WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today cast a vote to restrict the political activities and to apply transparency standards to 527 organizations, which are named for the section of the U.S. tax code enabling them to operate.

 

“This is a good bill to end a bad practice.  Campaign finance reform is being undermined by organizations that can raise unlimited amounts of money, hide their membership and contributors, and anonymously attack public officials over the airwaves without anyone ever getting a chance to respond.  These 527 organizations should be beholden to the same laws that apply to every other political, non-profit, or advocacy organization trying to influence the outcome of an election.  The latitude given to 527s under existing law leaves them free to run national smear campaigns without any accountability for their statements or actions,” Emerson said.

 

H.R. 513 would subject 527 organizations to the oversight and authority of the Federal Election Commission, place contribution limits on donations to 527 organizations, and require the same transparency of those contributions as are required for contributions to political candidate committees.

 

“Without this change, 527s can simply run amok.  Individuals can create these organizations and fund them millions of dollars to coordinate campaign activities.  It is the most serious loophole in campaign finance law today, and it is one we must close now,” Emerson said. 

 

The measure was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 218-209.