Shell Company Abuse Act

Key Points

• This bill would make it a federal crime to set up or use a shell company to hide illegal campaign donations from foreign nationals. It directly targets the loophole where anonymous business entities can funnel foreign money into U.S. elections.
• The law would hold a wide range of people responsible — not just the foreign donors, but also business owners, corporate officers, lawyers, and the agents who help create these shell companies, if they knowingly participate in hiding foreign election money.
• Violators would face serious consequences: up to five years in federal prison, fines, or both. This is designed to create a strong deterrent against helping foreign interests secretly influence American elections.
• The bill has bipartisan support, introduced by Representatives Bell, Bacon, Crow, and Fitzpatrick. It amends Chapter 29 of the federal criminal code (title 18), adding a new section specifically focused on shell company abuse in elections.