcast station licenses public interest sec denies fcc authority require broadcasters present opposing viewpoints controversial issues public importance commonly referred fairness doctrine title second amendment enforcement act second amendment enforcement act sec amends specified law prohibiting killing wild birds wild animals district_of_columbia declare provision law shall authorize construed permit council mayor governmental regulatory authority district prohibit constructively prohibit unduly burden ability persons prohibited possessing firearms federal law acquiring possessing homes businesses sporting self protection lawful purposes firearm prohibited federal law subject national firearms act denies district authority enact laws regulations discourage eliminate private ownership use firearms declares prohibitions shall construed prohibit district regulating prohibiting carrying firearms person concealed openly person dwelling place place business land possessed person sec amends firearms control regulations act fcra repeal definition machine gun firearm shoots designed shoot readily converted restored shoot semiautomatically shots manual reloading repeals ban semiautomatic weapons redefines machine gun firearm shoots designed shoot readily restored shoot automatically shot manual reloading single function trigger includes frame receiver weapon designed intended solely exclusively combination parts designed intended use converting weapon machine gun combination parts machine gun assembled parts possession control person sec repeals district registration requirement possession firearms requirement licensed firearms dealers records ammunition received inventory ammunition sold transferred maintains current ban possession control sawed shotgun machine gun short barreled rifle sec amends fcra allow individual possess ammunition district individual owns currently holds valid registration certificate firearm gauge caliber ammunition effect repeals handgun ammunition ban sec repeals requirement firearms possession individuals law enforcement personnel kept unloaded disassembled trigger locked firearm kept individual place business lawful recreational purposes district_of_columbia sec eliminates criminal penalties possessing unregistered firearm carrying pistol loaded unloaded dwelling house place business land possessed person makes conforming amendments district_of_columbia code sec amends federal criminal code lawful licensed importer licensed manufacturer licensed dealer licensed collector sell deliver handgun district resident licensee place business located maryland virginia sec repeals firearms registration act passed district_of_columbia


Summary: Fair Elections Revenue Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on payments made pursuant to a U.S. government contract to any person which is not a state or local government or a foreign nation and has contracts with the U.S. government in excess of $10 million. Sets the rate of such tax at 0.50% of amounts paid under any such contract and limits the aggregate annual amount of tax imposed each year to not more than $500,000. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the tax revenues raised by this Act be used for the financing of a Fair Elections Fund and the public financing of Senate elections.

fair elections revenue act amends internal revenue code impose excise tax payments pursuant government contract person state local government foreign nation contracts government excess million sets rate tax amounts paid contract limits aggregate annual tax imposed year expresses sense senate tax revenues raised act financing fair_elections_fund public financing senate elections


Summary: Fair Elections Now Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to: (1) eligibility and qualifying contribution requirements and benefits of fair elections financing of Senate election campaigns; (2) establishment of a Fair Elections Fund; (3) eligibility for Fund allocations; (4) contribution and expenditure requirements; (5) a public debate requirement; (6) certification of whether or not a federal election candidate is a participating candidate; (7) benefits for participating candidates; (8) matching payments for qualified small dollar contributions; (9) political advertising vouchers; (10) establishment of a Fair Elections Oversight Board; (11) civil penalties for violation of contribution and expenditure requirements; (12) prohibition of joint fundraising committees with any political committee other than a candidate's authorized committee; and (13) a specified limitation on coordinated expenditures by political party committees with participating candidates. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) prohibit the preemption of the use of a broadcasting station by a legally qualified Senate candidate who has purchased and paid for such use; (2) revise Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority to revoke licenses for broadcasting stations who fail to provide access to Senate candidates; and (3) revise the formula for determining reduced broadcast rates for participating candidates in certain circumstances. Directs the FCC to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish a standardized form to be used by broadcasting stations to record and report the purchase of advertising time by or on behalf of a candidate for nomination for election, or for election, to federal elective office. Amends FECA to: (1) empower the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to appeal a civil action; (2) require all designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under FECA to be filed directly with the FEC, and in computer-accessible electronic form; and (3) reduce from 48 to 24 hours after their receipt the deadline for the FEC to make designations, statements, reports, or notifications available to the public in the FEC office and on the Internet.

fair elections act amends federal election campaign act feca respect eligibility qualifying contribution requirements benefits fair elections financing senate election campaigns establishment fair_elections_fund eligibility fund allocations contribution expenditure requirements public debate requirement certification federal election candidate participating candidate benefits participating candidates matching payments qualified small dollar contributions political advertising vouchers establishment fair elections oversight board civil penalties violation contribution expenditure requirements prohibition joint fundraising committees political committee candidate authorized committee specified limitation coordinated expenditures political party committees participating candidates amends communications act prohibit preemption use broadcasting station legally qualified senate candidate purchased paid use revise federal_communications_commission fcc authority revoke licenses broadcasting stations fail provide access senate candidates revise formula determining reduced broadcast rates participating candidates certain circumstances directs fcc initiate rulemaking proceeding establish standardized form broadcasting stations record report purchase advertising time behalf candidate nomination election election federal elective office amends feca empower federal_election_commission fec petition writ certiorari appeal civil action require designations statements reports required filed feca filed directly fec computer accessible electronic form reduce hours receipt deadline fec designations statements reports notifications available public fec office internet


Summary: Military Voting Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to direct the Secretary of Defense (the presidential designee) to establish procedures for: (1) collecting marked absentee ballots of absent overseas uniformed services voters in regularly scheduled general elections for federal office; and (2) delivering such ballots to the appropriate state election officials. Requires the designee to: (1) ensure that such ballots are delivered prior to the time established for the closing of the polls on the date of the election; (2) carry out delivery requirements by utilizing the express mail delivery services of the U.S. Postal Service, which shall include a mechanism for ballot tracking; (3) inform individuals who are anticipated to be absent overseas uniformed services voters in such an election of the procedures for collection and delivery of marked absentee ballots established pursuant to this Act; and (4) take steps to ensure that such voters are able to cast their votes in a private and independent manner, and that vote contents remain private while in the designee's possession or control.

military voting protection act amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act direct secretary defense presidential designee establish procedures collecting marked absentee ballots absent overseas uniformed services voters regularly scheduled general elections federal office delivering ballots appropriate state election officials requires designee ensure ballots delivered prior time established closing polls date election carry delivery requirements utilizing express mail delivery services shall include mechanism ballot tracking inform individuals anticipated absent overseas uniformed services voters election procedures collection delivery marked absentee ballots established pursuant act steps ensure voters able cast votes private independent manner vote contents remain private designee possession control


Summary: Robocall Privacy Act of 2009 - Makes it unlawful for a person during specified periods before a federal primary or general election to make certain prerecorded political telephone calls with respect to a candidate for federal office without immediate disclosure of the recorded nature of the calls, the identity of the caller, and the appearance of the caller's telephone number on the recipient's caller identification service.

robocall privacy act makes unlawful person specified periods federal primary general election certain prerecorded political telephone calls respect candidate federal office immediate disclosure recorded nature calls identity caller appearance caller telephone number recipient caller identification service


Summary: Voter Fraud Prevention Act - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prescribe standards for paid distribution of voter registration application forms and registration requirements for organizations. Prohibits any individual from distributing, for compensation, a voter registration application form for federal elections in a state if the individual: (1) has been convicted of a felony under any state or federal law; (2) does not sign and print legibly the individual's name on the form; (3) does not provide identifying information to the proper election official; or (4) does not certify, under penalty of perjury, that he or she has not received financial compensation based on the number of voter registration application forms submitted by the individual to an election official upon completion by the applicant, and that the information provided by the individual is accurate to the best of the individual's knowledge. Excepts from this prohibition the distribution of a voter registration application form by an individual who is not compensated directly or indirectly for it. Imposes criminal penalties upon: (1) individuals not meeting such standards; and (2) anyone who employs such an individual knowingly, or who should reasonably be expected to know the individual is ineligible.

help america vote act prescribe standards paid distribution voter registration application forms registration requirements organizations prohibits individual distributing compensation voter registration application form federal elections state individual convicted felony state federal law sign print individual form provide identifying information proper election official certify penalty perjury received financial compensation based number voter registration application forms submitted individual election official completion applicant information provided individual accurate best individual knowledge excepts prohibition distribution voter registration application form individual compensated directly indirectly imposes criminal penalties individuals meeting standards employs individual knowingly reasonably expected know individual ineligible


Summary: Indian Reservation Bank Branch Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Revised Statutes of the United States to set forth conditions under which Indian tribes may permit branching of banks on Indian reservations. Permits approval of a state bank application to establish and operate a de novo branch within the boundaries of one or more Indian reservations (regardless of whether the Indian reservations are located within the state bank's home state), if the host reservation enacts a law meeting specified requirements. Exempts such a state bank from certain requirements and conditions governing an application for an interstate merger transaction. Prohibits specified state nonmember banks that establish or operate a branch on Indian reservations, except in certain circumstances, from establishing additional branches outside of such reservations in any state in which the Indian reservation is located. Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to authorize the Comptroller of the Currency to approve an application of a national bank to establish and operate a de novo branch within the boundaries of an Indian reservation, subject to the same requirements, conditions, and prohibitions of this Act with regard to state banks.

branch act amends federal_deposit_insurance_act revised_statutes united_states set forth conditions indian tribes permit branching banks indian reservations permits approval state bank application establish operate novo branch boundaries indian reservations regardless indian reservations located state bank home state host reservation enacts law meeting specified requirements exempts state bank certain requirements conditions governing application interstate merger transaction prohibits specified state nonmember banks establish operate branch indian reservations certain circumstances establishing additional branches outside reservations state indian reservation located amends revised statutes united_states authorize comptroller currency approve application national bank establish operate novo branch boundaries indian reservation subject requirements conditions prohibitions act regard state banks


Summary: Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act - (Sec. 3) Authorizes any state to delegate to jurisdictions within the state its responsibilities in carrying out the requirements of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) as imposed by this Act. (Sec. 4) Amends UOCAVA to require states to establish procedures for: (1) absentee uniform services voters and overseas voters to request and, states to send, federal election voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications by mail or electronically; (2) transmittal of blank absentee ballots by mail or electronically to absentee uniformed services voters and overseas voters; and (3) ensuring absentee uniformed services voters and overseas voters have time to vote, unless the state receives a hardship exemption waiver if it is unable to meet timeliness requirements. (Sec. 7) Directs the presidential designee to establish procedures for: (1) collecting marked absentee ballots of absentee overseas uniformed services voters in regularly scheduled federal general elections; and (2) delivering them to the appropriate state election officials. Requires the chief state election official, in coordination with local election jurisdictions, to develop a free access tracking system by which an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter may determine whether his or her absentee ballot has been received by the appropriate state election official. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the use of federal write-in absentee ballots in general, special, and runoff elections for federal office, and promotion and expansion of use of such ballots as a back-up measure. (Sec. 9) Prohibits refusal to accept otherwise valid voter registration and absentee ballot applications, marked absentee ballots, and federal write-in absentee ballots for failure to meet certain requirements. (Sec. 10) Directs the presidential designee to: (1) develop online portals of information to inform absent uniformed services voters regarding voter registration procedures and absentee ballot procedures for federal elections; and (2) establish a program to notify absent uniformed services voters, in part through the military Global Network, of voter registration information and resources, the availability of the federal postcard application, and the availability of the federal write-in absentee ballot on the Global Network. Authorizes appropriations. Requires each Secretary of a military department to take appropriate actions to designate an office on each installation of the armed forces under the Secretary's jurisdiction to provide absentee uniformed services voters: (1) written information on voter registration procedures and absentee ballot procedures; (2) the opportunity to register to vote in a federal election; (3) the opportunity to update the individual's voter registration information; and (3) the opportunity to request an absentee ballot. Requires each such Secretary to develop the procedures necessary to provide such assistance. (Sec. 11) Requires the presidential designee to develop standards for states to: (1) report data on the number of absentee ballots transmitted and received; and (2) store the data reported. (Sec. 12) Repeals provisions relating to the use of single voter registration and absentee ballot application for all subsequent elections. (Sec. 13) Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on civil enforcement actions under UOCAVA. (Sec. 14) Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require: (1) a state to use a requirements payment made using certain funds only to meet specified UOCAVA requirements; and (2) the state plan to describe how the state will use such requirements payment to meet UOCAVA requirements. (Sec. 15) Directs the presidential designee to establish one or more pilot programs to test the feasibility of new election technology for the benefit of absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters claiming UOCAVA rights. Authorizes appropriations.

military overseas voter empowerment act sec authorizes state delegate jurisdictions state responsibilities carrying requirements uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act uocava imposed act sec amends uocava require states establish procedures absentee uniform services voters overseas voters request states send federal election voter registration applications absentee ballot applications mail electronically transmittal blank absentee ballots mail electronically absentee uniformed services voters overseas voters ensuring absentee uniformed services voters overseas voters time vote state receives hardship exemption waiver unable meet timeliness requirements sec directs presidential designee establish procedures collecting marked absentee ballots absentee overseas uniformed services voters regularly scheduled federal general elections delivering appropriate state election officials requires chief state election official coordination local election jurisdictions develop free access tracking system absent uniformed services voter overseas voter determine absentee ballot received appropriate state election official sec authorizes use federal write absentee ballots general special runoff elections federal office promotion expansion use ballots measure sec prohibits refusal accept valid voter registration absentee ballot applications marked absentee ballots federal write absentee ballots failure meet certain requirements sec directs presidential designee develop online portals information inform absent uniformed services voters voter registration procedures absentee ballot procedures federal elections establish program notify absent uniformed services voters military voter registration information resources availability federal application availability federal write absentee ballot authorizes appropriations requires secretary military department appropriate actions designate office installation armed forces secretary jurisdiction provide absentee uniformed services voters written information voter registration procedures absentee ballot procedures opportunity register vote federal election opportunity update individual voter registration information opportunity request absentee ballot requires secretary develop procedures necessary provide assistance sec requires presidential designee develop standards states report data number absentee ballots transmitted received store data reported sec repeals provisions relating use single voter registration absentee ballot application subsequent elections sec requires attorney general report annually congress civil enforcement actions uocava sec amends help america vote act require state use requirements payment certain funds meet specified uocava requirements state plan describe state use requirements payment meet uocava requirements sec directs presidential designee establish pilot programs test feasibility new election technology benefit absent uniformed services voters overseas voters claiming uocava rights authorizes appropriations


Summary: Fair and Representative Presidential Primaries Act of 2009 - Divides the United States into six regions of specified states to provide for: (1) interregional primary elections and caucuses, according to a certain order; and (2) selection of delegates to political party presidential and vice presidential national nominating conventions.

fair divides united_states regions specified states provide primary elections according certain order selection delegates political party presidential vice presidential national nominating conventions


Summary: Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to require each state to ensure that absentee ballots are sent to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters not later than 45 days before the state's deadline for receiving absentee ballots in order to be counted in a federal election.

amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act require state ensure absentee ballots sent absent uniformed services voters overseas voters later days state deadline receiving absentee ballots order counted federal election


Summary: Executive Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the President, Vice President, or any officer or employee of the executive branch from knowingly and willfully misleading Congress for the purpose of gaining Congress's support for the use of force by the Armed Forces of the United States by: (1) falsifying, concealing, or covering up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact; (2) making any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or (3) making or using any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry. Makes such offense punishable by a fine and up to 10 years' imprisonment. Suspends the running of any statute of limitations applicable to such offense until the end of the term of the President in office at the time the offense is committed. Requires a referral to the Attorney General of any resolution passed by either house of Congress finding that a violation of this Act has occurred.

executive accountability act amends federal criminal code prohibit president vice president officer employee executive branch knowingly willfully misleading congress purpose gaining congress support use force falsifying concealing covering scheme device material fact making materially false fictitious fraudulent statement representation making false writing document knowing contain materially false fictitious fraudulent statement entry makes offense punishable fine years imprisonment suspends running statute limitations applicable offense end term president office time offense committed requires referral attorney general resolution passed house congress finding violation act occurred


Summary: Federal Election Administration Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to replace the Federal Election Commission with the Federal Election Administration (FEA) as an independent establishment to enforce federal campaign finance laws. Requires enforcement proceedings for violations of campaign finance laws to be conducted before administrative law judges. Allows any final determination made by an administrative law judge to be appealed to the FEA for final agency action, subject to judicial review. Authorizes the FEA to impose civil penalties, issue cease-and-desist orders, and report apparent criminal violations to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Allows the FEA to conduct audits and field examinations of campaign committees. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations. Directs the Comptroller General to examine and report to Congress on the Attorney General's enforcement of the criminal provisions of federal campaign finance laws.

federal_election_administration_act amends federal_election_campaign_act replace federal_election_commission federal_election_administration fea independent establishment enforce federal campaign finance laws requires enforcement proceedings violations campaign finance laws conducted administrative law judges allows final determination administrative law judge appealed fea final agency action subject judicial review authorizes fea impose civil penalties issue cease desist orders report apparent criminal violations appropriate law enforcement authorities allows fea conduct audits field examinations campaign committees prescribes criminal penalties violations directs comptroller general examine report congress attorney general enforcement criminal provisions federal campaign finance laws


Summary: Protect Taxpayers From ACORN Act - Prohibits the federal government from awarding contracts, grants, or other agreements to, providing directly or indirectly any other federal funds to, or engaging in activities that promote the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), an ACORN-related affiliate, or any organization which has a pending indictment for or has been convicted of a violation under federal or state law governing the financing of a campaign for an election for public office or the administration of such an election, including voter registration. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to be revised to carry out provisions of this Act relating to contracts.

protect taxpayers acorn act prohibits federal government awarding contracts grants agreements providing directly indirectly federal funds engaging activities promote association_of_community_organizations_for_reform acorn acorn related affiliate organization pending indictment convicted violation federal state law governing financing campaign election public office administration election including voter registration requires federal_acquisition_regulation revised carry provisions act relating contracts


Summary: Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require all election-related designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under the Act to be filed directly with the Federal Election Commission.

senate campaign disclosure parity act amends federal election campaign act require election related designations statements reports required filed act filed directly federal_election_commission


Summary: Prohibiting Foreign Influence in American Elections Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to apply the ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nations in connection with a federal, state, or local election to domestic corporations with respect to which: (1) one or more foreign principals serves on the board of directors; (2) one or more foreign principals directly or indirectly has an ownership interest; or (3) one or more foreign principals directly or indirectly holds debt or other obligations. Applies the ban to domestic corporations that are subsidiaries of foreign corporations.

prohibiting foreign influence american elections act amends federal_election_campaign_act apply ban contributions expenditures foreign nations connection federal state local election domestic corporations respect foreign principals serves board directors foreign principals directly indirectly ownership interest foreign principals directly indirectly holds debt obligations applies ban domestic corporations subsidiaries foreign corporations


Summary: American Elections Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) apply to any domestic corporation under foreign control or specified substantial foreign influence the ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals in connection with a federal, state, or local election; and (2) require disclosure in certain print or broadcast communications paid for by a coporation the percentage of corporate voting shares controlled by a foreign national, or, if no such shares exist, the percentage of gross receipts that the corporation received from a foreign national in the immediately preceding fiscal year or current pro-rated fiscal year. Requires any such broadcast communications paid for by a corporation to include an audio statement on the percentage of the corporation's shares controlled by, or of its funds that come from, foreign nationals.

american elections act amends federal election campaign act apply domestic corporation foreign control specified substantial foreign influence ban contributions expenditures foreign nationals connection federal state local election require disclosure certain print broadcast communications paid percentage corporate voting shares controlled foreign national shares exist percentage gross receipts corporation received foreign national immediately preceding fiscal year current pro rated fiscal year requires broadcast communications paid corporation include audio statement percentage corporation shares controlled funds come foreign nationals


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 24, 2010. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act of 2010 - Amends the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 to direct the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide certain presidential transition services and facilities, including office space, equipment, and payment of certain related expenses, to eligible presidential and vice-presidential candidates before a presidential general election. Directs the President, or the President's delegate, to take necessary and appropriate actions to plan and coordinate activities by the executive branch of the federal government to facilitate an efficient transfer of power to a successor President.

measure amended passed senate september summary version repeated amends presidential transition act direct administrator general_services_administration gsa provide certain presidential transition services facilities including office space equipment payment certain related expenses eligible presidential vice presidential candidates presidential general election directs president president delegate necessary appropriate actions plan coordinate activities executive branch federal government facilitate efficient transfer power successor president


Summary: Close the Revolving Door Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a permanent ban (currently, a two-year ban) on lobbying contacts by any former Member of Congress or elected officer of the Senate or the House of Representatives with any Member, officer, or employee of either house of Congress or any employee of any other legislative office. Provides for a six-year lobbying ban (currently, a one-year ban) on former congressional staff. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to: (1) require the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives to maintain a joint Internet website for the disclosure of lobbying activity called "lobbyist.gov;" (2) require a substantial lobbying entity (defined as an incorporated entity that employs more than three federally-registered lobbyists during a filing period) to file annually with the Secretary and Clerk a list of any employee or contractor who is a former Member of Congress or congressional staff person who made at least $100,000 in any one year, who worked for a total of four years or more in that capacity, or who had a job title that contained the terms Chief of Staff, Legislative or Staff Director, Counsel, Professional Staff Member, Communications Director, or Press Secretary; (3) require the Secretary and the Clerk to provide a copy of the filings of substantial lobbying entities to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; and (4) increase from $200,000 to $500,000 the civil penalty for intentional failure to correct a defective filing of lobbying activity. Prohibits any person who is a registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign principal, within six years after leaving such position, from being hired by a Member or committee of either house of Congress with whom that lobbyist or agent has had substantial lobbying contact, subject to a waiver based on a compelling national need. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit: (1) a political committee from making any expenditure or reimbursement for noncommercial air travel by a candidate for federal office; and (2) a lobbyist from making any contribution of U.S. or foreign currency to or for the benefit of any candidate for federal office.

close revolving door act amends federal criminal code impose permanent ban currently year ban lobbying contacts member congress elected officer senate house_of_representatives member officer employee house congress employee legislative office provides year lobbying ban currently year ban congressional staff amends lobbying disclosure act require secretary senate clerk house_of_representatives maintain joint internet website disclosure lobbying activity called require substantial lobbying entity defined incorporated entity employs federally registered lobbyists filing period file annually secretary clerk list employee contractor member congress congressional staff person year worked total years capacity job title contained terms chief staff legislative staff director counsel professional staff member communications director press secretary require secretary clerk provide copy filings substantial lobbying entities attorney district_of_columbia increase civil penalty intentional failure correct defective filing lobbying activity prohibits person registered lobbyist agent foreign principal years leaving position hired member committee house congress lobbyist agent substantial lobbying contact subject waiver based compelling national need amends federal_election_campaign_act prohibit political committee making expenditure reimbursement noncommercial air travel candidate federal office lobbyist making contribution foreign currency benefit candidate federal office


Summary: Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act or the DISCLOSE Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to prohibit: (1) independent expenditures and payments for electioneering communications by government contractors if the value of the contract is at least $50,000; and (2) recipients of assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) from making any contribution to any political party, committee, or candidate for public office, or to any person for any political purpose or use, or from making any independent expenditure or disbursing any funds for an electioneering communication. Applies the ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals to foreign-controlled domestic corporations. Treats as contributions: (1) any payments by any person (except a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or a political committee of a political party) for coordinated communications; and (2) political party communications made on behalf of candidates if made under the control or direction of a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee. Revises the definition of independent expenditure to mean, in part, an expenditure that, when taken as a whole, expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or is the functional equivalent of express advocacy. Requires any person making independent expenditures exceeding $10,000 to file a report within 24 hours. Increases the period before a general election during which a communication shall be considered an electioneering communication. Requires corporations, labor organizations, and other covered organizations to include specified additional information in reports on independent expenditures of at least $10,000. Sets forth special rules for the use of general treasury funds by covered organizations for campaign-related activity. Authorizes covered organizations to make optional use of a separate Campaign-Related Activity Account for making disbursements for campaign-related activity. Prescribes additional information to be included in certain radio or television communications by persons (including significant funders of campaign-related communications of a covered organization) other than a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or a political committee of a political party. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require registered lobbyists to report information on independent expenditures or electioneering communications of at least $1,000 to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Amends FECA to require Senate candidates to file all designations, statements, and reports with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), instead of the Secretary of the Senate, as under current law. Requires certain covered organizations to disclose to shareholders, members, or donors information on disbursements for campaign-related activity. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) extend the equal opportunities requirement and censorship prohibition applicable to candidates for public office to national committees of political parties; (2) grant political parties reasonable access to purchase broadcasting time at the lowest unit charged; (3) limit to the lowest unit charge the charges for the use during certain periods before an election of any broadcasting station by any person who is a legally qualified candidate for any federal office; and (4) require covered organizations to notify the FEC and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) when aggregate disbursements first equal or exceed $50,000. Directs the FCC to conduct random audits of designated market areas to ensure that broadcasting stations are allocating broadcasting time for legally qualified candidates for federal office in accordance with this Act. Authorizes judicial review of the provisions of this Act.

democracy strengthened casting light spending elections act disclose act amends federal election campaign act feca prohibit independent expenditures payments electioneering communications government contractors value contract recipients assistance troubled_asset_relief_program tarp emergency_economic_stabilization_act eesa making contribution political party committee candidate public office person political purpose use making independent expenditure disbursing funds electioneering communication applies ban contributions expenditures foreign nationals foreign controlled domestic corporations treats contributions payments person candidate candidate authorized committee political committee political party coordinated communications political party communications behalf candidates control direction candidate candidate authorized committee revises definition independent expenditure mean expenditure taken expressly advocates election defeat clearly identified candidate functional equivalent express advocacy requires person making independent expenditures exceeding file report hours increases period general election communication shall considered electioneering communication requires corporations labor organizations covered organizations include specified additional information reports independent expenditures sets forth special rules use general treasury funds covered organizations campaign related activity authorizes covered organizations optional use separate making disbursements campaign related activity prescribes additional information included certain radio television communications persons including significant funders campaign related communications covered organization candidate candidate authorized committee political committee political party amends lobbying disclosure act require registered lobbyists report information independent expenditures electioneering communications secretary senate clerk house_of_representatives amends feca require senate candidates file designations statements reports federal_election_commission fec instead secretary senate current law requires certain covered organizations disclose shareholders members donors information disbursements campaign related activity amends communications act extend equal opportunities requirement censorship prohibition applicable candidates public office national committees political parties grant political parties reasonable access purchase broadcasting time lowest unit charged limit lowest unit charge charges use certain periods election broadcasting station person legally qualified candidate federal office require covered organizations notify fec federal_communications_commission fcc aggregate disbursements equal exceed directs fcc conduct random audits designated market areas ensure broadcasting stations allocating broadcasting time legally qualified candidates federal office accordance act authorizes judicial review provisions act