R. Sam Garrett
Analyst in American National Government
The presidential public campaign financing program is funded through “checkoff” designations on individual income tax returns. Choosing to participate (or not) in the checkoff does not affect one’s tax liability or refund. Candidates who choose to participate in the program may receive taxpayer-funded matches of privately raised funds during primary campaigns, and grants during the general-election contest. Public funds also subsidize nominating conventions. The public financing system has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. However, there is general agreement that, if the program is to be maintained, updates are necessary to provide greater financial resources and higher spending limits to participants. Some contend that the program should be curtailed or eliminated.
This report discusses current controversies and arguments for and against public financing of presidential campaigns, legislative history, elements of the program, taxpayer and candidate participation, financial status of the program, recent legislation, and analysis of various policy proposals. If Congress chooses to alter the program, consensus will be necessary in what has historically been a particularly complex and contentious area of campaign finance policy.
As of this writing, only one presidential public financing bill has been introduced in the 112th Congress. On January 20, 2011, Representative Cole introduced H.R. 359; that measure would, essentially, terminate public funding of presidential campaigns. Although several presidential public financing measures were introduced in the 111th and 110th Congresses, none were the subject of substantial legislative activity.
As this report discusses, various options, each with potential strengths and weaknesses, exist for revisiting the presidential public financing system.
Date of Report: January 24, 2011
Number of Pages: 30
Order Number: RL34534
Price: $29.95
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.
Analyst in American National Government
The presidential public campaign financing program is funded through “checkoff” designations on individual income tax returns. Choosing to participate (or not) in the checkoff does not affect one’s tax liability or refund. Candidates who choose to participate in the program may receive taxpayer-funded matches of privately raised funds during primary campaigns, and grants during the general-election contest. Public funds also subsidize nominating conventions. The public financing system has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. However, there is general agreement that, if the program is to be maintained, updates are necessary to provide greater financial resources and higher spending limits to participants. Some contend that the program should be curtailed or eliminated.
This report discusses current controversies and arguments for and against public financing of presidential campaigns, legislative history, elements of the program, taxpayer and candidate participation, financial status of the program, recent legislation, and analysis of various policy proposals. If Congress chooses to alter the program, consensus will be necessary in what has historically been a particularly complex and contentious area of campaign finance policy.
As of this writing, only one presidential public financing bill has been introduced in the 112th Congress. On January 20, 2011, Representative Cole introduced H.R. 359; that measure would, essentially, terminate public funding of presidential campaigns. Although several presidential public financing measures were introduced in the 111th and 110th Congresses, none were the subject of substantial legislative activity.
As this report discusses, various options, each with potential strengths and weaknesses, exist for revisiting the presidential public financing system.
Date of Report: January 24, 2011
Number of Pages: 30
Order Number: RL34534
Price: $29.95
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.
Posts
