R. Sam Garrett
Analyst in American National Government
There is a consensus that, in 2012 and beyond, the most competitive presidential candidates will either need substantial additional resources via a reformed public financing program or will need to engage in substantial private fundraising. For some, this signals an urgent need to save the public campaign financing program that has existed since the 1970s; for others, it signals the program’s demise.
On January 20, 2011, Representative Tom Cole introduced H.R. 359 to terminate public funding of presidential campaigns and nominating conventions. House floor consideration may occur as early as the week of January 24. If amendments are permitted, Members might seek to curtail only certain elements of the public financing program, strengthen the program, or pursue other options.
With the potentially rapid pace of developments in mind, this report provides a brief policy overview and raises potential issues for congressional consideration. Readers are encouraged to consult the following CRS products for additional information:
Analyst in American National Government
There is a consensus that, in 2012 and beyond, the most competitive presidential candidates will either need substantial additional resources via a reformed public financing program or will need to engage in substantial private fundraising. For some, this signals an urgent need to save the public campaign financing program that has existed since the 1970s; for others, it signals the program’s demise.
On January 20, 2011, Representative Tom Cole introduced H.R. 359 to terminate public funding of presidential campaigns and nominating conventions. House floor consideration may occur as early as the week of January 24. If amendments are permitted, Members might seek to curtail only certain elements of the public financing program, strengthen the program, or pursue other options.
With the potentially rapid pace of developments in mind, this report provides a brief policy overview and raises potential issues for congressional consideration. Readers are encouraged to consult the following CRS products for additional information:
- CRS Report RL34534, Public Financing of Presidential Campaigns: Overview and Analysis, by R. Sam Garrett;
- CRS Report RL34630, Federal Funding of Presidential Nominating Conventions: Overview and Policy Options, by R. Sam Garrett and Shawn Reese; and
- CRS Report R41542, The State of Campaign Finance Policy: Recent Developments and Issues for Congress, by R. Sam Garrett (the “Public Financing Issues” section).
For a discussion of constitutional considerations, which are beyond the scope of this report and those noted above, readers may consult CRS Report RL30669, The Constitutionality of Campaign Finance Regulation: Buckley v. Valeo and Its Supreme Court Progeny, by L. Paige Whitaker.
Date of Report: January 24, 2011
Number of Pages: 5
Order Number: R41604
Price: $19.95
Follow us on TWITTER at http://www.twitter.com/alertsPHP or #CRSreports
Document available via e-mail as a pdf file or in paper form.
To order, e-mail Penny Hill Press or call us at 301-253-0881. Provide a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card number, expiration date, and name on the card. Indicate whether you want e-mail or postal delivery. Phone orders are preferred and receive priority processing.
Date of Report: January 24, 2011
Number of Pages: 5
Order Number: R41604
Price: $19.95
Follow us on TWITTER at http://www.twitter.com/alertsPHP or #CRSreports
Document available via e-mail as a pdf file or in paper form.
To order, e-mail Penny Hill Press or call us at 301-253-0881. Provide a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card number, expiration date, and name on the card. Indicate whether you want e-mail or postal delivery. Phone orders are preferred and receive priority processing.
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