Help America Run Act

Summary

Allows authorized campaign committees to pay certain personal expenses—like child care, elder care, care for qualifying dependents, and health insurance premiums—as campaign expenditures when those services are necessary for a candidate to participate in campaign activities or to perform duties as a Federal officeholder. Health insurance premiums may be paid for candidates who are not current Federal officeholders; current Federal officeholders are excluded from having their premiums paid by committees. The change amends federal campaign finance law and takes effect on the date of enactment.

• Authorized campaign committees may pay for child care, elder care, care for qualifying dependents, and health insurance premiums when those services are necessary for campaign participation or to perform official duties.
• Health insurance premium payments are permitted for candidates who are not current Federal officeholders; current Federal officeholders are excluded from having premiums paid by committees.
• The amendment changes 52 U.S.C. § 30114 to treat these specified payments as authorized campaign expenditures rather than prohibited personal use.
• The law is explicitly aimed at reducing financial barriers that disadvantage working Americans, parents, caregivers, and others who lack independent wealth.
• Takes effect on the date of enactment and does not appropriate new federal funds or alter the tax code.
• Will require guidance and enforcement adjustments by campaign finance regulators to define and monitor the required "necessity" standard.
• Could increase the pool of viable candidates by lowering personal-cost barriers, especially for parents and lower- and middle-income prospective candidates.
• Raises potential compliance and oversight concerns about distinguishing legitimate campaign-related expenses from personal spending.