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SHIELD Act

Introduced: October 11, 2019 Introduced by: Lofgren, Zoe Democratic · California See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 116th Congress ended
It never became law before the 116th Congress (2019–2020) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 40 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 28, 2019
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes on the Rodney Davis (IL) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to strike subsection (b) of section 1 and all that follows and insert the text of the bill entitled the "Honest Elections Act".
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Swalwell (CA) amendment No. 6.
Oct 23, 2019
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Lesko amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Lesko demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
Oct 23, 2019
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4617 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions allowed.
Oct 23, 2019
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 650. (consideration: CR H8410-8442)
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lesko amendment No. 2.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Langevin amendment No. 5.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Levin (MI) amendment No. 4.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lynch amendment No. 3.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeSaulnier amendment No. 1.
Oct 23, 2019
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4617.
Oct 23, 2019
The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Chairman of the Committee.
Oct 23, 2019
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 650 and Rule XVIII.
Oct 23, 2019
Rule H. Res. 650 passed House.
Oct 23, 2019
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Oct 23, 2019
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 227 - 181 (Roll no. 583).
Oct 23, 2019
On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 182 - 225 (Roll no. 582).
Oct 23, 2019
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
Oct 23, 2019
Mr. Davis, Rodney moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on House Administration. (text: CR H8439-8440)
Oct 23, 2019
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
Oct 23, 2019
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Oct 23, 2019
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4617.
Oct 23, 2019
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the Lesko amendment, which was debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Spanberger amendment No. 14.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cunningham amendment No. 13.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cunningham amendment No. 12.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sherrill amendment No. 11.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Slotkin amendment No. 10.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Houlahan amendment No. 9.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Delgado amendment No. 8.
Oct 23, 2019
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 650, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Brown (MD) amendment No. 7.
Oct 22, 2019
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 650 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4617 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions allowed.
Oct 21, 2019
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 196.
Oct 21, 2019
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 116-246, Part I.
Oct 21, 2019
Committee on the Judiciary discharged.
Oct 16, 2019
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Oct 16, 2019
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 6 - 1.
Oct 8, 2019
Introduced in House
Oct 8, 2019
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
 Votes taken on this bill 2
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Oct 23, 2019 House · vote #583 On Passage Passed 227–181 See who voted →
Oct 23, 2019 House · vote #582 On Motion to Recommit with Instructions Failed 182–225 See who voted →
 Amendments to this bill 14

13 agreed to 1 failed

AmendmentSponsorPurposeStatusLatest action
HAMDT 651 — An amendment numbered 14 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to require that online platform records of… Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 650 — An amendment numbered 13 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to require the Federal Election Commission… Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 649 — An amendment nubmered 12 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to require the Federal Election Commission… Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 648 Sherrill, Mikie An amendment numbered 11 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to expand from 60 days before an election … Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 647 Slotkin, Elissa An amendment numbered 10 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to direct the GAO to conduct an assessment… Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 646 Houlahan, Chrissy An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to codify the FEC definition of substantial… Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 645 — An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to require the Federal Election Commission … Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 644 — An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to require the FBI to confirm receipt when … Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 643 Swalwell, Eric An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to include a candidate's immediate family m… Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 642 — An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to direct the Federal Elections Commission … Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 641 — An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to prohibit foreign nationals from influenc… Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 640 Lynch, Stephen F. An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to generally prohibit the use of deepfakes … Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 639 — Amendment sought to remove the requirement that the Attorney General communicate corrective actions to the pu… Failed Oct 23, 2019
HAMDT 638 DeSaulnier, Mark An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 116-253 to require the FEC to notify states within … Agreed to Oct 23, 2019
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act or the SHIELD Act

This bill establishes a duty to report election interference from foreign entities, applies existing campaign advertising requirements to online advertisements, and generally limits political spending and election interference by foreign entities.

Specifically, a political committee must report certain foreign contacts involving an offer of unlawful election assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Election Commission. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violations of these requirements.

This bill establishes that an alien engaging in improper election interference shall be deportable and inadmissible into the United States.

Existing requirements for political advertisements and electioneering communications apply to internet and digital advertisements, including requirements related to disclosures and contributions. Additionally, large online platforms must maintain a public database of certain political advertisements.

The bill prohibits the distribution of certain deceptive audio or visual media within 60 days of an election.

The bill places limitations on political spending by foreign entities. Specifically, foreign entities may not (1) contribute to campaigns related to ballot initiatives and referenda, or (2) make disbursements for certain internet activity referring to a candidate or a political issue.

A candidate is prohibited from offering to share nonpublic campaign information with certain foreign entities.

What's happening now October 28, 2019

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

 Related & companion bills 12
  • HR 4703 Related bill DEFEND Act
  • S 1834 Related bill Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2019
  • S 2242 Related bill Foreign Influence Reporting in Elections Act
  • HR 6088 Related bill Deepfakes in Federal Elections Prohibition Act
  • HR 3281 Related bill Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2019
  • HR 3442 Related bill DETER Act
  • HR 3873 Related bill Foreign Influence Reporting in Elections Act
  • HR 4114 Related bill Stop Supporting Foreign Interference in Our Democracy Act
  • HR 4612 Related bill Firewall Act
  • HRES 650 Procedurally related Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4617) to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to clarify the o…
  • HR 8347 Related bill Shell Company Abuse Act
  • S 2669 Related bill SHIELD Act
 Bill text 4 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
 Cosponsors 131
All 131 Democratic 75 Republican 1
Allred, Colin
· Oct 21, 2019
Axne, Cynthia
· Oct 21, 2019
 D
Bera, Ami
California · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Boyle, Brendan F.
Pennsylvania · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Brownley, Julia
California · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Clark, Katherine M.
Massachusetts · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Clarke, Yvette D.
New York · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Cohen, Steve
Tennessee · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Foster, Bill
Illinois · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Gomez, Jimmy
California · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Kim, Andy
New Jersey · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Lee, Susie
Nevada · Oct 21, 2019
LOWEY, NITA
· Oct 21, 2019
 D
Moulton, Seth
Massachusetts · Oct 21, 2019
O'Halleran, Tom
· Oct 21, 2019
 D
Schakowsky, Janice D.
Illinois · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Schneider, Bradley Scott
Illinois · Oct 21, 2019
 D
Smith, Adam
Washington · Oct 21, 2019
Speier, Jackie
· Oct 21, 2019
Trone, David
· Oct 21, 2019
 D
Underwood, Lauren
Illinois · Oct 21, 2019
Yarmuth, John
· Oct 21, 2019
 D
Correa, J. Luis
California · Oct 18, 2019
Demings, Val
· Oct 18, 2019
 D
Fletcher, Lizzie
Texas · Oct 18, 2019
 D
Golden, Jared F.
Maine · Oct 18, 2019
Kuster, Ann
· Oct 18, 2019
Lipinski, Daniel
· Oct 18, 2019
 D
McCollum, Betty
Minnesota · Oct 18, 2019
 D
Peters, Scott H.
California · Oct 18, 2019
 D
Pingree, Chellie
Maine · Oct 18, 2019
 D
Soto, Darren
Florida · Oct 18, 2019
 D
Stevens, Haley M.
Michigan · Oct 18, 2019
 D
Swalwell, Eric
California · Oct 18, 2019
 R
Van Drew, Jefferson
New Jersey · Oct 18, 2019
Wexton, Jennifer
· Oct 18, 2019
Brown, Anthony
· Oct 16, 2019
 D
Castor, Kathy
Florida · Oct 16, 2019
 D
Costa, Jim
California · Oct 16, 2019
DEFAZIO, PETER
· Oct 16, 2019
 D
Garcia, Sylvia R.
Texas · Oct 16, 2019
 D
Gonzalez, Vicente
Texas · Oct 16, 2019
 D
Johnson, Henry C. "Hank"
Georgia · Oct 16, 2019
KIND, RON
· Oct 16, 2019
 D
Larsen, Rick
Washington · Oct 16, 2019
Lawrence, Brenda
· Oct 16, 2019
 D
Lieu, Ted
California · Oct 16, 2019
 D
Meng, Grace
New York · Oct 16, 2019
 D
Pappas, Chris
New Hampshire · Oct 16, 2019
Perlmutter, Ed
· Oct 16, 2019
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Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 4617: Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act. 116th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/116-HR-4617/
MLA
"H.R. 4617: Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act." 116th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/116-HR-4617/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 4617, 116th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/116-HR-4617/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 4617: Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/116-HR-4617/)
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