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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 2816

Rep. Bell Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Ban Using Shell Companies to Hide Foreign Election Donations

Shell Company Abuse Act

11 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

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.

    From policy text

    “It shall be unlawful for an owner, officer, attorney, or incorporation agent of a corporation, company, or other entity to establish or use the corporation, company, or other entity with the intent to conceal an activity of a foreign national”
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  • 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.

    From policy text

    “It shall be unlawful for an owner, officer, attorney, or incorporation agent of a corporation, company, or other entity to establish or use the corporation, company, or other entity with the intent to conceal an activity of a foreign national”
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  • 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.

    From policy text

    “Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, fined under this title, or both.”
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  • 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.

    From policy text

    “Mr. Bell (for himself, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Crow, and Mr. Fitzpatrick) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary”
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Criminal JusticeEconomy Finance

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Apr 10, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Apr 10, 2025

Introduced in House

Related Bills

1 bill
S. 3991Related bill

DISCLOSE Act of 2026

Mar 4 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Shell Company Abuse Act

Bill NumberHR 2816
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(5)
D: 3R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.