H.R. 2816 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on the Judiciary, Apr 10, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryCriminalizes hiding foreign election donations
Ever wonder how someone might secretly funnel foreign money into U.S. elections. This bill would make it illegal to set up a shell company (a business created mainly on paper, with no real operations) if the purpose is to hide an election contribution or donation from a foreign national. Anyone caught doing this could face criminal penalties including fines and up to five years in prison.
How it affects you
This primarily affects people involved in campaign finance and election fundraising. If you're a regular voter or donor, this would help protect U.S. elections from foreign interference by creating criminal penalties for those who try to secretly channel foreign money into campaigns.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Apr 10, 2025)
Shell Company Abuse Act
This bill makes it unlawful to establish or use a corporation, company, or other entity with the intent to conceal an election contribution or donation by a foreign national.
A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2816
A BILL
Shell Company Abuse Act
Sponsor: Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO-1) · Introduced Apr 10, 2025 · Crime and Law Enforcement · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 10, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.”