The March 19 front-page article “Mystery firms pipe millions to super PACs” suggested that the Federal Elections Commission won’t enforce existing rules meant to stop political campaign donors from hiding their identities behind secret companies. However, this practice can be stopped. Bipartisan legislation introduced last month would require the collection of the names of the ultimate beneficial owners of any company incorporated in the United States. The ownership information should be public to close the loophole that allows political donors to hide their identities.

For too long, the laws of states such as Delaware, Nevada and Wyoming have made it easy not only for political donors to hide their identities but also for drug dealers and terrorists to mask themselves when transferring illicit funds across borders or committing other crimes. Before it can advance, the Incorporation Transparency and Law Enforcement Assistance Act must be discussed in the House Financial Services Committee. Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.) should move this important bill forward as a first step not only to clean up campaign finance but also to eliminate a key tool for corrupt actors and others.

Increased transparency is essential to reducing the perception of corruption.

Shruti Shah, Arlington

The writer is vice president

of Transparency International-USA.