The CPUSA has been banned from holding federal office since 1954, when the Communist Control Act of 1954 was signed into law. The Act also criminalizes members of the party, however, failure to enforce this act has allowed the party to continue on into current times. In 1973, the Supreme Court determined in Communist Party vs Catherwood that the Communist Control Act of 1954 does not prevent the party from being involved in state politics, or from addressing, and promoting solutions to state issues.