Contact Congress about H.R. 5238: Stop Super PAC-Candidate Coordination Act

Outside groups that coordinate election ads with a federal candidate could have that spending treated like a direct donation, with normal donation limits and bans. Federal candidates and officeholders would also be barred from raising money for super PACs and similar groups that take unlimited funds. The bill adds steep fines and forces new Federal Election Commission rules on a short schedule.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Stop Super PAC-Candidate Coordination Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Latest action on H.R. 5238: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Who this affects: This bill could matter if you work on a federal campaign, run or advise a super PAC or other outside political group, or provide political consulting services. It also affects federal candidates and officeholders directly, because it tightens what they can do around fundraising for outside groups. Donors and voters could see changes in how outside groups plan and pay for political ads, especially close to elections.

Why this matters: This bill aims to tighten the wall between candidates and outside groups that spend money in elections. In real life, it could change how campaigns and allied groups plan ads, share information, and raise money, because coordinated spending would be treated like a direct donation with strict limits and bans. It also pushes the Federal Election Commission to rewrite its coordination rules quickly, which could affect clarity and enforcement during the transition. The overall effect on total election spending and the amount of political advertising is uncertain and would depend on how the FEC writes the new rules and how campaigns and groups adjust.

Key provisions in H.R. 5238

• Makes some coordinated outside spending count like a donation to the candidate. That means the usual donation limits and bans would apply.
• Lays out detailed rules for what counts as a “coordinated expenditure” and a “covered communication.” The rules look at candidate involvement, reuse of campaign materials, timing before elections, and where the message is shown.
• Says talking only about policy or legislative issues does not automatically create coordination. That is true only if no one talks about campaign strategy or campaign work.
• Says an internal “firewall” inside an organization is not an automatic shield. A payment can still be treated as coordinated if the other facts point that way.
• Creates a “coordinated spender” label for groups with close ties to a candidate. Ties can include how the group was formed, who runs it, recent staff or consultants, or the candidate’s immediate family.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5238

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 5238

What is H.R. 5238?

Outside groups that coordinate election ads with a federal candidate could have that spending treated like a direct donation, with normal donation limits and bans. Federal candidates and officeholders would also be barred from raising money for super PACs and similar groups that take unlimited funds. The bill adds steep fines and forces new Federal Election Commission rules on a short schedule.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 5238?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 5238?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 5238 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.