General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Can we get a list of all GOP Senators who took Russian money*? And before they vote on Trump's [View all]bucolic_frolic
(43,044 posts)Foreign nationals
Campaigns may not solicit or accept contributions from foreign nationals. Federal law prohibits contributions, donations, expenditures and disbursements solicited, directed, received or made directly or indirectly by or from foreign nationals in connection with any election federal, state or local. This prohibition includes contributions or donations made to political committees and building funds and to make electioneering communications. Furthermore, it is a violation of federal law to knowingly provide substantial assistance in the making, acceptance or receipt of contributions or donations in connection with federal and nonfederal elections to a political committee, or for the purchase or construction of an office building. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, acting as a conduit or intermediary for foreign national contributions and donations.
A person acts knowingly for the purposes of this section when he or she has:
Actual knowledge that the funds have come from a foreign national;
Awareness of certain facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe that there is a substantial probability that the money is from a foreign national; or
Awareness of facts that should have prompted a reasonable inquiry into whether the source of funds is a foreign national.
Pertinent facts that satisfy the knowing requirement include knowledge of:
Use of a foreign passport or passport number;
Use of a foreign address;
A check or other written instrument drawn on an account or wire transfer from a foreign bank; or
Contributor or donor living abroad.
Definition of foreign national
A foreign national is:
An individual who is not a citizen of the United States, and not lawfully admitted for permanent residence (as defined in 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(20)); or
A foreign principal, as defined in 22 U.S.C. § 611(b). Section 611 defines a foreign principal as a group organized under the laws of a foreign country or having its principal place of business in a foreign country. The statute specifically mentions foreign governments, political parties, partnerships, associations and corporations.
Green card exception
An individual who is not a citizen of the United States is eligible to make a contribution if he or she has a green card indicating that he or she is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/candidate-taking-receipts/who-can-and-cant-contribute/