The Supreme Court recently agreed to hear a case challenging aggregate contribution limits in federal election cycles (McCutcheon v. FEC).
In addition to limiting the amount an individual may donate to each candidate, political party, or political action committee, federal law also caps the aggregate amount of such donations that an individual can make in a given election cycle. In 2013-2014, that amount is $123,200--$48,600 to candidates and $74,600 to political parties and certain PACs. If the aggregate limit is struck down, contributors would still be bound by contribution limits for each separate candidate, party, or PAC, but would be free to contribute as much money in the aggregate as they wished.
The case will be heard during the Court’s 2013-2014 term. Citing previous Supreme Court precedent, a three-judge court upheld the aggregate limits in September 2012.
