The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in a case that challenges aggregate contribution limits in federal election cycles.
In addition to limiting the amount an individual may donate to each candidate, political party, or political action committee (PAC), 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 Court strikes down the aggregate limit, 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 plaintiffs argue that the aggregate limits violate the First Amendment.
The case, McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission, will likely be decided in 2014.
