Shell Company Abuse Act

The Shell Company Abuse Act would make it a federal crime for anyone to establish or use a corporation or business entity to conceal campaign contributions or donations by foreign nationals. Currently, federal law prohibits foreign nationals from donating to U.S. elections, but some have attempted to circumvent this by creating anonymous shell companies to funnel money into political campaigns undetected. This bill would close that loophole by making it unlawful for owners, officers, attorneys, or incorporation agents to participate in such schemes. Violators would face criminal penalties including imprisonment for up to 5 years, fines, or both. The bill is bipartisan, introduced by Representatives Wesley Bell (D-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), Jason Crow (D-CO), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and is currently referred to the House Judiciary Committee.