Chris Van Hollen: “H.R. 5175 extends the existing rules on coordination to apply to any 'covered communication,' and defines the term…”

“H.R. 5175 extends the existing rules on coordination to apply to any 'covered communication,' and defines the term 'covered communication.' In so doing, the bill repeats the language of the existing media exemption and incorporates that exemption into the definition of 'covered communication.' The existing language of the media exemption has been interpreted by FEC regulation to include an exemption for media activities on the Internet. By incorporating the existing language of the media exemption into the coordination provisions in the DISCLOSE Act, the sponsors intend to ensure that the media exemption in the DISCLOSE Act will be interpreted by the FEC in the same way that the FEC has interpreted the media exemption in existing law, to include media activities on the Internet within the media exemption. Independent expenditures and electioneering communications can influence elected officials and produce gratitude, indebtedness, and access.”