---
kind: "section"
citation: "52 U.S.C. § 30116"
title: "52"
title_heading: "Voting and Elections"
number: "30116"
heading: "Limitations on contributions and expenditures"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/52/30116"
units:
  - "Subtitle III — Federal Campaign Finance"
  - "Chapter 301 — Federal Election Campaigns"
  - "Subchapter I — Disclosure of Federal Campaign Funds"
---

# §30116. Limitations on contributions and expenditures

- (a) **Dollar limits on contributions—**
  - (1) Except as provided in [subsection (i)](#i) and [section 30117 of this title](/usc/52/30117.md), no [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11) shall make [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A)—
    - (A) to any [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) and his authorized [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) with respect to any [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) for [Federal office](/usc/52/30101.md?p=3) which, in the aggregate, exceed $2,000;
    - (B) to the [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) established and maintained by a national [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16), which are not the authorized [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) of any [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), in any calendar year which, in the aggregate, exceed $25,000, or, in the case of [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made to any of the accounts described in [paragraph (9)](#a-9), exceed 300 percent of the amount otherwise applicable under this subparagraph with respect to such calendar year;
    - (C) to any other [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) (other than a committee described in [subparagraph (D)](#a-1-D)) in any calendar year which, in the aggregate, exceed $5,000; or
    - (D) to a [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) established and maintained by a [State committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=15) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) in any calendar year which, in the aggregate, exceed $10,000.
  - (2) No multicandidate [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) shall make [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A)—
    - (A) to any [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) and his authorized [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) with respect to any [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) for [Federal office](/usc/52/30101.md?p=3) which, in the aggregate, exceed $5,000;
    - (B) to the [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) established and maintained by a national [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16), which are not the authorized [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) of any [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), in any calendar year, which, in the aggregate, exceed $15,000, or, in the case of [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made to any of the accounts described in [paragraph (9)](#a-9), exceed 300 percent of the amount otherwise applicable under this subparagraph with respect to such calendar year; or
    - (C) to any other [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) in any calendar year which, in the aggregate, exceed $5,000.
  - (3) During the period which begins on January 1 of an odd-numbered year and ends on December 31 of the next even-numbered year, no individual may make [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) aggregating more than—
    - (A) $37,500, in the case of [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) to [candidates](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) and the [authorized committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) of [candidates](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2);
    - (B) $57,500, in the case of any other [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A), of which not more than $37,500 may be attributable to [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) to [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) which are not [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) of national [political parties](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16).
  - (4) The limitations on [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) contained in paragraphs [(1)](#a-1) and [(2)](#a-2) do not apply to transfers between and among [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) which are national, [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12), district, or local committees (including any subordinate committee thereof) of the same [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16). For purposes of [paragraph (2)](#a-2), the term “multicandidate [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4)” means a [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) which has been registered under [section 30103 of this title](/usc/52/30103.md) for a period of not less than 6 months, which has received [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) from more than 50 [persons](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11), and, except for any [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) organization, has made [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) to 5 or more [candidates](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for [Federal office](/usc/52/30101.md?p=3).
  - (5) For purposes of the limitations provided by [paragraph (1)](#a-1) and [paragraph (2)](#a-2), all [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made by [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) established or financed or maintained or controlled by any corporation, labor organization, or any other [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11), including any parent, subsidiary, branch, division, department, or local unit of such corporation, labor organization, or any other [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11), or by any group of such [persons](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11), shall be considered to have been made by a single [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4), except that (A) nothing in this sentence shall limit transfers between [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) of funds raised through joint fund raising efforts; (B) for purposes of the limitations provided by [paragraph (1)](#a-1) and [paragraph (2)](#a-2) all [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made by a single [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) established or financed or maintained or controlled by a [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) and by a single [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) established or financed or maintained or controlled by the [State committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=15) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) shall not be considered to have been made by a single [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4); and (C) nothing in this section shall limit the transfer of funds between the [principal campaign committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=5) of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) seeking nomination or [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to a [Federal office](/usc/52/30101.md?p=3) and the [principal campaign committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=5) of that [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for nomination or [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to another [Federal office](/usc/52/30101.md?p=3) if (i) such transfer is not made when the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) is actively seeking nomination or [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to both such offices; (ii) the limitations contained in this Act on [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) by [persons](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11) are not exceeded by such transfer; and (iii) the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) has not elected to receive any funds under chapter 95 or chapter 96 of title 26. In any case in which a corporation and any of its subsidiaries, branches, divisions, departments, or local units, or a labor organization and any of its subsidiaries, branches, divisions, departments, or local units establish or finance or maintain or control more than one separate segregated fund, all such separate segregated funds shall be treated as a single separate segregated fund for purposes of the limitations provided by [paragraph (1)](#a-1) and [paragraph (2)](#a-2).
  - (6) The limitations on [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) to a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) imposed by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall apply separately with respect to each [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1), except that all [elections](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) held in any calendar year for the office of President of the United States (except a general [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) for such office) shall be considered to be one [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1).
  - (7) For purposes of this subsection—
    - (A) [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) to a named [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) made to any [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) authorized by such [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) to accept [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) on his behalf shall be considered to be [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made to such [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2);
    - (B)
      - (i) [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) made by any [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11) in cooperation, consultation, or concert, with, or at the request or suggestion of, a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), his authorized [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4), or their agents, shall be considered to be a [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) to such [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2);
      - (ii) [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) made by any [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11) (other than a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) or [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6)) in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a national, [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12), or local committee of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16), shall be considered to be [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made to such party committee; and
      - (iii) the financing by any [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11) of the dissemination, distribution, or republication, in whole or in part, of any broadcast or any written, graphic, or other form of campaign materials prepared by the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), his campaign committees, or their authorized agents shall be considered to be an [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) for purposes of this paragraph; and[^1]
    - (C) if—
      - (i) any [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11) makes, or contracts to make, any disbursement for any electioneering communication (within the meaning of [section 30104(f)(3) of this title](/usc/52/30104.md?p=f-3)); and
      - (ii) such disbursement is coordinated with a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) or an [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) of such [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), a Federal, [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12), or local [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) or committee thereof, or an agent or official of any such [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), party, or committee;

      such disbursement or contracting shall be treated as a [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) to the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) supported by the electioneering communication or that [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s party and as an [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) by that [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) or that [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s party; and

    - (D) [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made to or for the benefit of any [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) nominated by a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to the office of Vice President of the United States shall be considered to be [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made to or for the benefit of the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) of such party for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to the office of President of the United States.
  - (8) For purposes of the limitations imposed by this section, all [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made by a [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11), either directly or indirectly, on behalf of a particular [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), including [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) which are in any way earmarked or otherwise directed through an intermediary or conduit to such [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), shall be treated as [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) from such [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11) to such [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2). The intermediary or conduit shall report the original source and the intended recipient of such [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) to the [Commission](/usc/52/30101.md?p=10) and to the intended recipient.
  - (9) An account described in this paragraph is any of the following accounts:
    - (A) A separate, segregated account of a [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) (other than a national congressional campaign committee of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16)) which is used solely to defray expenses incurred with respect to a presidential nominating convention (including the payment of deposits) or to repay loans the proceeds of which were used to defray such expenses, or otherwise to restore funds used to defray such expenses, except that the aggregate amount of [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) the [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) may make from such account may not exceed $20,000,000 with respect to any single convention.
    - (B) A separate, segregated account of a [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) (including a national congressional campaign committee of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16)) which is used solely to defray expenses incurred with respect to the construction, purchase, renovation, operation, and furnishing of one or more headquarters buildings of the party or to repay loans the proceeds of which were used to defray such expenses, or otherwise to restore funds used to defray such expenses (including expenses for obligations incurred during the 2-year period which ends on December 16, 2014).
    - (C) A separate, segregated account of a [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) (including a national congressional campaign committee of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16)) which is used to defray expenses incurred with respect to the preparation for and the conduct of [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) recounts and contests and other legal proceedings.
- (b) **Dollar limits on expenditures by candidates for office of President of United States—**
  - (1) No [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for the office of President of the United States who is eligible under [section 9003 of title 26](/usc/26/9003.md) (relating to condition for eligibility for payments) or under [section 9033 of title 26](/usc/26/9033.md) (relating to eligibility for payments) to receive payments from the Secretary of the Treasury may make [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) in excess of—
    - (A) $10,000,000, in the case of a campaign for nomination for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to such office, except the aggregate of [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) under this subparagraph in any one [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) shall not exceed the greater of 16 cents multiplied by the voting age population of the [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) (as certified under [subsection (e)](#e)), or $200,000; or
    - (B) $20,000,000 in the case of a campaign for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to such office.
  - (2) For purposes of this subsection—
    - (A) [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) made by or on behalf of any [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) nominated by a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to the office of Vice President of the United States shall be considered to be [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) made by or on behalf of the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) of such party for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to the office of President of the United States; and
    - (B) an [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) is made on behalf of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), including a vice presidential [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), if it is made by—
      - (i) an [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) or any other agent of the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for purposes of making any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A); or
      - (ii) any [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11) authorized or requested by the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), an [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) of the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), or an agent of the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), to make the [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A).
- (c) **Increases on limits based on increases in price index—**
  - (1)
    - (A) At the beginning of each calendar year (commencing in 1976), as there become available necessary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, the Secretary of Labor shall certify to the [Commission](/usc/52/30101.md?p=10) and publish in the Federal Register the percent difference between the price index for the 12 months preceding the beginning of such calendar year and the price index for the base period.
    - (B) Except as provided in [subparagraph (C)](#c-1-C), in any calendar year after 2002—
      - (i) a limitation established by subsections [(a)(1)(A)](#a-1-A), [(a)(1)(B)](#a-1-B), [(a)(3)](#a-3), [(b)](#b), [(d)](#d), or [(h)](#h) shall be increased by the percent difference determined under [subparagraph (A)](#c-1-A);
      - (ii) each amount so increased shall remain in effect for the calendar year; and
      - (iii) if any amount after adjustment under [clause (i)](#c-1-B-i) is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.
    - (C) In the case of limitations under subsections [(a)(1)(A)](#a-1-A), [(a)(1)(B)](#a-1-B), [(a)(3)](#a-3), and [(h)](#h), increases shall only be made in odd-numbered years and such increases shall remain in effect for the 2-year period beginning on the first day following the date of the last general [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) in the year preceding the year in which the amount is increased and ending on the date of the next general [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1).
  - (2) For purposes of [paragraph (1)](#c-1)—
    - (A) the term “price index” means the average over a calendar year of the Consumer Price Index (all items—United States city average) published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and
    - (B) the term “base period” means—
      - (i) for purposes of subsections [(b)](#b) and [(d)](#d), calendar year 1974; and
      - (ii) for purposes of subsections [(a)(1)(A)](#a-1-A), [(a)(1)(B)](#a-1-B), [(a)(3)](#a-3), and [(h)](#h), calendar year 2001.
- (d) **Expenditures by national committee, State committee, or subordinate committee of State committee in connection with general election campaign of candidates for Federal office—**
  - (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law with respect to limitations on [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) or limitations on [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A), the [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) and a [State committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=15) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16), including any subordinate committee of a [State committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=15), may make [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) in connection with the general [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) campaign of [candidates](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for [Federal office](/usc/52/30101.md?p=3), subject to the limitations contained in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection.
  - (2) The [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) may not make any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) in connection with the general [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) campaign of any [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for President of the United States who is affiliated with such party which exceeds an amount equal to 2 cents multiplied by the voting age population of the United States (as certified under [subsection (e)](#e)). Any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) under this paragraph shall be in addition to any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) by a [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) serving as the [principal campaign committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=5) of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for the office of President of the United States.
  - (3) The [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16), or a [State committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=15) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16), including any subordinate committee of a [State committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=15), may not make any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) in connection with the general [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) campaign of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for [Federal office](/usc/52/30101.md?p=3) in a [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) who is affiliated with such party which exceeds—
    - (A) in the case of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to the office of Senator, or of Representative from a [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) which is entitled to only one Representative, the greater of—
      - (i) 2 cents multiplied by the voting age population of the [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) (as certified under [subsection (e)](#e)); or
      - (ii) $20,000; and
    - (B) in the case of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to the office of Representative, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner in any other [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12), $10,000.
  - (4) **Independent versus coordinated expenditures by party.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** On or after the date on which a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) nominates a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), no committee of the [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) may make—
      - (i) any coordinated [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) under this subsection with respect to the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) during the [election cycle](/usc/52/30101.md?p=25) at any time after it makes any [independent expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=17) (as defined in [section 30101(17) of this title](/usc/52/30101.md?p=17)) with respect to the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) during the [election cycle](/usc/52/30101.md?p=25); or
      - (ii) any [independent expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=17) (as defined in [section 30101(17) of this title](/usc/52/30101.md?p=17)) with respect to the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) during the [election cycle](/usc/52/30101.md?p=25) at any time after it makes any coordinated [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) under this subsection with respect to the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) during the [election cycle](/usc/52/30101.md?p=25).
    - (B) **Application.—** For purposes of this paragraph, all [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) established and maintained by a national [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) (including all congressional campaign committees) and all [political committees](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) established and maintained by a [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) (including any subordinate committee of a [State committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=15)) shall be considered to be a single [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4).
    - (C) **Transfers.—** A committee of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) that makes coordinated [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) under this subsection with respect to a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) shall not, during an [election cycle](/usc/52/30101.md?p=25), transfer any funds to, assign authority to make coordinated [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) under this subsection to, or receive a transfer of funds from, a committee of the [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) that has made or intends to make an [independent expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=17) with respect to the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2).
  - (5) The limitations contained in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection shall not apply to [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) made from any of the accounts described in [subsection (a)(9)](#a-9).
- (e) **Certification and publication of estimated voting age population—** During the first week of January 1975, and every subsequent year, the Secretary of Commerce shall certify to the [Commission](/usc/52/30101.md?p=10) and publish in the Federal Register an estimate of the voting age population of the United States, of each [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12), and of each congressional district as of the first day of July next preceding the date of certification. The term “voting age population” means resident population, 18 years of age or older.
- (f) **Prohibited contributions and expenditures—** No [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) or [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) shall knowingly accept any [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) or make any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) in violation of the provisions of this section. No officer or employee of a [political committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=4) shall knowingly accept a [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made for the benefit or use of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), or knowingly make any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) on behalf of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), in violation of any limitation imposed on [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) and [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) under this section.
- (g) **Attribution of multi-State expenditures to candidate’s expenditure limitation in each State—** The [Commission](/usc/52/30101.md?p=10) shall prescribe rules under which any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) by a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for presidential nominations for use in 2 or more [States](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) shall be attributed to such [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) limitation in each such [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12), based on the voting age population in such [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) which can reasonably be expected to be influenced by such [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A).
- (h) **Senatorial candidates—** Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, amounts totaling not more than $35,000 may be contributed to a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for nomination for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1), or for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1), to the United States Senate during the year in which an [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) is held in which he is such a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2), by the Republican or Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, or the [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16), or any combination of such committees.
- (i) **Increased limit to allow response to expenditures from personal funds—**
  - (1) **Increase—**
    - (A) **In general—** Subject to [paragraph (2)](#i-2), if the opposition [personal funds](/usc/52/30101.md?p=26) amount with respect to a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) to the office of Senator exceeds the threshold amount, the limit under [subsection (a)(1)(A)](#a-1-A) (in this subsection referred to as the “applicable limit”) with respect to that [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) shall be the increased limit.
    - (B) **Threshold amount—**
      - (i) **State-by-State competitive and fair campaign formula—** In this subsection, the threshold amount with respect to an [election cycle](/usc/52/30101.md?p=25) of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) described in [subparagraph (A)](#i-1-A) is an amount equal to the sum of—
        - (I) $150,000; and
        - (II) $0.04 multiplied by the voting age population.
      - (ii) **Voting age population—** In this subparagraph, the term “voting age population” means in the case of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) for the office of Senator, the voting age population of the [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) of the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) (as certified under [subsection (e)](#e)).
    - (C) **Increased limit—** Except as provided in [clause (ii)](#i-1-C-ii), for purposes of [subparagraph (A)](#i-1-A), if the opposition [personal funds](/usc/52/30101.md?p=26) amount is over—
      - (i) 2 times the threshold amount, but not over 4 times that amount—
        - (I) the increased limit shall be 3 times the applicable limit; and
        - (II) the limit under [subsection (a)(3)](#a-3) shall not apply with respect to any [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made with respect to a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) if such [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) is made under the increased limit of [subparagraph (A)](#i-1-A) during a period in which the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) may accept such a [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A);
      - (ii) 4 times the threshold amount, but not over 10 times that amount—
        - (I) the increased limit shall be 6 times the applicable limit; and
        - (II) the limit under [subsection (a)(3)](#a-3) shall not apply with respect to any [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made with respect to a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) if such [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) is made under the increased limit of [subparagraph (A)](#i-1-A) during a period in which the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) may accept such a [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A); and
      - (iii) 10 times the threshold amount—
        - (I) the increased limit shall be 6 times the applicable limit;
        - (II) the limit under [subsection (a)(3)](#a-3) shall not apply with respect to any [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made with respect to a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) if such [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) is made under the increased limit of [subparagraph (A)](#i-1-A) during a period in which the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) may accept such a [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A); and
        - (III) the limits under [subsection (d)](#d) with respect to any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) by a [State](/usc/52/30101.md?p=12) or [national committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=14) of a [political party](/usc/52/30101.md?p=16) shall not apply.
    - (D) **Opposition personal funds amount—** The opposition [personal funds](/usc/52/30101.md?p=26) amount is an amount equal to the excess (if any) of—
      - (i) the greatest aggregate amount of [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) from [personal funds](/usc/52/30101.md?p=26) (as defined in [section 30104(a)(6)(B) of this title](/usc/52/30104.md?p=a-6-B)) that an opposing [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) in the same [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) makes; over
      - (ii) the aggregate amount of [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) from [personal funds](/usc/52/30101.md?p=26) made by the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) with respect to the [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1).
    - (E) **Special rule for candidate’s campaign funds—**
      - (i) **In general—** For purposes of determining the aggregate amount of [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) from [personal funds](/usc/52/30101.md?p=26) under [subparagraph (D)(ii)](#i-1-D-ii), such amount shall include the gross receipts advantage of the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6).
      - (ii) **Gross receipts advantage—** For purposes of [clause (i)](#i-1-E-i), the term “gross receipts advantage” means the excess, if any, of—
        - (I) the aggregate amount of 50 percent of gross receipts of a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) during any [election cycle](/usc/52/30101.md?p=25) (not including [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) from [personal funds](/usc/52/30101.md?p=26) of the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)) that may be expended in connection with the [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1), as determined on June 30 and December 31 of the year preceding the year in which a general [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) is held, over
        - (II) the aggregate amount of 50 percent of gross receipts of the opposing [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) during any [election cycle](/usc/52/30101.md?p=25) (not including [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) from [personal funds](/usc/52/30101.md?p=26) of the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)) that may be expended in connection with the [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1), as determined on June 30 and December 31 of the year preceding the year in which a general [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) is held.
  - (2) **Time to accept contributions under increased limit—**
    - (A) **In general—** Subject to [subparagraph (B)](#i-2-B), a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) and the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) shall not accept any [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A), and a party committee shall not make any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A), under the increased limit under [paragraph (1)](#i-1)—
      - (i) until the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) has received notification of the opposition [personal funds](/usc/52/30101.md?p=26) amount under [section 30104(a)(6)(B) of this title](/usc/52/30104.md?p=a-6-B); and
      - (ii) to the extent that such [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A), when added to the aggregate amount of [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) previously accepted and party [expenditures](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) previously made under the increased limits under this subsection for the [election cycle](/usc/52/30101.md?p=25), exceeds 110 percent of the opposition [personal funds](/usc/52/30101.md?p=26) amount.
    - (B) **Effect of withdrawal of an opposing candidate—** A [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) and a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) shall not accept any [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) and a party shall not make any [expenditure](/usc/52/30101.md?p=9-A) under the increased limit after the date on which an opposing [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) ceases to be a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) to the extent that the amount of such increased limit is attributable to such an opposing [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2).
  - (3) **Disposal of excess contributions—**
    - (A) **In general—** The aggregate amount of [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) accepted by a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) or a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) under the increased limit under [paragraph (1)](#i-1) and not otherwise expended in connection with the [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) with respect to which such [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) relate shall, not later than 50 days after the date of such [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1), be used in the manner described in [subparagraph (B)](#i-3-B).
    - (B) **Return to contributors—** A [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) or a [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) shall return the excess [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) to the [person](/usc/52/30101.md?p=11) who made the [contribution](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A).
- (j) **Limitation on repayment of personal loans—** Any [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) who incurs personal loans made after the effective date of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 in connection with the [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2)’s campaign for [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1) shall not repay (directly or indirectly), to the extent such loans exceed $250,000, such loans from any [contributions](/usc/52/30101.md?p=8-A) made to such [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) or any [authorized committee](/usc/52/30101.md?p=6) of such [candidate](/usc/52/30101.md?p=2) after the date of such [election](/usc/52/30101.md?p=1).

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. The word “and” probably should not appear.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 92–225, title III, § 315, formerly § 320, as added Pub. L. 94–283, title I, § 112(2), May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 486; renumbered § 315, Pub. L. 96–187, title I, § 105(5), Jan. 8, 1980, 93 Stat. 1354; amended Pub. L. 99–514, § 2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 107–155, title I, § 102, title II, §§ 202, 213, 214(a), title III, §§ 304(a), 307(a)–(d), 316, 319(b), Mar. 27, 2002, 116 Stat. 86, 90, 94, 97, 102, 103, 108, 112; Pub. L. 113–235, div. N, § 101(a), (b), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2772, 2773.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(5) and (h), means the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as defined by section 30101 of this title.

For effective date of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, referred to in subsec. (j), see section 402 of Pub. L. 107–155, set out as an Effective Date of 2002 Amendment; Regulations note under section 30101 of this title.

### Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 441a of Title 2, The Congress, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section. Some section numbers referenced in amendment notes below reflect the classification of such sections prior to their editorial reclassification to this title.

### Constitutionality

For information regarding the constitutionality of certain provisions of this section, formerly classified to section 441a of Title 2, The Congress, see the Table of Laws Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court on the Constitution Annotated website, constitution.congress.gov.

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 315 of Pub. L. 92–225 was renumbered section 311, and is classified to section 30111 of this title.

Another prior section 315 of Pub. L. 92–225 was renumbered section 310, and is classified to section 30110 of this title.

### Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 113–235, § 101(a)(1), inserted “, or, in the case of contributions made to any of the accounts described in paragraph (9), exceed 300 percent of the amount otherwise applicable under this subparagraph with respect to such calendar year” before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–235, § 101(a)(2), which directed amendment by substituting “, or, in the case of contributions made to any of the accounts described in paragraph (9), exceed 300 percent of the amount otherwise applicable under this subparagraph with respect to such calendar year;” for the semicolon at the end, was executed by making the substitution for the semicolon which appeared before “or” at the end to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 113–235, § 101(a)(3), added par. (9).

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 113–235, § 101(b), added par. (5).

2002—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–155, §§ 304(a)(1), 319(b), substituted “Except as provided in subsection (i) and section 441a–1 of this title, no person” for “No person” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 107–155, § 307(a)(1), substituted “$2,000” for “$1,000”.

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 107–155, §§ 102(1), 307(a)(2), substituted “$25,000;” for “$20,000; or”.

Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 107–155, § 102(2), inserted “(other than a committee described in subparagraph (D))” after “committee” and substituted “; or” for period at end.

Subsec. (a)(1)(D). Pub. L. 107–155, § 102(3), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107–155, § 307(b), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: “No individual shall make contributions aggregating more than $25,000 in any calendar year. For purposes of this paragraph, any contribution made to a candidate in a year other than the calendar year in which the election is held with respect to which such contribution is made, is considered to be made during the calendar year in which such election is held.”

Subsec. (a)(7)(B)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 107–155, § 214(a), added cl. (ii) and redesignated former cl. (ii) as (iii).

Subsec. (a)(7)(C), (D). Pub. L. 107–155, § 202, added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpar. (C) as (D).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 107–155, § 307(d)(1), redesignated existing provisions as subpar. (A), struck out at end “Each limitation established by subsection (b) of this section and subsection (d) of this section shall be increased by such percent difference. Each amount so increased shall be the amount in effect for such calendar year.”, and added subpars. (B) and (C).

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107–155, § 307(d)(2), substituted “means—” for “means the calendar year 1974” and added cls. (i) and (ii).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 107–155, § 213(1), substituted “paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)” for “paragraphs (2) and (3)”.

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 107–155, § 213(2), added par. (4).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–155, § 307(c), substituted “$35,000” for “$17,500”.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 107–155, § 304(a)(2), added subsec. (i).

Subsec. (i)(1)(E). Pub. L. 107–155, § 316, added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 107–155, § 304(a)(2), added subsec. (j).

1986—Subsecs. (a)(5), (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954”, which for purposes of codification was translated as “title 26” thus requiring no change in text.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–235, div. N, § 101(c), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2773, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to funds that are solicited, received, transferred, or spent on or after the date of the enactment of this section [Dec. 16, 2014].”

### Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–155, title III, § 307(e), Mar. 27, 2002, 116 Stat. 103, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to contributions made on or after January 1, 2003.”

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–155 effective Nov. 6, 2002, except that amendments by sections 102 and 307 of the Act applicable with respect to contributions made on or after Jan. 1, 2003, and amendments by sections 202, 213, 214(a), 304(a), 316, and 319(b) of the Act not applicable with respect to runoff elections, recounts, or election contests resulting from elections held prior to Nov. 6, 2002, see section 402 of Pub. L. 107–155, set out as an Effective Date of 2002 Amendment; Regulations note under section 30101 of this title.

### Regulations by the Federal Election Commission

Pub. L. 107–155, title II, § 214(c), Mar. 27, 2002, 116 Stat. 95, provided that: “The Federal Election Commission shall promulgate new regulations on coordinated communications paid for by persons other than candidates, authorized committees of candidates, and party committees. The regulations shall not require agreement or formal collaboration to establish coordination. In addition to any subject determined by the Commission, the regulations shall address— payments for the republication of campaign materials; payments for the use of a common vendor; payments for communications directed or made by persons who previously served as an employee of a candidate or a political party; and payments for communications made by a person after substantial discussion about the communication with a candidate or a political party.”