Taking Action to Reform Campaign Finance and Protect Democracy.

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Taking Action to Reform Campaign Finance and Protect Democracy from Special Interests

October 2024

Establishing the Task Force on Congressional Efficiency and Campaign Finance Reform , a historic initiative to address the deep-rooted challenges posed by corporate influence, political fundraising, and the manipulation of our legislative process by special interests.

Why is This Important?

Every election cycle, members of Congress spend more and more time fundraising, leaving less time to focus on their constituents and the legislative duties for which they were elected. The growing influence of special interests, particularly corporate donors and private equity, distorts the policymaking process and undermines public trust in our democracy.

The Task Force will address these issues by:

- Exploring reforms like public campaign financing to reduce the reliance on large donors.

- Evaluating the effects of current campaign finance practices on the effectiveness of Congress.

- Gathering input from citizens across the country through public town halls and forums to ensure these reforms reflect the needs of everyday Americans.

Preventing Special Interest Manipulation

To ensure the integrity of this initiative, the Task Force will appoint a Special Interest Oversight Officer . This Officer will be solely focused on identifying and exposing attempts by lobbyists, corporate actors, and private equity firms to manipulate or undermine the reform process. Their work will ensure that any bills or actions taken in the shadows to derail meaningful reform are brought to light.

Regular updates from the Special Interest Oversight Officer will be made public to ensure full transparency throughout the process. This role is a critical safeguard, preventing efforts by powerful interests to interfere with the work of the Task Force and the future of our democracy.

Support for Nonprofits Fighting for Reform

Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in this effort, particularly those focused on campaign finance reform, transparency, and civic engagement. To support their work, the Executive Order creates a Federal Civic Engagement and Campaign Finance Reform Grant Program . This program provides funding to nonprofits involved in:

- Organizing public engagement efforts such as town halls and educational campaigns.

- Conducting research and data collection that will inform the Task Force’s recommendations.

However, to maintain the highest standards of integrity, nonprofits participating in this program are prohibited from accepting funds or influence from corporations, private equity firms, or financial institutions . This ensures that the recommendations and efforts of these nonprofits are fully aligned with the public interest, not special interests.

Next Steps

The Task Force will deliver a comprehensive report within 12 months, detailing its recommendations for campaign finance reforms and legislative changes. This report will be the foundation for future action, both in Congress and through executive powers, to reduce the influence of money in politics and refocus Congress on serving the American people.

In the coming months, the Task Force will engage with citizens, experts, and policymakers to ensure that these reforms are robust, transparent, and responsive to the challenges we face. This is just the beginning of a long-overdue process to restore the integrity of our democracy.

Final Thought

This Executive Order represents a bold step forward in our ongoing battle to reduce the corrupting influence of money in politics and return power to the people. By ensuring transparency, involving the public, and preventing special interests from undermining our efforts, we are taking concrete action to secure a better future for our democracy.

Addressing corporate influence in elections is a key step toward ensuring that our democracy is driven by the will of the people rather than by financial interests. Public financing of elections is a potential solution that could level the playing field for candidates while reducing dependence on corporate donations and special interest groups.

Here's a potential framework for how we could approach this:

1. Expand Existing Public Financing Models

The federal government already has a voluntary public financing system for presidential candidates, though it’s underutilized because the funds available are not competitive with private donations. We could expand this model, drawing on successful examples from states like Maine, Arizona, and New York City, where candidates who agree to limit their spending are given matching public funds based on the small donations they receive from individuals.

- Matching Funds: A federal system could provide a significant multiple (e.g., 6-to-1) match for small-dollar donations, up to a certain limit. This would empower grassroots fundraising and encourage candidates to connect with ordinary voters.

- Full Public Financing Option: Candidates who commit to only accepting public funds could receive a lump sum that is designed to be competitive for their race, allowing them to run campaigns without any private donations.

2. Executive Action to Set the Foundation

While comprehensive reform requires Congressional approval, as president, I could take executive action to push this agenda forward:

- Executive Order on Transparency: Requiring government contractors and businesses seeking federal contracts to fully disclose all political contributions, reducing the incentive for backdoor corporate influence.

- Pilot Program Grants: Use the authority of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and other relevant agencies to create a pilot public financing program for congressional races, allowing us to test models and build support for national adoption.

- Strengthen Campaign Finance Enforcement: Direct the Department of Justice and FEC to prioritize enforcement of existing campaign finance laws, especially regarding dark money and corporate donations.

3. Working with Congress for Legislation

Long-term, Congress would need to pass new legislation to overhaul our campaign finance system. We could propose:

- A New Public Election Fund: Creating a well-funded, dedicated source of money for public election financing. This could be supported by a small, capped tax on large political donations or penalties collected from campaign finance violations.

- Tax Credits for Small Donors: Encourage grassroots donations by offering tax credits or rebates for small-dollar contributions, incentivizing wider public participation.

4. Potential Challenges and Considerations

- Supreme Court Precedent: The Citizens United decision complicates efforts to limit corporate spending on elections. While public financing doesn’t directly conflict with this ruling, any attempt to restrict private political spending would require legal challenges or new legislation that can withstand judicial scrutiny.

- Bipartisan Appeal: To pass comprehensive reforms, we need to frame the issue in a way that appeals to both parties. This includes emphasizing how public financing strengthens accountability to voters, reduces corruption, and restores trust in the democratic process.

In summary, creating a system that publicly funds elections would be a significant step toward reducing corporate influence. It’s a bold but achievable goal, one that will require both executive leadership and cooperation from Congress to implement.

It is widely reported that many members of Congress spend a significant amount of time fundraising and campaigning, often at the expense of legislative work and constituent services. This issue has been highlighted by both lawmakers and political analysts, who describe the fundraising demands as a symptom of the growing influence of money in politics.

Factors Contributing to the Time Spent on Campaigning:

- High Cost of Campaigns: Congressional campaigns, particularly for the U.S. Senate, are incredibly expensive. Candidates often need millions of dollars to run a competitive race. In 2022, the average cost of a Senate race was around $27 million, while for the House it was over $2 million. This pressure forces members of Congress to constantly raise funds, even between elections.

- Short Election Cycles: Members of the House of Representatives face re-election every two years, meaning they are almost always in campaign mode. While senators have six-year terms, they, too, start fundraising early to amass the resources needed to fend off challengers.

- Party Expectations: Political parties often expect their members to raise substantial sums for the party itself or for colleagues facing tight races. This can lead to even more time spent calling potential donors and attending fundraising events.

Impact on Legislative Work and Constituent Services:

- Less Time for Lawmaking : Many members of Congress have admitted that the time required to raise funds detracts from their ability to focus on policy, draft legislation, or engage in meaningful committee work. Some reports suggest that lawmakers spend 30-50% of their time on fundraising efforts.

- Reduced Constituent Engagement : Time spent on fundraising also limits the ability of members to be present in their districts or states, where they should be connecting with constituents and addressing local concerns. Instead, they often rely on staff to manage district offices while they focus on re-election efforts.

Efforts to Address This Issue:

There have been calls for reforms to reduce the influence of money in politics and relieve lawmakers from the perpetual fundraising grind:

- Public Campaign Financing: As discussed earlier, providing public financing for campaigns could alleviate the need for members of Congress to rely so heavily on private donations.

- Longer Terms for House Members: Some have suggested lengthening the terms of House members to four years, reducing the frequency of election cycles and allowing lawmakers more time to focus on their legislative duties between elections.

- Campaign Finance Reform: Initiatives like stricter campaign contribution limits or reducing the role of PACs (Political Action Committees) and super PACs could lessen the pressure on lawmakers to fundraise continuously.

Addressing this issue would not only improve the legislative process but also restore some balance between the needs of constituents and the demands of running modern political campaigns.

Including nonprofits in the task force is an excellent idea. Nonprofit organizations—especially those focused on electoral reform, transparency, and good governance—bring valuable expertise, grassroots connections, and a commitment to the public interest. Their involvement would lend credibility to the task force, broaden its perspectives, and help ensure that the voices of ordinary citizens are represented.

Expanded Framework for the Executive Order

Here’s how we could integrate nonprofits into the task force and leverage their strengths:

1. Nonprofit Representation on the Task Force

The EO can explicitly reserve seats for representatives from nonprofit organizations with experience in campaign finance reform, election integrity, and public advocacy. This could include:

- Campaign Finance Reform Advocates : Groups like Common Cause , Public Citizen , or Issue One , which have been at the forefront of pushing for transparency and reducing the influence of big money in politics.

- Voter Rights and Civic Engagement Organizations : Groups such as League of Women Voters or Brennan Center for Justice that focus on expanding voter participation and protecting the democratic process.

- Ethics and Government Transparency Experts : Organizations like CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) that advocate for ethical governance and hold public officials accountable.

Including nonprofits would ensure that the task force has a strong foundation in research, policy expertise, and public engagement, enhancing its ability to craft practical reforms.

2. Nonprofit-Driven Public Engagement

Nonprofits could be tasked with coordinating the public outreach aspect of the task force’s mandate. Many of these organizations have deep networks across the country and are experienced in organizing town halls, public forums, and digital engagement campaigns. They can:

- Facilitate Town Halls and Listening Sessions : Working with members of Congress, nonprofits could host forums to hear directly from voters across a broad range of districts and states. These sessions would allow constituents to voice their concerns about the current campaign finance system and offer suggestions for reforms.

- Organize Educational Campaigns : Nonprofits can help educate the public about how campaign finance works, the impact of money in politics, and the proposed solutions the task force is considering. This would raise awareness and increase pressure on Congress to act.

- Digital and Social Media Outreach : Nonprofits can use their digital platforms to reach a wider audience, engaging younger voters and underrepresented communities who may not always have a strong voice in traditional campaign finance debates.

3. Providing Expertise and Resources

Many nonprofits have research capabilities that would be invaluable in developing the task force’s recommendations. They can contribute:

- Data and Analysis : Nonprofits often conduct detailed studies on the impact of money in politics, the success of public financing systems, and the effects of various legislative reforms. These resources would provide the task force with critical data to base its decisions on.

- Best Practices from the States : Some states and localities, like New York City and Maine, already have successful public financing systems. Nonprofits with experience in these areas could provide insights into what works and what doesn’t, ensuring that the task force benefits from proven models.

4. Building Broad Public Support

Nonprofits, especially those with a national presence, could play a key role in building the public support necessary to push Congress toward adopting the task force’s recommendations. They can:

- Coalition Building : Help form coalitions of advocacy groups, grassroots organizations, and civic leaders to create a united front in favor of reform.

- Mobilize Grassroots Campaigns : Many nonprofits are skilled at mobilizing volunteers and voters to contact their elected officials, raising awareness, and generating momentum for legislative action.

5. Providing Long-Term Accountability

After the task force’s recommendations are made, nonprofits can help ensure accountability. They can:

- Track Implementation : Nonprofits could track the progress of implementing reforms, ensuring that the government follows through on its commitments.

- Continue Advocacy : Even after the task force concludes, nonprofits can continue to advocate for further reforms, working to hold both Congress and future administrations accountable to campaign finance reform efforts.

Expanded Task Force Mandate

To formalize nonprofit involvement, the executive order could include language such as:

- Nonprofit Involvement:

The Task Force on Congressional Efficiency and Campaign Finance Reform shall include representatives from nonprofit organizations focused on electoral integrity, campaign finance reform, and public accountability. These organizations will have a formal role in advising on public engagement, policy recommendations, and the dissemination of the task force’s findings.

- Public Outreach and Engagement:

Nonprofit organizations shall partner with the task force to facilitate town hall meetings, public forums, and digital campaigns to gather input from citizens. They will help ensure that the task force’s recommendations are responsive to the concerns of the public.

- Ongoing Accountability:

Nonprofit organizations, in collaboration with the Federal Election Commission and other relevant agencies, shall monitor the implementation of the task force’s recommendations and continue to advocate for campaign finance reforms as needed.

Conclusion

Involving nonprofits in the task force would greatly enhance its credibility, expertise, and ability to engage the public. Nonprofits bring both technical knowledge and strong public trust, which can help ensure that the recommendations of the task force are not only well-informed but also reflect the values and needs of ordinary citizens.

This EO could set a new standard for collaboration between government and civil society, ensuring that the process of reform is inclusive and transparent. Would you like to proceed with drafting a more detailed outline for the executive order based on this structure?

Yes, we can include provisions for federal funding to support nonprofit organizations in their work with the task force. Providing financial assistance will ensure that these nonprofits have the resources necessary to carry out their responsibilities, such as organizing public engagement, conducting research, and facilitating outreach. However, funding must be structured carefully to ensure transparency and avoid any appearance of favoritism.

Here’s how we could incorporate funding for nonprofits into the executive order while maintaining accountability:

1. Creation of a Grant Program

The executive order could establish a Federal Civic Engagement and Campaign Finance Reform Grant Program to provide funding to eligible nonprofits that participate in the task force’s work. This program could be administered by an existing agency, such as the Federal Election Commission (FEC) or a newly established office under the White House.

- Eligibility Criteria : To ensure fairness and transparency, the EO should outline clear eligibility criteria for nonprofits. For example, organizations that apply for funding must:

- Have a demonstrated history of working on campaign finance reform, voter engagement, or government transparency.

- Be nonpartisan and operate primarily as 501(c)(3) organizations (nonprofits that do not engage in partisan political activities).

- Agree to submit regular reports on how the funds are used and adhere to strict guidelines to prevent misuse.

- Types of Funding : Nonprofits could apply for specific grants to support their roles in:

- Public Outreach and Engagement : Funding to organize town halls, public forums, and digital outreach to engage citizens.

- Research and Data Collection : Grants for conducting studies, collecting data, and providing policy recommendations to the task force.

- Educational Campaigns : Support for educational programs that inform the public about campaign finance reform and the democratic process.

- Transparency and Oversight : The grant program would include strong oversight mechanisms to ensure that the funds are used appropriately. Nonprofits receiving funds would be required to:

- Submit regular financial and programmatic reports to the administering agency.

- Make all activities funded by these grants publicly accessible, ensuring transparency in how the funds are used.

- Be subject to audits to ensure compliance with federal funding guidelines.

2. Task Force Coordination with Nonprofits

To integrate nonprofit funding into the task force structure, the executive order could include provisions such as:

- Nonprofit Funding Subcommittee : The task force could establish a subcommittee dedicated to coordinating nonprofit activities, ensuring that their work aligns with the broader goals of the task force. This subcommittee would also oversee the distribution of grants and ensure that the funding is directed toward activities that advance the task force’s mission.

- Collaborative Planning : Nonprofits receiving federal funding would work directly with the task force to plan public engagement efforts and research initiatives. This collaborative approach ensures that resources are used effectively and that nonprofits contribute to the overall success of the task force.

3. Public-Private Partnerships for Additional Funding

In addition to federal funding, the task force could encourage public-private partnerships that allow nonprofits to seek supplemental funding from private foundations or philanthropists. This would allow nonprofits to expand their activities without relying solely on federal funds.

- Matching Grants : For every dollar of private funding raised by nonprofits participating in the task force, the federal grant program could match the amount up to a certain cap. This would incentivize nonprofits to seek broader funding while still ensuring accountability.

- Transparency in Private Donations : To prevent conflicts of interest, nonprofits receiving private donations would need to disclose their donors and ensure that no private contributions are tied to any particular political agenda or lobbying efforts.

4. Budget Allocation in the Executive Order

The EO would need to allocate a specific budget for the grant program. While the exact amount would depend on negotiations with Congress, it should be sufficient to cover nonprofit activities such as:

- Organizing dozens of town hall meetings or public forums across the country.

- Conducting research and producing comprehensive reports on campaign finance reform.

- Running nationwide educational campaigns to raise public awareness.

A portion of the funds could be set aside for administrative costs to ensure that the grant program is managed effectively and that oversight is robust.

5. Building Political and Public Support for Funding

- Congressional Support : While an executive order can create the framework for funding, appropriations from Congress will likely be necessary to ensure the grant program is well-funded. Engaging Congress early in this process is essential, especially since the task force will work with both chambers of Congress. Securing bipartisan support will help ensure that the funding component is successful.

- Public Justification : The EO should emphasize the importance of supporting nonprofit involvement as a way to empower citizens, improve the transparency of the process, and ensure public participation in critical campaign finance reforms. Framing this initiative as a means to strengthen democracy can help garner public support for the funding.

Proposed Executive Order Language for Nonprofit Funding:

The EO could include the following language related to funding:

Section 4: Funding for Nonprofit Engagement

(a) The Task Force on Congressional Efficiency and Campaign Finance Reform shall establish a Federal Civic Engagement and Campaign Finance Reform Grant Program to provide financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations involved in the task force’s activities.

(b) The grant program shall be administered by [the Federal Election Commission or another appropriate agency], and will provide grants to support:

(i) Public engagement activities, including town hall meetings, public forums, and digital outreach campaigns;

(ii) Research and data collection to inform the task force’s recommendations;

(iii) Public education campaigns focused on campaign finance reform and electoral integrity.

(c) Nonprofit organizations applying for grants must meet eligibility requirements, including maintaining a nonpartisan status and a demonstrated record of work in campaign finance reform or voter engagement.

(d) All grant recipients shall submit regular financial and programmatic reports to ensure transparency and adherence to federal funding guidelines. The grant program shall be subject to audit by [the relevant agency] to ensure compliance.

(e) The task force shall encourage public-private partnerships to support nonprofit activities and may allow for matching funds from private sources, provided that such donations are disclosed in a transparent manner.

Conclusion

Incorporating federal funding for nonprofits into this executive order would ensure that these organizations have the resources to make meaningful contributions to the task force’s mission. By setting up a transparent grant program with strong oversight, we can support nonprofits in organizing public engagement, conducting research, and advocating for reforms, all while maintaining public trust. This approach will strengthen the task force’s capacity and broaden its impact, ultimately leading to more robust campaign finance reforms.

To ensure that nonprofit organizations working with the task force remain free from corporate or private equity influence, we can explicitly include a provision in the executive order that prohibits such organizations from accepting funds or being influenced by corporate entities, private equity, or other financial institutions. This will help maintain the integrity of the task force’s work and ensure that recommendations are guided solely by public interest, not by external financial interests.

By adding a dedicated role within the task force to monitor for special interest manipulations is a wise safeguard. Special interests often attempt to influence policy, particularly when reforms like campaign finance are being discussed. Having a dedicated individual or a team responsible for watching for these manipulations—whether in the form of covert lobbying, strategically timed bills, or attempts to water down reforms—will help ensure the integrity of the task force’s work.

Rationale for a Special Interest Oversight Officer:

- Proactive Safeguard: Having a dedicated role within the task force ensures that we are not simply reacting to special interest interference after the fact. The Special Interest Oversight Officer will be actively monitoring and exposing any manipulative tactics as they occur, preventing undue influence from shaping the process behind the scenes.

- Increased Transparency: By requiring regular reports on special interest activities and making those reports public, we shine a light on potential manipulation attempts. This increases accountability and deters covert efforts by lobbyists or corporate actors.

- Preserving Integrity: The inclusion of this role reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the reform process. Knowing that special interest groups will inevitably seek to influence legislative outcomes, we send a clear message that such interference will not be tolerated, and those who engage in it will be exposed.

Executive Order on the Establishment of the Task Force on Congressional Efficiency and Campaign Finance Reform

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1: Purpose

The health of our democracy depends on the ability of elected officials to serve the public interest without undue influence from special interests or an excessive focus on fundraising. To address the rising costs of elections, the time members of Congress spend on campaigning, and the influence of corporate money, this Executive Order establishes a Task Force on Congressional Efficiency and Campaign Finance Reform to propose reforms that strengthen the integrity of federal elections.

Section 2: Establishment of the Task Force

(a) A Task Force on Congressional Efficiency and Campaign Finance Reform is hereby established.

(b) The Task Force shall be composed of representatives from Congress, public policy experts, nonprofit organizations, the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), and other relevant federal agencies.

Section 3: Duties and Responsibilities

(a) The Task Force is charged with:

- (i) Assessing the impact of current campaign finance practices on legislative productivity and constituent services.

- (ii) Exploring public campaign financing models and other reforms to reduce the influence of large donors and corporate interests.

- (iii) Engaging with the public through town halls, forums, and digital platforms to gather input.

- (iv) Monitoring Special Interest Manipulation : Appointing a Special Interest Oversight Officer responsible for identifying and reporting any attempts by special interest groups to manipulate legislative outcomes or undermine campaign finance reforms.

- (v) Delivering a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations within 12 months of its establishment.

Section 4: Special Interest Oversight Officer

(a) The Task Force shall appoint a Special Interest Oversight Officer to monitor lobbying activities, special interest manipulation, and legislative bills that coincide with the work of the Task Force.

(b) The Special Interest Oversight Officer shall:

- (i) Review legislative bills, lobbying activities, and any external attempts to influence Task Force recommendations.

- (ii) Provide regular reports to the Task Force and issue public updates on findings.

- (iii) Coordinate with federal agencies to ensure full transparency and compliance with ethics laws.

Section 5: Funding for Nonprofit Engagement

(a) A Federal Civic Engagement and Campaign Finance Reform Grant Program is hereby established to provide financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations involved in the Task Force’s activities.

(b) Nonprofit organizations receiving funds shall be nonpartisan, prohibited from accepting donations or influence from corporations, private equity firms, or financial institutions.

(c) Any organization found violating this provision will forfeit funding and be subject to legal review.

Section 6: Accountability and Transparency

(a) The Task Force shall ensure full transparency, with all proceedings made available to the public through official government channels.

(b) Nonprofits receiving federal grants shall submit regular financial and programmatic reports to ensure accountability and compliance.

Section 7: Reporting and Recommendations

(a) Within 12 months, the Task Force shall submit a report with detailed recommendations for legislative and executive action, including updates from the Special Interest Oversight Officer on any attempts by special interests to undermine reform efforts.

(b) The Task Force will remain active in monitoring the implementation of these reforms.