H.R. 8738 Passed the House Government Operations and Politics

FEC Administrative Improvements Act

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require electronic report filing for persons making certain electioneering communications and to permit political committees to make disbursements other than by check.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25] Introduced May 12, 2026 Cosponsors 3 (2 R, 1 D) Latest action July 14, 2026

Summary

FEC Administrative Improvements Act
This bill expands electronic filing requirements and allows political committees to make disbursements by methods other than check.
First, current law requires the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to make electronic filing mandatory for political committees and others required to file with the FEC who, in a calendar year, have, or have reason to expect to have, total contributions or expenditures exceeding a threshold amount set by the FEC (which is currently $50,000). Many independent expenditure reports are also subject to mandatory electronic filing. However, the current mandatory electronic filing provision does not apply to certain reports. This bill expands the types of reports that are required to be filed electronically to include electioneering communications (subject to the threshold amount).
Second, current law requires political committees to maintain at least one campaign depository account and make all disbursements (other than petty cash disbursements) by check drawn on such accounts. This bill removes the requirement that disbursements must be made by check drawn on campaign depository accounts. Therefore, the bill allows political committees to make disbursements in other forms (e.g., credit or debit cards).

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jul 14, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
  2. Jul 13, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Jul 13, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4401-4402)
  4. Jul 13, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8738.
  5. Jul 13, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4401-4402)
  6. Jul 13, 2026 Mr. Steil moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  7. May 14, 2026 Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 11 - 0.
  8. May 14, 2026 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  9. May 12, 2026 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
  10. May 12, 2026 Introduced in House

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