What is BCRA?
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) is a package of “campaign finance reform†that was passed by the US Congress and took effect on November 6, 2002. It applies to all political organizations involved in any way in “federal election activities†(defined below). It also limits which organizations can send money to the national party (LNC). It builds upon the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA — no jokes, please) of 1971. In 1975, Congress established the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and gave them regulatory power over federal elections, based on FECA. The FEC is responsible for developing and enforcing the regulations that are authorized by these laws. BCRA was upheld almost in its entirety by a Supreme Court decision in December 2002. This FAQ examines the direct impact of BCRA on Libertarian Party national, state, and local affiliates. However, the effects of BCRA extend well beyond this subject matter. This FAQ will also touch upon provisions of FECA and other cam
