Summary: Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act of 2010 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a state from imposing additional conditions or requirements on the eligibility of an individual to cast a vote in federal elections by mail, except to the extent that it imposes a deadline for requesting the ballot and returning it to the appropriate state or local election official.

universal right vote mail act amends help america vote act prohibit state imposing additional conditions requirements eligibility individual cast vote federal elections mail extent imposes deadline requesting ballot returning appropriate state local election official


Summary: Vote by Mail Act of 2010 - Directs the Election Assistance Commission to establish a Vote by Mail program of grants to participating states solely for implementation of procedures for the conduct of all elections by mail at the state or local level. Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on the benefits of broader implementation of mail-in voting in elections.

vote directs election_assistance_commission establish vote mail program grants participating states solely implementation procedures conduct elections mail state local level directs comptroller general evaluate report congress benefits broader implementation mail voting elections


Summary: Online Voter Registration Act of 2010 - Directs the Election Assistance Commission to establish a program of Online Voter Registration grants to states to implement online voter registration systems.

online voter registration act directs election_assistance_commission establish program online grants states implement online voter registration systems


Summary: Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal a provision (added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) that extends to corporations that are not tax-exempt the requirement to report payments of $600 or more.

small business paperwork mandate elimination act amends internal revenue code repeal provision added patient_protection affordable care act extends corporations tax exempt requirement report payments


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 $10 million; 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. 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 such foreign national has the power to direct, dictate, or control such contribution or donation. Declares that nothing prohibits any domestic corporation from making communications to its stockholders and executive or administrative personnel and their families or initiating nonpartisan registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns, so long as: (1) none of the amounts used to carry out such activity are provided by any such foreign national; and (2) no such foreign national has the power to direct, dictate, or control such activity. 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 the candidate's opponent 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. Repeals the prohibition against contributions by individuals age 17 or younger. 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. 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. Increases from 60 days to 120 days the period before a general election during which a communication shall be considered an electioneering communication. Requires mandatory electronic filing by persons making independent expenditures or electioneering communications exceeding $10,000 at any time. 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. 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. 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 mutually agreed with the organization that the organization may not use the donation or payment for campaign-related activity. Requires certain electioneering communications transmitted through radio or television 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. Indexes certain amounts. 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 directly with the FEC. 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. 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.

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 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 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 making communications stockholders executive administrative personnel families initiating nonpartisan registration vote campaigns long amounts carry activity provided foreign national foreign national power direct control activity 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 candidate opponent 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 repeals prohibition contributions individuals age younger prohibits communication disseminated internet treated form general public political advertising communication placed fee person website 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 increases days days period general election communication shall considered electioneering communication requires mandatory electronic filing persons making independent expenditures electioneering communications exceeding time 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 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 authorizes covered organizations optional use separate making disbursements campaign related activity requires account reduced organization revenues attributable donations payments person covered organization mutually agreed organization organization use donation payment campaign related activity requires certain electioneering communications transmitted radio television 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 indexes certain amounts 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 directly fec 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 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


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). Amends the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 to offset the cost of this Act by modifying irrigation subsidies for specified single farm operations.

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 amends reclamation reform act offset cost act modifying irrigation subsidies specified single farm operations


Summary: Small Business Paperwork Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal a provision (added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) that extends to corporations that are not tax-exempt the requirement to report payments of $600 or more.

small business paperwork relief act amends internal revenue code repeal provision added patient_protection affordable care act extends corporations tax exempt requirement report payments


Summary: Caging Prohibition Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit state or local election officials from preventing an individual from registering or voting in any election for federal office, or from permitting a formal challenge under state law to an individual's registration status or eligibility to vote, if the basis for such decision is evidence consisting of: (1) a voter caging document or voter caging list; (2) an unverified match list; (3) an error or omission on voter application or registration documents that is not material to an individual's eligibility to vote; or (4) any other evidence so designated by the Election Assistance Commission. Defines "voter caging document" as: (1) a nonforwardable document that is returned to the sender or a third party as undelivered or undeliverable despite an attempt to deliver it to the address of a registered voter or applicant; or (2) any document with instructions to an addressee that the document be returned to a sender or third party but is not so returned, despite an attempt to deliver it to the address of a registered voter, unless at least two federal election cycles have passed since the date of the attempted delivery.Defines "unverified match list" as a list produced by matching the information of registered voters or applicants to a list of individuals ineligible to vote in the registrar's jurisdiction due to death, conviction, change of address, or otherwise, unless one of the pieces of information matched includes a signature, photograph, or unique identifying number ensuring that the information from each source refers to the same individual. Requires any private individual who challenges the right of another citizen to vote to set forth in writing, under penalty of perjury, personal, first-hand knowledge establishing the grounds for ineligibility.

prohibition act amends federal criminal code prohibit state local election officials preventing individual registering voting election federal office permitting formal challenge state law individual registration status eligibility vote basis decision evidence consisting voter document voter list unverified match list error omission voter application registration documents material individual eligibility vote evidence designated election_assistance_commission defines voter document document returned sender party despite attempt deliver address registered voter applicant document instructions addressee document returned sender party returned despite attempt deliver address registered voter federal election cycles passed date attempted delivery defines unverified match list list produced matching information registered voters applicants list individuals ineligible vote registrar jurisdiction death conviction change address pieces information matched includes signature photograph unique identifying number ensuring information source refers individual requires private individual challenges right citizen vote set forth writing penalty perjury personal hand knowledge establishing grounds ineligibility


Summary: Robo Calls Off Phones Act or the Robo COP Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to revise the do-not-call registry provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry. Defines a "politically-oriented recorded message telephone call" as an outbound telephone call that plays a recorded message the purpose of which is to promote, advertise, campaign, or solicit donations, for or against any political candidate or regarding any political issue or that uses any political candidate's name.

robo calls phones act robo cop act directs federal_trade_commission ftc revise registry provisions telemarketing_sales_rule prohibit politically oriented recorded message telephone calls telephone numbers listed registry defines politically oriented recorded message telephone outbound telephone plays recorded message purpose promote advertise campaign solicit donations political candidate political issue uses political candidate


Summary: Fairness in Political Advertising Act of 2011 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each licensee for a television broadcasting station to make available free broadcast time in each even-numbered year for political advertising. Provides standards for time allotment, including total time to be allotted, the length of each unit of such free time, the hours of the day and the time of the year in which such free time must be allowed, a limitation on such free time, and the use of such free time. Requires candidates meeting certain minimum qualifying standards to be treated equally for purposes of such allotment. Provides that nothing in this Act shall restrict a candidate's right to purchase other broadcast time on such station. Requires a cable operator to make available annually free cable time for political advertising under similar requirements. Prohibits the renewal of the license of any television broadcast station licensee, or the franchise of any cable operator, that fails to comply with such requirements.

fairness political advertising act amends communications act require licensee television broadcasting station available free broadcast time numbered year political advertising provides standards time allotment including total time allotted length unit free time hours day time year free time allowed limitation free time use free time requires candidates meeting certain minimum qualifying standards treated equally purposes allotment provides act shall restrict candidate right purchase broadcast time station requires cable operator available annually free cable time political advertising similar requirements prohibits renewal license television broadcast station licensee franchise cable operator fails comply requirements


Summary: Ethics in Foreign Lobbying Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit contributions and expenditures in federal elections by multicandidate political committees or separate segregated funds sponsored by foreign-controlled corporations and associations (at least 50% owned by a non-U.S. citizen or foreign national). Sets forth ownership and operating fund reporting requirements. Prohibits a foreign national from participating in the decision-making process of any person's election-related activities (such as those of a corporation, labor organization, or political committee). Establishes within the Federal Election Commission (FEC) a clearinghouse of existing public information regarding the political activities of foreign principals and agents of foreign principals. Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to: (1) revise foreign agents' supplemental reporting requirements; and (2) provide civil penalties for specified reporting violations.

ethics foreign lobbying act amends federal election campaign act prohibit contributions expenditures federal elections multicandidate political committees separate segregated funds sponsored foreign controlled corporations associations owned citizen foreign national sets forth ownership operating fund reporting requirements prohibits foreign national participating decision making process person election related activities corporation labor organization political committee establishes federal_election_commission fec clearinghouse existing public information political activities foreign principals agents foreign principals amends foreign agents registration act revise foreign agents supplemental reporting requirements provide civil penalties specified reporting violations


Summary: Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce from $2,000 to $1,000 the maximum amount of contributions that any person may make to any candidate with respect to election for federal office. Requires adjustment to such amount (indexing) for inflation after 2014.

amends federal_election_campaign_act reduce maximum contributions person candidate respect election federal office requires adjustment indexing inflation


Summary: Leadership PAC Limitation Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit the conversion of leadership PAC funds to personal use.

leadership pac limitation act amends federal election campaign act prohibit conversion leadership pac funds personal use


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude executive branch officers and employees from provisions that allow nonrecognition for income tax purposes of gain from the sale of property required to comply with federal conflict of interest laws.

amends internal revenue code exclude executive branch officers employees provisions allow nonrecognition income tax purposes gain sale property required comply federal conflict interest laws


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate: (1) the taxpayer election to designate $3 of income tax liability for financing of presidential election campaigns; (2) the Presidential Election Campaign Fund; and (3) the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer all amounts in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund after its termination to the general fund of the Treasury, to be used only for deficit reduction.

amends internal revenue code terminate taxpayer election designate income tax liability financing presidential election campaigns presidential_election_campaign_fund presidential_primary_matching_payment_account requires secretary treasury transfer amounts presidential_election_campaign_fund termination general fund treasury deficit reduction


Summary: Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to permit candidates for election to federal office to: (1) designate an individual for each of a candiate's authorized campaign committees who will be authorized to disburse funds of the committee in the event of the candidate's death, and (2) designate another individual to carry out the responsibilities of the designated individual in the event of the death or incapacity of the designated individual or the designated individual's unwillingness to carry out the responsibilities. Prescribes procedures for filing and revoking such a designation. Permits the filing of a designation to contain the candidate's instructions regarding the disbursement of funds.

amends federal_election_campaign_act permit candidates election federal office designate individual authorized campaign committees authorized disburse funds committee event candidate death designate individual carry responsibilities designated individual event death incapacity designated individual designated individual unwillingness carry responsibilities prescribes procedures filing revoking designation permits filing designation contain candidate instructions disbursement funds


Summary: Presidential Funding Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the system of public financing for presidential primary and general elections. Increases the amount of matching funds for presidential primaries from a 1:1 match to a 4:1 match for contributions of $200 or less from individuals. Limits the total amount of payments to primary candidates to $100 million. Requires presidential primary candidates who opt to participate in the public financing system to certify to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that they have raised $25,000 (currently, $5,000) in each of 20 states, with individual contributions limited to $200. Requires such candidates to commit to accept public financing in both the primary and general elections. Limits contributions to presidential primary candidates who participate in the public financing system to $1,000 from individual contributors (currently, $2,400). Prohibits such candidates from accepting contributions or bundled contributions (i.e., combining small contributions into one large contribution) from lobbyists or political action committees (PACs). Eliminates expenditure limitations for presidential primary and general elections. Changes the period for payment of matching funds to presidential primary candidates from January 1 of the election year to six months prior to the date of the earliest state primary election. Revises general election payment provisions to allow a grant of $50 million to candidates and an additional $150 million in matching funds based upon a 4:1 match of contributions raised after June 1 of the general election year from individual donors giving up to $200 each. Increases to $50 million the limit on coordinated spending by a national party and its presidential candidate. Eliminates public financing for national party conventions. Allows individual contributions up to $25,000 in each four-year presidential election cycle to pay for national party convention costs. Prohibits the use of unregulated funds (soft money) to pay for national party convention costs. Increases from $3 to $10 ($6 to $20 for joint returns) the tax check-off for contributions to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations to ensure that approved tax preparation software does not automatically accept or decline a check-off of contributions for the public financing system. Directs the FEC to issue regulations on best efforts for identifying persons making contributions to political committees. Revises reporting requirements for the disclosure of bundled contributions by lobbyists and to presidential campaigns.

presidential funding act amends internal revenue code federal_election_campaign_act revise system public financing presidential primary general elections increases matching funds presidential primaries match match contributions individuals limits total payments primary candidates million requires presidential primary candidates opt participate public financing system certify federal_election_commission fec raised currently states individual contributions limited requires candidates commit accept public financing primary general elections limits contributions presidential primary candidates participate public financing system individual contributors currently prohibits candidates accepting contributions bundled contributions combining small contributions large contribution lobbyists political action committees pacs eliminates expenditure limitations presidential primary general elections changes period payment matching funds presidential primary candidates january election year months prior date earliest state primary election revises general election payment provisions allow grant million candidates additional million matching funds based match contributions raised june general election year individual donors giving increases million limit coordinated spending national party presidential candidate eliminates public financing national party conventions allows individual contributions year presidential election cycle pay national party convention costs prohibits use unregulated funds soft money pay national party convention costs increases joint returns tax check contributions presidential_election_campaign_fund directs secretary treasury prescribe regulations ensure approved tax preparation software automatically accept decline check contributions public financing system directs fec issue regulations best efforts identifying persons making contributions political committees revises reporting requirements disclosure bundled contributions lobbyists presidential campaigns


Summary: Member Address Privacy and Protection Act - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require the appropriate state or local official to provide adequate technological security measures to prevent the addresses of the residences of Members of Congress from appearing on the computerized statewide voter registration lists required to be maintained by states under such Act. Authorizes a Member seeking election for public office to meet any state law requirement to provide the appropriate election official with the Member's home address by filing an affidavit with the chief election official certifying that the Member is a state resident.

member address privacy protection act amends help america vote act require appropriate state local official provide adequate technological security measures prevent addresses residences members congress appearing computerized statewide voter registration lists required maintained states act authorizes member seeking election public office meet state law requirement provide appropriate election official member home address filing affidavit chief election official certifying member state resident


Summary: Election Support Consolidation and Efficiency Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to terminate the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the EAC Standards Board, and the EAC Board of Advisors 61 days after enactment of this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to perform EAC functions with respect to certain existing contracts and agreements during the transition period for winding up EAC affairs. Transfers specified election administration functions of the EAC to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). (Sec. 3) Replaces the Standards Board and the Board of Advisors with a Guidelines Review Board to review voluntary voting system guidelines proposed by the Technical Guidelines Development Committee. (Sec. 4) Sets forth special requirements relating to the transfer of certain EAC authorities to the FEC with respect to development of such guidelines. Transfers to the FEC the EAC Office of Voting System Testing and Certification. (Sec. 7) Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) study the procedures used to adopt and modify the voluntary voting system guidelines applicable to the administration of elections for federal office, and (2) develop recommendations on methods to improve such procedures. Requires the FEC to: (1) study the procedures for the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software used in federal elections, and (2) develop a recommendation on the entity best suited to oversee and carry out such procedures. Requires the recommendations in both studies to take into account the needs of persons affected by such guidelines, including state and local election officials, voters with disabilities, absent military and overseas voters, and the manufacturers of voting systems.

election support consolidation efficiency act sec amends help america vote act terminate election_assistance_commission eac days enactment act requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb perform eac functions respect certain existing contracts agreements transition period winding eac affairs transfers specified election administration functions eac federal_election_commission fec sec replaces standards board review voluntary voting system guidelines proposed sec sets forth special requirements relating transfer certain eac authorities fec respect development guidelines transfers fec sec directs comptroller general study procedures adopt modify voluntary voting system guidelines applicable administration elections federal office develop recommendations methods improve procedures requires fec study procedures testing certification decertification recertification voting system hardware software federal elections develop recommendation entity best suited oversee carry procedures requires recommendations studies account needs persons affected guidelines including state local election officials voters disabilities absent military overseas voters manufacturers voting systems


Summary: No Taxpayer Money for Corporate Campaigns Act of 2011 - Prohibits: (1) the use of federal funds received by any entity, other than a natural person, to advocate the election or defeat of a political candidate or to engage in any lobbying activity; (2) use such funds for voter registration or get-out-the-vote activities; or (3) donate such funds to any entity that advocates for the election or defeat of a political candidate or engages in lobbying activities. Exempts from this ban the use of funds by an entity for an activity specifically authorized by federal law, rule, or regulation.

taxpayer money corporate campaigns act prohibits use federal funds received entity natural person advocate election defeat political candidate engage lobbying activity use funds voter registration vote activities donate funds entity advocates election defeat political candidate engages lobbying activities exempts ban use funds entity activity specifically authorized federal law rule regulation


Summary: Fair Elections Now Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to: (1) candidate benefits of fair elections financing of House of Representatives election campaigns; (2) allocations to candidates from the Fair Elections Fund established by this Act; (3) 500% matching payments to candidates for certain small dollar contributions; (4) Fund allocation eligibility requirements; (5) certification of a federal election candidate as a participating candidate; (6) contribution, expenditure, and fundraising requirements; (7) a public debate requirement; (8) remission to the Fair Elections Fund of unspent funds after an election; (9) establishment of the Fair Elections Fund and of a Fair Elections Oversight Board; (10) civil penalties for violation of contribution and expenditure requirements; and (11) transfer of a portion of collected civil money penalties into the Fair Elections Fund. 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. Prescribes a limitation on coordinated expenditures by political party committees with participating candidates. Amends FECA to empower the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to appeal a civil action. Requires all designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under FECA to be filed: (1) directly with the FEC, and (2) in electronic form accessible by computers. 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.

fair elections act amends federal election campaign act feca respect candidate benefits fair elections financing house_of_representatives election campaigns allocations candidates fair_elections_fund established act matching payments candidates certain small dollar contributions fund allocation eligibility requirements certification federal election candidate participating candidate contribution expenditure fundraising requirements public debate requirement remission fair_elections_fund unspent funds election establishment fair_elections_fund fair elections oversight board civil penalties violation contribution expenditure requirements transfer portion collected civil money penalties fair_elections_fund prohibits use contributions participating candidate purposes election campaign establishment joint fundraising committees political committee candidate authorized committee prescribes limitation coordinated expenditures political party committees participating candidates amends feca empower federal_election_commission fec petition writ certiorari appeal civil action requires designations statements reports required filed feca filed directly fec electronic form accessible computers reduces hours hours receipt deadline fec designations statements reports notifications available public fec office internet


Summary: License Plate Political Slush Fund Prevention Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to withhold 15% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds if the state allows proceeds from license plate sales to go to partisan political organizations. Requires funds withheld from a state to be deposited in the Treasury and used for deficit (or, if there is no federal budget deficit, to reduce the federal debt).

requires secretary transportation dot withhold state apportionment certain federal aid highway funds state allows proceeds license sales partisan political organizations requires funds withheld state deposited treasury deficit federal budget deficit reduce federal debt


Summary: Clean Up Government Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise and expand prohibitions against bribery, theft of public money, and other public corruption offenses. Expands mail and wire fraud statutes to cover offenses involving any other thing of value (e.g., intangible rights and licenses). Modifies general venue rules for criminal prosecutions to allow prosecutions in any district in which an act in furtherance of an offense is committed. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from: (1) 10 to 20 years for theft or bribery involving federally-assisted programs; (2) 10 to 20 years for theft and embezzlement of federal money, property, or records; (3) 15 to 20 years for bribery of public officials; and (4) 2 to 5 years for providing gratuities because of an official's or person's official position or for any official act, or for bribery of a witness at a trial, hearing, or other proceeding before any court, any committee of Congress, or any U.S. agency, commission, or officer. Expands the definition of "official act" to include any act within the range of official duty, including any recommendation, which may be a single act, more than one act, or a course of conduct, and which may include a decision or recommendation that a government should not take action. Applies the prohibition against embezzlement or theft of federal money or property to government officials and employees of the District of Columbia. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend its guidelines and policy statements relating to public corruption and racketeering offenses to reflect the intent of Congress that penalties for such offenses be increased. Establishes a 10-year limitation period for the prosecution of public corruption crimes involving bribery, extortion, theft of government property, mail fraud, and racketeering. Increases to 10 years the maximum term of imprisonment for: (1) solicitation by federal officers and employees of political contributions from other federal officers and employees, (2) promise of employment made possible by an Act of Congress for political activity, (3) deprivation of such employment for political activity, (4) intimidation to secure political contributions, (5) solicitation and acceptance of contributions in federal offices, and (6) coercion of political activity by federal employees. Includes embezzlement or theft of government money or property, and specified activity relating to major fraud against the United States, as predicates for racketeering prosecutions and wiretaps.Expands the types of perjury and obstruction of justice offenses for which venue lies in the district in which the official proceeding was intended to be affected or in which the conduct constituting the alleged offense occurred. Includes as a prohibited scheme or artifice to defraud any scheme or artifice by a public official to engage in undisclosed self-dealing, as defined in this Act. Amends the federal judicial code to permit the disclosure of information regarding a potential criminal offense by a judge to the Department of Justice (DOJ), a federal, state, or local grand jury, or federal, state, or local law enforcement agents. Permits the U.S. attorney, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, or the Attorney General (currently, only the U.S. attorney) to certify to the district court that an appeal by the United States is not taken for purpose of delay and that the evidence is a substantial proof of a fact material in the proceeding.

clean government act amends federal criminal code revise expand prohibitions bribery theft public money public corruption offenses expands mail wire fraud statutes cover offenses involving thing value intangible rights licenses modifies general venue rules criminal prosecutions allow prosecutions district act furtherance offense committed increases maximum term imprisonment years theft bribery involving federally assisted programs years theft embezzlement federal money property records years bribery public officials years providing gratuities official person official position official act bribery witness trial hearing proceeding court committee congress agency commission officer expands definition official act include act range official duty including recommendation single act act course conduct include decision recommendation government action applies prohibition embezzlement theft federal money property government officials employees district_of_columbia directs united_states_sentencing_commission review amend guidelines policy statements relating public corruption racketeering offenses reflect intent congress penalties offenses increased establishes year limitation period prosecution public corruption crimes involving bribery extortion theft government property mail fraud racketeering increases years maximum term imprisonment solicitation federal officers employees political contributions federal officers employees promise employment possible act congress political activity deprivation employment political activity intimidation secure political contributions solicitation acceptance contributions federal offices coercion political activity federal employees includes embezzlement theft government money property specified activity relating major fraud united_states predicates racketeering prosecutions wiretaps expands types perjury obstruction justice offenses venue lies district official proceeding intended affected conduct constituting alleged offense occurred includes prohibited scheme artifice defraud scheme artifice public official engage undisclosed self dealing defined act amends federal judicial code permit disclosure information potential criminal offense judge department_of_justice doj federal state local grand jury federal state local law enforcement agents permits attorney deputy attorney general assistant attorney general attorney general currently attorney certify district court appeal united_states taken purpose delay evidence substantial proof fact material proceeding


Summary: Fairness in Federal Contracting Act of 2011 - Prohibits an executive agency from requiring an entity that is bidding on a federal contract or otherwise participating in the acquisition of property or services from the federal government to disclose information on any payments to a candidate for federal office or to a political committee or on any disbursements for such purposes, as a condition for submitting such contract bid or for participating in the acquisition of property or services.

fairness federal contracting act prohibits executive agency requiring entity bidding federal contract participating acquisition property services federal government disclose information payments candidate federal office political committee disbursements purposes condition submitting contract bid participating acquisition property services


Summary: State Ethics Law Protection Act of 2011 - Considers a state transportation department not to have violated federal contract requirements for the construction of a federal-aid highway project solely because the state in which the department is located, or a local government within that state, has in effect a law or order that limits the amount of money an individual or entity doing business with a state or local agency with respect to such a project may contribute to a political party, campaign, or elected official (pay to play).

considers state transportation department violated federal contract requirements construction federal aid highway project solely state department located local government state effect law order limits money individual entity business state local agency respect project contribute political party campaign elected official pay play


Summary: EAC Improvements Act of 2011 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to: (1) reauthorize the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), and (2) require states to participate in post-general election surveys. Requires the EAC to: (1) conduct and publish a survey of each polling place used in an election to determine the percentage of them in compliance with standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act; (2) establish an escrow account for making payments to accredited laboratories for the costs of the testing carried out in connection with the certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software; (3) establish a schedule of fees for such testing; and (4) maintain and publish an updated list of all accredited laboratories. Directs the EAC to analyze various factors that affect the costs to state and local governments of administering elections for federal office. Directs the Comptroller General to study the administrative operations of the EAC, including various methods for increasing their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

eac improvements act amends help america vote act reauthorize election_assistance_commission eac require states participate post general election surveys requires eac conduct publish survey polling place election determine percentage compliance standards americans disabilities act establish escrow account making payments accredited laboratories costs testing carried connection certification decertification recertification voting system hardware software establish schedule fees testing maintain publish updated list accredited laboratories directs eac analyze factors affect costs state local governments administering elections federal office directs comptroller_general study administrative operations eac including methods increasing efficiency cost effectiveness


Summary: Restoring Confidence Through Smarter Campaigns Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit expenditures by candidates for the House of Representatives to $500,000 during the election cycle ($250,000 for a primary election and $250,000 for a general election). Sets at $250,000 the maximum amount of expenditures which may be made for a runoff election ($125,000 for a primary runoff election and $125,000 for a general runoff election). Excludes from such limits expenditures for legal services. Provides for indexing such amounts for inflation.

restoring confidence smarter campaigns act amends federal election campaign act limit expenditures candidates house_of_representatives election cycle primary election general election sets maximum expenditures runoff election primary runoff election general runoff election excludes limits expenditures legal services provides indexing amounts inflation


Summary: Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act of 2011 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a state from imposing additional conditions or requirements on the eligibility of an individual to cast a vote in federal elections by mail, except to the extent that it imposes a deadline for requesting the ballot and returning it to the appropriate state or local election official.

universal right vote mail act amends help america vote act prohibit state imposing additional conditions requirements eligibility individual cast vote federal elections mail extent imposes deadline requesting ballot returning appropriate state local election official


Summary: Lobbyist Disclosure Enhancement Act  - Requires the Attorney General to establish the Lobbying Disclosure Act Enforcement Task Force.  Grants such Task Force primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting each case referred to the Attorney General under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995.  Requires such Task Force to: (1) collect and disseminate information on the enforcement of such Act; (2) audit at least annually the extent of compliance with such Act; and (3) establish, publicize, and operate a toll-free telephone hotline for members of the public to report noncompliance with lobbyist disclosure requirements. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to: (1) require notifications of noncompliance of lobbyist diclosure requirements to the Attorney General (instead of  the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia); (2) amend the definition of "lobbyist" under such Act to eliminate the exemption from such Act of certain lobbyists who work for a client on a part-time basis; (3) require lobbyists to register with the Senate and House of Representatives within 5 days after a lobbying contact (currently, 45 days); and (4) expand disclosure requirements relating to contacts with executive and legislative branch officials and political contributions.

lobbyist disclosure enhancement act requires attorney general establish lobbying disclosure act enforcement task force grants task force primary responsibility investigating prosecuting case referred attorney general lobbying disclosure act requires task force collect disseminate information enforcement act audit annually extent compliance act establish publicize operate toll free telephone hotline members public report noncompliance lobbyist disclosure requirements amends lobbying disclosure act require notifications noncompliance lobbyist requirements attorney general instead attorney district_of_columbia amend definition lobbyist act eliminate exemption act certain lobbyists work client time basis require lobbyists register senate house_of_representatives days lobbying contact currently days expand disclosure requirements relating contacts executive legislative branch officials political contributions


Summary: Transparency in Government Act of 2011 - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to revise or prescribe requirements for greater disclosure and electronic filing of personal financial information by Members of Congress and congressional officers and employees. Amends Rule XXVI (Financial Disclosure) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate to make each financial quarterly report filed by a Member, congressional officer, or employee available within 48 hours after its receipt on the Clerk's or Secretary's website. Amends Rule X (Organization of Committees) to require reports filed on foreign travel with the chair of a committee to be posted on the committee's Internet site within 48 hours after their receipt. Amends Rule XXV (Limitations on Outside Earned Income and Acceptance of Gifts) to require all advance authorizations, certifications, and gift reports filed with the Clerk to be posted publicly on the Clerk's Internet site within 48 hours after their receipt. Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) to require any Member who requests a congressional earmark, a limited tax benefit, or a limited tariff benefit to post on his or her public website, within 24 hours after making such request, and for the remainder of the Congress: (1) the name and address of the intended recipient; (2) whether the recipient is a for-profit or not-for-profit entity; (3) the requested congressional earmark amount; and (4) an explanation of the request, including the purpose, and why it is a valuable use of taxpayer funds. Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) to require any committee that accepts a Member's request for a congressional earmark or a limited tax or tariff benefit to maintain a public website with an earmark disclosure webpage that contains specified earmark information. Requires the Clerk, the Secretary, and the chairs of specified congressional committees to create one centralized database where all requests for earmarks and limited tax and tariff benefits are publicly available on the Internet. Amends Rule XI to require each committee to post on its Internet website its public hearings and markup schedules, as well as those of its subcommittees, at the same time that information is made available to members of the committee. Requires a committee or subcommittee to post on its Internet website, within 24 hours after ordering any bill or resolution to be reported, all amendments agreed to, except technical or conforming amendments. Amends Rule II (Other Officers and Officials) to require: (1) the House Committees to provide to the Clerk a list of all committee and subcommittee public hearings and markup schedules, including links to committee websites; and (2) the Clerk to post such information on the Clerk's website. Prescribes requirements for increased transparency of recorded votes. Requires the Clerk to make the following Congressional Research Service (CRS) information publicly available on the Internet: (1) CRS Issue Briefs, (2) CRS Reports that are available to Members through the CRS website, and (3) CRS Authorization of Appropriations and Appropriations Products. Exempts from this requirement information deemed confidential by the Director of CRS and confidential research requests made by an individual, office, or committee. Lobbyist Disclosure Enhancement Act - Requires the Attorney General to establish the Lobbying Disclosure Act Enforcement Task Force, which shall have primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting cases referred to him under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA). Requires the Task Force to: (1) collect and disseminate information on the enforcement of such Act; (2) audit at least annually the extent of compliance with such Act; and (3) establish, publicize, and operate a toll-free telephone hotline for members of the public to report noncompliance with lobbyist disclosure requirements. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to: (1) require notifications of noncompliance of lobbyist disclosure requirements to the Attorney General (instead of to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia); (2) amend the definition of "lobbyist" under such Act to eliminate the exemption from such Act of certain lobbyists who work for a client on a part-time basis; (3) require lobbyists to register with the Senate and House of Representatives within 5 days after a lobbying contact (currently, 45 days); and (4) expand disclosure requirements relating to contacts with executive and legislative branch officials and political contributions. Amends the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 to provide transparency in federal contracting by revising the application programming interface and data elements of the federal funding website established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Requires each Inspector General (IG) to: (1) audit annually for the previous fiscal year the data used on the website created by this Act for the IG's federal agency, in compliance with generally accepted federal auditing standards; and (2) report on such audit to OMB. Requires OMB to: (1) revise OMB guidance to federal agencies on reporting federal awards, and (2) ensure that the unique identifier used to link information on the searchable website about the award recipient is also used to link information about that recipient on the Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System. Amends the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2009 to revise or prescribe requirements for the System's database. Prescribes compliance requirements for federal contractors for procurement of property or services in excess of: (1) the simplified acquisition threshold; or (2) $500,000. Requires the IG of the General Services Administration (GSA) to study the use of identifying numbers for federal awardees to: (1) determine if the current system of awardee identifying numbers is adequately tracking federal awardees, (2) assess the feasibility of developing a new unique identification system, and (3) determine whether the new system would more effectively track federal awardees. Prescribes requirements for: (1) disclosure of federal sponsorship of all federal advertising or other communications paid for by certain federal agencies, either directly or through a contract awarded by such agencies; and (2) digital access to completed agency responses to requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA requests).

transparency government act amends ethics government act revise prescribe requirements greater disclosure electronic filing personal financial information members congress congressional officers employees amends rule xxvi financial disclosure rules house_of_representatives require clerk house secretary senate financial quarterly report filed member congressional officer employee available hours receipt clerk secretary website amends rule organization committees require reports filed foreign travel chair committee posted committee internet site hours receipt amends rule xxv limitations_on_outside_earned_income acceptance gifts require advance authorizations certifications gift reports filed clerk posted publicly clerk internet site hours receipt amends rule xxiii code official conduct require member requests congressional earmark limited tax benefit limited tariff benefit post public website hours making request remainder congress address intended recipient recipient profit profit entity requested congressional earmark explanation request including purpose valuable use taxpayer funds amends rule procedures committees unfinished business require committee accepts member request congressional earmark limited tax tariff benefit maintain public website earmark disclosure webpage contains specified earmark information requires clerk secretary chairs specified congressional committees create centralized database requests earmarks limited tax tariff benefits publicly available internet amends rule require committee post internet website public hearings schedules subcommittees time information available members committee requires committee subcommittee post internet website hours ordering bill resolution reported amendments agreed technical conforming amendments amends rule officers officials require house committees provide clerk list committee subcommittee public hearings schedules including links committee websites clerk post information clerk website prescribes requirements increased transparency recorded votes requires clerk following congressional_research_service crs information publicly available internet crs issue briefs crs reports available members crs website crs authorization appropriations appropriations products exempts requirement information deemed confidential director crs confidential research requests individual office committee lobbyist disclosure enhancement act requires attorney general establish lobbying disclosure act enforcement task force shall primary responsibility investigating prosecuting cases referred lobbying disclosure act lda requires task force collect disseminate information enforcement act audit annually extent compliance act establish publicize operate toll free telephone hotline members public report noncompliance lobbyist disclosure requirements amends lobbying disclosure act require notifications noncompliance lobbyist disclosure requirements attorney general instead attorney district_of_columbia amend definition lobbyist act eliminate exemption act certain lobbyists work client time basis require lobbyists register senate house_of_representatives days lobbying contact currently days expand disclosure requirements relating contacts executive legislative branch officials political contributions amends federal_funding_accountability transparency act provide transparency federal contracting revising application programming interface data elements federal funding website established office_of_management_and_budget omb requires inspector general audit annually previous fiscal year data website created act federal agency compliance generally accepted federal auditing standards report audit omb requires omb revise omb guidance federal agencies reporting federal awards ensure unique identifier link information searchable website award recipient link information recipient amends duncan hunter national defense authorization act fiscal year revise prescribe requirements system database prescribes compliance requirements federal contractors procurement property services excess simplified acquisition threshold requires general_services_administration gsa study use identifying numbers federal awardees determine current system awardee identifying numbers adequately tracking federal awardees assess feasibility developing new unique identification system determine new system effectively track federal awardees prescribes requirements disclosure federal sponsorship federal advertising communications paid certain federal agencies directly contract awarded agencies digital access completed agency responses requests freedom information act foia requests


Summary: Voter Protection Hotline Act of 2011 - Directs the Attorney General (AG) to establish and operate a toll-free telephone service, using a telephone number accessible throughout the United States using easily identifiable numerals, through which individuals may: (1) obtain information on voting in elections for federal office, including how to register to vote, the hours of operation of polling places, and how to obtain absentee ballots; and (2) report problems encountered in registering to vote or voting, including incidences of voter intimidation or suppression. Requires the AG to: (1) appoint individuals to a Voter Hotline Task Force, giving special consideration to individuals representing civil rights organizations, for ongoing analysis and assessment of the telephone service's operation; and (2) submit a report to Congress each odd-numbered year concerning voter intimidation or suppression reports made to the hotline and assessing the availability of the service to all U.S. households with telephone service.

voter protection directs attorney general establish operate toll free telephone service telephone number accessible united_states easily identifiable individuals obtain information voting elections federal office including register vote hours operation polling places obtain absentee ballots report problems encountered registering vote voting including incidences voter intimidation suppression requires appoint individuals giving special consideration individuals representing civil rights organizations ongoing analysis assessment telephone service operation submit report congress odd numbered year concerning voter intimidation suppression reports hotline assessing availability service households telephone service


Summary: Clean Up Government Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise and expand prohibitions against bribery, theft of public money, and other public corruption offenses. (Sec. 2) Modifies general venue rules for criminal prosecutions to allow prosecutions in any district in which an act in furtherance of an offense is committed. (Sec. 3) Increases the maximum term of imprisonment for theft or bribery involving federally assisted programs from 10 to 20 years. Reduces from $5,000 to $1,000 the threshold amount for bribery offenses. (Sec. 4) Increases the maximum term of imprisonment for theft and embezzlement of public property or records from 10 to 15 years. (Sec. 5) Increases the maximum term of imprisonment for: (1) bribery of public officials and witnesses from 15 to 20 years, and (2) seeking or accepting anything of value personally for testimony as a witness or for such witness's absence from 2 to 5 years. Modifies elements relating to the crime of bribery of public officials and witnesses to prohibit public officials from accepting any thing or things of value, other than what is permitted by rule or regulation of the House of Representatives or the Senate, including those rules and regulations governing the acceptance of campaign contributions. .Modifies the crime of illegal gratuities to require: (1) knowledge that a gratuity is being received by or given to a public official because of his or her position or status, and (2) that such gratuity has a value of not less than $1,000. (Sec. 6) Extends the prohibition against the theft or embezzlement of public property or records to property or records of the District of Columbia. (Sec. 7) Expands the crime of illegal gratuities to include gratuities given to a public official because of such official's position. (Sec. 8) Expands the definition of "official act," for purposes of the prohibition against bribery, to include conduct that falls within the range of official duties of the public official, which may be more than a single act or a course of conduct.(Sec. 9) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend its guidelines and policy statements relating to public corruption offenses to reflect the intent of Congress that penalties for such offenses meet the requirements of this Act. (Sec. 10) Extends the statute of limitations for specified public corruption offenses, including extortion, bribery, and racketeering activity that involves bribery chargeable under state law, to six years. (Sec. 11) Increases the maximum term of imprisonment for: (1) solicitation by federal officers and employees of political contributions from other federal officers and employees (from three to five years), (2) promise of employment as a reward for political activity (from one to three years), (3) deprivation of such employment for political activity (from one to three years), (4) intimidation to secure political contributions (from three to five years), (5) solicitation and acceptance of contributions in federal offices (from three to five years), and (6) coercion of political activity by federal employees (from three to five years). (Sec. 12) Includes as predicates for authorizing wiretaps the crimes of: (1) embezzlement or theft of public money, property, or records; (2) theft or bribery concerning programs that receive public funds; and (3) defrauding the United States. (Sec. 13) Allows expanded venue (i.e., in the district in which the alleged offense occurred or in which the official proceeding was intended to be affected) for additional obstruction of justice offenses, including influencing or threatening a grand or petit juror or officer, obstructing proceedings before departments, agencies, and committees, and obstruction of a court order or a criminal investigation. Allows expanded venue for the prosecution of specified perjury offenses to include either the district in which the oath, declaration, certificate, verification, or statement under penalty of perjury is made or in which a proceeding takes place. (Sec. 14) Prohibits undisclosed self-dealing by public officials. (Sec. 15) Amends the federal judicial code to permit the disclosure of information in a complaint against a judge regarding a potential criminal offense to the Attorney General, a federal, state, or local grand jury, or a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency. (Sec. 16) Excludes from the term "anything of value," as applied in the bribery provisions of the federal criminal code, a bona fide salary, wages, fees, or other compensation paid, or expenses paid or reimbursed, in the usual course of business (thus limiting such exclusion to bribery provisions and rendering it inapplicable to other theft provisions concerning programs receiving federal funds). (Sec. 17) Amends the federal criminal code to permit the Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, or the Attorney General to make certifications regarding appeals from district court orders suppressing or excluding evidence or requiring the return of seized property (currently, such certifications are made by a U.S. attorney only).

clean government act amends federal criminal code revise expand prohibitions bribery theft public money public corruption offenses sec modifies general venue rules criminal prosecutions allow prosecutions district act furtherance offense committed sec increases maximum term imprisonment theft bribery involving federally assisted programs years reduces threshold bribery offenses sec increases maximum term imprisonment theft embezzlement public property records years sec increases maximum term imprisonment bribery public officials witnesses years seeking accepting value personally testimony witness witness absence years modifies elements relating crime bribery public officials witnesses prohibit public officials accepting thing things value permitted rule regulation house_of_representatives senate including rules regulations governing acceptance campaign contributions crime illegal gratuities require knowledge gratuity received given public official position status gratuity value sec extends prohibition theft embezzlement public property records property records district_of_columbia sec expands crime illegal gratuities include gratuities given public official official position sec expands definition official act purposes prohibition bribery include conduct falls range official duties public official single act course directs united_states_sentencing_commission review appropriate amend guidelines policy statements relating public corruption offenses reflect intent congress penalties offenses meet requirements act sec extends statute limitations specified public corruption offenses including extortion bribery racketeering activity involves bribery state law years sec increases maximum term imprisonment solicitation federal officers employees political contributions federal officers employees years promise employment reward political activity years deprivation employment political activity years intimidation secure political contributions years solicitation acceptance contributions federal offices years coercion political activity federal employees years sec includes predicates authorizing wiretaps crimes embezzlement theft public money property records theft bribery concerning programs receive public funds united_states sec allows expanded venue district alleged offense occurred official proceeding intended affected additional obstruction justice offenses including influencing threatening grand petit juror officer obstructing proceedings departments agencies committees obstruction court order criminal investigation allows expanded venue prosecution specified perjury offenses include district oath declaration certificate verification statement penalty perjury proceeding takes place sec prohibits undisclosed self dealing public officials sec amends federal judicial code permit disclosure information complaint judge potential criminal offense attorney general federal state local grand jury federal state local law enforcement agency sec excludes term value applied bribery provisions federal criminal code bona fide salary wages fees compensation paid expenses paid reimbursed usual course business limiting exclusion bribery provisions rendering inapplicable theft provisions concerning programs receiving federal funds sec amends federal criminal code permit deputy attorney general assistant attorney general attorney general certifications appeals district court orders suppressing excluding evidence requiring return seized property currently certifications attorney


Summary: Competitive Elections Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit an authorized committee of a candidate for election to the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives from making any expenditure of funds in support of the candidate's election campaign that were not deposited in the committee's account during the election cycle for the office involved. Makes an exception to this prohibition for candidates facing certain opponents who make expenditures from personal funds exceeding specified dollar amounts.

competitive elections act amends federal election campaign act prohibit authorized committee candidate election house_of_representatives making expenditure funds support candidate election campaign deposited committee account election cycle office involved makes exception prohibition candidates facing certain opponents expenditures personal funds exceeding specified dollar amounts


Summary: Deficit Committee Transparency Act - Amends the Budget Control Act of 2011 to require any member of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, and any individual on the committee staff or the personal staff of a committee member, to disclose any meeting, within 48 hours after it takes place, with any other individual relating to matters before the committee if the individual: (1) is a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal; (2) has any direct personal or pecuniary interest in any legislative measure pending before the House of Representatives or the Senate or reported by a committee of either chamber; or (3) is in the employ of or represents any party or organization for the purpose of influencing, directly or indirectly, the passage, defeat, or amendment of any legislative proposal. Requires any member of the Joint Committee who is a candidate with an authorized committee or who is a candidate or an individual holding federal office affiliated with a leadership political action committee (PAC) to disclose, within 48 hours of receipt,  any contribution such committee or leadership PAC receives from an individual, or any entity, which: (1) is a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal; (2)  the authorized committee or leadership PAC, using its best efforts, determines is in the employ of or represents any party or organization for the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or amendment of any legislative proposal; or (3) makes a single contribution in excess of $500. Requires the Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee, before its first meeting,  to establish a public website containing: (1)  such disclosures of lobbying activities and meetings, and of campaign or Member-designated leadership PAC contributions; (2)  the final report on specified activities and contributions; and (3) such other information the Joint Committee or its staff deems necessary and beneficial to inform the public of  its proceedings, deliberations, and deadlines. Requires the Joint Committee's proposed report and legislative language to be made publicly available on its website at least 72 hours before the vote on such measures. Requires any hearing of the Joint Committee open to the public to be open to coverage by audio and visual means, including in a format that is streaming on the Internet via the Joint Committee's website.

deficit committee transparency act amends budget_control_act require member joint_select_committee deficit reduction individual committee staff personal staff committee member disclose meeting hours takes place individual relating matters committee individual registered lobbyist agent foreign principal direct personal pecuniary interest legislative measure pending house_of_representatives senate reported committee chamber employ represents party organization purpose influencing directly indirectly passage defeat amendment legislative proposal requires member joint_committee candidate authorized committee candidate individual holding federal office affiliated leadership political action committee pac disclose hours receipt contribution committee leadership pac receives individual entity registered lobbyist agent foreign principal authorized committee leadership pac best efforts determines employ represents party organization purpose directly indirectly influencing passage defeat amendment legislative proposal makes single contribution excess requires joint_committee meeting establish public website containing disclosures lobbying activities meetings campaign member designated leadership pac contributions final report specified activities contributions information joint_committee staff deems necessary beneficial inform public proceedings deliberations deadlines requires joint_committee proposed report legislative language publicly available website hours vote measures requires hearing joint_committee open public open coverage audio visual means including format internet joint_committee website


Summary: Voter Access Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a state or local election official from requiring an individual to: (1) present a photo identification (or a copy if voting by mail) as a condition for receiving or casting a ballot in any election for federal office, or (2) cast a provisional ballot solely on the grounds that the individual does not present a photo identification at the polling place. Prohibits a state or local election election official from requiring an individual to provide a photo identification (or a copy if registering by mail) as a condition of registering to vote in an election for federal office.

voter access protection act amends help america vote act prohibit state local election official requiring individual present photo identification copy voting mail condition receiving casting ballot election federal office cast provisional ballot solely grounds individual present photo identification polling place prohibits state local election election official requiring individual provide photo identification copy registering mail condition registering vote election federal office


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate as of December 31, 2010, taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns. Abolishes the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer all amounts remaining in the Fund after enactment of this Act to the general fund of the Treasury to reduce the deficit. Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to terminate the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the EAC Standards Board, and the EAC Board of Advisors 61 days after enactment of this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to perform EAC functions with respect to certain existing contracts and agreements during the transition period for winding up EAC affairs. Transfers specified election administration functions of the EAC to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Replaces the Standards Board and the Board of Advisors with a Guidelines Review Board to review voluntary voting system guidelines proposed by the Technical Guidelines Development Committee. Sets forth special requirements relating to the transfer of certain EAC authorities to the FEC with respect to development of such guidelines. Transfers to the FEC the EAC Office of Voting System Testing and Certification. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) study the procedures used to adopt and modify the voluntary voting system guidelines applicable to the administration of elections for federal office, and (2) develop recommendations on methods to improve such procedures. Requires the FEC to: (1) study the procedures for the testing, certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software used in federal elections; and (2) develop a recommendation on the entity best suited to oversee and carry out such procedures. Requires the recommendations in both studies to take into account the needs of persons affected by such guidelines, including state and local election officials, voters with disabilities, absent military and overseas voters, and the manufacturers of voting systems.

amends internal revenue code terminate december taxpayer financing presidential election campaigns abolishes presidential_election_campaign_fund presidential_primary_matching_payment_account directs secretary treasury transfer amounts remaining fund enactment act general fund treasury reduce deficit amends help_america_vote_act terminate election_assistance_commission eac days enactment act requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb perform eac functions respect certain existing contracts agreements transition period winding eac affairs transfers specified election administration functions eac federal_election_commission fec replaces standards board review voluntary voting system guidelines proposed sets forth special requirements relating transfer certain eac authorities fec respect development guidelines transfers fec directs comptroller general study procedures adopt modify voluntary voting system guidelines applicable administration elections federal office develop recommendations methods improve procedures requires fec study procedures testing certification decertification recertification voting system hardware software federal elections develop recommendation entity best suited oversee carry procedures requires recommendations studies account needs persons affected guidelines including state local election officials voters disabilities absent military overseas voters manufacturers voting systems


Summary: Amends the federal criminal code to replace the current two-year ban on lobbying contacts by former Senators and one-year ban on lobbying contacts by former Members of the House of Representatives with any Member, officer, or employee of either chamber with an outright ban at any time on such contacts, subject to fines and/or imprisonment. Specifies a one-year ban on lobbying contacts by former elected officers of the House with any House Member, officer, or employee.

amends federal criminal code replace current year ban lobbying contacts senators year ban lobbying contacts members house_of_representatives member officer employee chamber ban time contacts subject fines imprisonment specifies year ban lobbying contacts elected officers house house member officer employee


Summary: Stand By Every Ad Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require the identification of funding and authorizing sources in communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate (as under current law) or which consist of the functional equivalent of express advocacy. Prescribes special rules for express advocacy radio and television communications which are not authorized by a candidate, an authorized political committee of a candidate, or its agents. Requires individual disclosure statements about the head of the entity paying for the communication and about any other person that disbursed funds to the entity to finance the communication. Requires disclosure of such identifying information within audio and video communications made through the Internet or e-mail. Applies such disclosure requirements to prerecorded telephone calls.

stand act amends federal election campaign act require identification funding authorizing sources communications expressly advocating election defeat clearly identified candidate current law consist functional equivalent express advocacy prescribes special rules express advocacy radio television communications authorized candidate authorized political committee candidate agents requires individual disclosure statements head entity paying communication person disbursed funds entity finance communication requires disclosure identifying information audio video communications internet mail applies disclosure requirements prerecorded telephone calls


Summary: Prevent Insider Trading by Elected Officials Act - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require the President, Vice President, and each Member of Congress to place all of his or her stocks, bonds, commodities futures, and other forms of securities, including securities held jointly with a spouse, in a qualified blind trust. Exempts from such requirement any financial interests in or income derived from: (1) the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP); (2) any other federal retirement system for U.S. officers and employees, including the President, or for members of the uniformed services; or (3) benefits received under the Social Security Act. Requires such individuals to comply with this Act within 30 days after taking office, or, if an incumbent, within 30 days after enactment of this Act. Allows the President and Vice President to file with the Director of the Office of Government Ethics for an additional 30-day extension in order to comply with this Act. Allows a Member of Congress to file, as appropriate, with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate for such 30-day extension. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action against the President, the Vice President, or any Member of Congress for noncompliance with this Act.

prevent insider trading elected officials act amends ethics government act require president vice president member congress place stocks bonds commodities futures forms securities including securities held jointly spouse qualified blind trust exempts requirement financial interests income derived civil_service_retirement_system csrs fers including thrift savings plan tsp federal retirement system officers employees including president members uniformed services benefits received social security act requires individuals comply act days taking office incumbent days enactment act allows president vice president file director office_of_government_ethics additional day extension order comply act allows member congress file appropriate clerk house_of_representatives secretary senate day extension authorizes attorney general bring civil action president vice president member congress noncompliance act


Summary: Sunlight Act of 2012 - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require annual financial disclosure statements of Members of Congress and congressional officers and employees to include the exact dollar amount. Requires such reports filed with the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate (as well as travel-related information) to be made available to the general public on the Internet. Amends Rule II (Other Officers and Officials) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require, during general debate on any measure, the Clerk to project on a wall of the Hall of the House the subject matter of that debate so that it is visible to Members and to visitors in the gallery. Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) to make it out of order to consider: (1) any bill, joint resolution, or conference report unless it is made available to Members and the general public on the Internet for at least 48 hours before its consideration; or (2) any amendment unless it is made available on the Internet within one hour after it is filed (if made in order by a rule) or immediately (if offered under an open rule). Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require all mandatory reports to be filed in an electronic form accessible by computers. Revises requirements for mandatory reports on contributions made to any political committee shortly before an election. Extends from 20 days before to 30 days before the election the beginning of the look-back period for such contributions, and from 48 hours before the election to the closing of the polls the end of the look-back period. Applies the requirements to any contribution (currently, only those of $1,000 or more). Requires such reports to be made within 24 hours after receipt or, if earlier, by midnight of the day on which the contribution is deposited (currently, within 48 hours after receipt).

sunlight act amends ethics government act require annual financial disclosure statements members congress congressional officers employees include exact dollar requires reports filed clerk house secretary senate travel related information available general public internet amends rule officers officials rules house_of_representatives require general debate measure clerk project wall hall house subject matter debate visible members visitors amends rule xxi restrictions order consider bill joint resolution conference report available members general public internet hours consideration amendment available internet hour filed order rule immediately offered open rule amends federal_election_campaign_act require mandatory reports filed electronic form accessible computers revises requirements mandatory reports contributions political committee election extends days days election beginning look period contributions hours election closing polls end look period applies requirements contribution currently requires reports hours receipt earlier midnight day contribution deposited currently hours receipt


Summary: Prohibits Members of Congress, senior congressional staffers, and administration executives from purchasing or selling registered securities, futures, swaps, security futures products, security-based swaps, and options on them, subject to specified exceptions. Subjects any person who violates such requirement to specified federal administrative penalties relating to material nonpublic information received in the course of employment. Prohibits senior executives at the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government-sponsored enterprises [GSEs])from receiving bonuses during any period of conservatorship on or after the enactment of this Act.

prohibits members congress senior congressional administration executives purchasing selling registered securities futures swaps security futures products security based swaps options subject specified exceptions subjects person violates requirement specified federal administrative penalties relating material nonpublic information received course employment prohibits senior executives federal_national_mortgage_association fannie_mae federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac government sponsored enterprises receiving bonuses period conservatorship enactment act