H.R.3535 - Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3535, the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act, aims to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. The amendment seeks to extend the prohibition of contributions and donations by foreign nationals to include ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections at the state and local levels. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 21, 2025, and referred to the Committee on House Administration.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to prevent foreign entities from influencing the outcomes of state and local ballot measures through financial contributions. This could lead to greater public confidence in the integrity of these elections. It would also align the treatment of ballot initiatives and referenda with candidate elections regarding foreign influence.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces the potential for foreign interference in state and local elections.
- Increases transparency and public confidence in ballot initiatives and referenda.
- Strengthens the integrity of the electoral process.
- Prevents foreign entities from unduly influencing policy decisions at the state and local levels.
- Aligns regulations for candidate elections and ballot measures regarding foreign contributions.
Potential Disadvantages
- May require additional resources for enforcement to monitor compliance.
- Could potentially face legal challenges based on freedom of speech arguments.
- Might be perceived as overly restrictive by some, limiting opportunities for international organizations to support certain causes.
- The impact may be limited if foreign entities find alternative ways to exert influence.
- Could create complexities in defining what constitutes a 'foreign national' in the context of contributions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principles of protecting the integrity of U.S. elections and preventing foreign interference, which can be argued as necessary for maintaining a republican form of government as guaranteed by Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution. It also indirectly supports the First Amendment by ensuring that domestic voices are not drowned out by foreign financial influence. However, potential challenges could arise if the restrictions are seen as infringing on freedom of speech, particularly if they limit the ability of foreign nationals to express their views on public issues.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).