(1939, amended 1940) Legislation enacted by the U.S. Congress to eliminate corrupt practices in national elections.
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Carl Hatch of New Mexico (18891963) in response to allegations that officials of the Works Progress Administration were using their positions to win votes for the Democratic Party in the 1936 election. It forbade intimidation or bribery of voters and restricted political campaign activities by federal employees. It also limited campaign contributions by individuals and spending by campaign committees.