The law creates will regulate communication by organizations that "can be interpreted by a reasonable person only as advocating the election or defeat of a candidate for election for Federal office." Such communication will be considered "the functional equivalent of express advocacy."
This is problematic for organizations that provide commentary on the votes made by elected officials. As the NRLC writes in its letter to legislators, "there is little that an organization could say by way of commentary on the votes or positions taken by an incumbent member of Congress that would not fall within this expansive definition, in the eyes of some 'reasonable person.'"
Additionally, the bill would create record-keeping and reporting requirements. It would threaten the ability of private citizens to donate to organizations such as the NRLC without having their identifying information made public. Donors who contribute to organizations taking stances on contentious issues could find themselves subjected to harassment, threats, or physical attacks by those who disagree.
