Congressman Neguse Unveils Bicameral Legislation To Ban Pre-Checked Recurring Donation Boxes

Statement

Today, Congressman Joe Neguse unveiled bicameral legislation to ban political campaigns from using pre-checked recurring donation boxes. The legislation follows the Federal Election Commission's (FEC) unanimous, bipartisan vote recommending that Congress ban political campaigns from automatically opting donors into recurring contributions through pre-checked boxes.

"Following the FEC's unanimous vote, Congress must take action to ban the practice of pre-checking recurring donation boxes, so Americans can participate in the political process and trust that campaigns aren't taking advantage of them," said Congressman Joe Neguse. "The RECUR Act is a common-sense measure to reform our campaign finance system and prevent tactics of this nature in the future. We must get this done to fulfill the recommendations made by our federal election commissioners and to safeguard Americans."

"As we work to reform our campaign finance system, we must ensure that people are empowered to make their voices heard -- but that will only happen if Americans trust that campaigns aren't taking advantage of them through tactics like pre-checked recurring donation boxes," said Senator Klobuchar, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, with jurisdiction over campaign finance law, and the lead sponsor of the Senate version of the RECUR Act. "Last year, the Federal Election Commission, composed of both Democrats and Republicans, unanimously agreed that Congress should ban this practice. With this legislation, we are taking action on this important recommendation to ensure contributors are fully informed and help eliminate deceptive conduct from our elections."

This legislation would create a new opt-in requirement for contributors to affirmatively consent to recurring charges. It would also require political committees or campaigns to inform contributors about how to cancel recurring contributions and to cancel recurring contributions immediately upon request. The legislation is led by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) in the Senate and is also cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

Read the bill text here.

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