H.R. 3535 — Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act
Executive Summary
H.R. 3535, the 'Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act,' closes a recognized loophole in the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 by explicitly prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing or donating to state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections. Currently, federal law bans foreign money in candidate elections, but regulatory interpretations have previously left state and local direct democracy mechanisms vulnerable to foreign financial influence. This bipartisan legislation provides a straightforward fix to protect the integrity of domestic ballot measures from foreign interference.
Arguments For
- National Security & Election Integrity: Closes a glaring loophole that currently allows foreign entities to bankroll state and local ballot measures, protecting domestic policy from foreign interference.
- Political Cover: Highly bipartisan and easily messaging-friendly ('Stop Foreign Funds'), providing members with a straightforward, universally popular 'good government' win.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Federalism Concerns: May face minor pushback from strict states' rights advocates who argue that state and local ballot measure regulations should be left entirely to state legislatures rather than federalized.
- Compliance Burden: Could impose additional compliance and tracking burdens on local grassroots organizations running ballot measure campaigns, requiring them to rigorously verify the citizenship or residency status of their donors.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to explicitly include state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections in the statutory ban on foreign national contributions.
- Applies the new prohibition to any contributions or donations made on or after the date of the bill's enactment.
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Verification Guide
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Amends Section 319(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
"Section 319(a)(1)(A) of the Fed"
Expands the foreign money ban to include ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections.
"State or local ballot initiative or referendum or recall elec"
The prohibition applies to donations made on or after the date of enactment.
"donations made on or after the date of the enactment"