New Bill Puts Contribution Limits on Super PACs, Targeting $4.48 Billion in Independent Spending

If you’ve ever watched a political ad and wondered who bankrolled that slick production, you’re looking at the work of Super PACs—and this bill aims to change how they get their money. The Abolish Super PACs Act doesn't actually abolish them, but it does target the unlimited cash flow that makes them so powerful. Specifically, it introduces new limits on how much money individuals and organizations can donate to these independent expenditure committees.

The Super PAC Tap Gets Turned Down

Right now, Super PACs can accept unlimited contributions from corporations, unions, associations, and individuals. This bill changes that by amending the Federal Election Campaign Act to include donations to an “independent expenditure committee” under existing contribution limits (SEC. 3). The core idea, according to the bill’s findings, is to reduce the risk of secret, corrupt deals and address the appearance of corruption that comes from massive, uncapped contributions (SEC. 2). After all, Congress noted that independent spending jumped over 700% between 2008 and 2020, with over $4.48 billion spent in 2024, largely funded by the top 1% of donors.

What Exactly Is a Regulated Super PAC Now?

To make sure the rules stick, the bill creates a specific definition for an “independent expenditure committee.” This isn't just about the name on the door. Any group qualifies if, in a calendar year, it spends $5,000 or more on independent expenditures—meaning ads or communications not coordinated with a candidate—or if it gives $5,000 or more to other independent expenditure committees (SEC. 3). If a larger political organization sets up a separate account just for this kind of outside spending, that account also gets treated as a regulated Super PAC. Essentially, if you’re playing in the big leagues of outside spending, you're now subject to contribution limits.

Real-World Impact: Who Feels the Pinch?

For the average person juggling rent and groceries, this bill might feel distant, but the impact hits where political decisions are made. If enacted, the biggest change will be felt by the wealthiest donors and the Super PACs themselves. Wealthy individuals who currently write seven-figure checks—the top 1% of givers responsible for nearly 97% of Super PAC funding in 2024—will have their contribution power significantly curtailed. This could force candidates to broaden their fundraising base, potentially reducing their reliance on a handful of mega-donors.

For political advocacy groups, particularly those whose entire strategy revolves around massive, last-minute independent spending campaigns, the new limits will necessitate a complete overhaul of their funding models. They will need to focus on smaller, more frequent donations, much like traditional campaigns. The stated benefit for the public is a potential restoration of faith in the electoral system, as the overwhelming influence of unlimited money is scaled back. These changes are scheduled to kick in starting the first full calendar year after the bill becomes law (SEC. 3).