On 16th Anniversary of Citizens United, Rep. Subramanyam Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Foreign Election Influence
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan Campaign and Election Accountability Act. 16 years ago today, the Supreme Court handed down its Citizens United decision which enabled corporations and outside groups to spend unlimited money in our elections.
“Sixteen years later, Americans still have real concerns about the integrity and influence in our political process. We need to restore trust,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “Right now, there are no consequences for Americans who assist foreign nationals contributing to our elections, even though foreign nationals themselves aren’t allowed. We need to close this loophole in the Federal Election Campaign Act, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in our elections while being free from foreign influence.”
“Free and fair elections depend on the confidence of the American people that our democratic process is not being influenced by foreign money or interference. While federal law clearly prohibits non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents from contributing to U.S. elections, it does not currently address individuals who knowingly assist or facilitate those illegal contributions. This commonsense legislation closes that gap by updating the Federal Election Campaign Act to ensure that no one can help circumvent our campaign finance laws,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Strengthening enforcement and clarity in our election laws is essential to protecting the integrity of our democracy and maintaining public trust in our elections.”
The Campaign and Election Accountability Act will amend the Federal Election Campaign Act to align with internal Federal Election Commission regulations, prohibiting individuals from aiding and abetting others from contributing foreign money into U.S. elections.
“Foreign money and foreign interference have no place in our elections,” said End Citizens United Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. “This bill is a common sense solution that makes it clear that people who knowingly assist foreign nationals illegally funnel money into our elections will be held responsible. We thank Representative Subramanyam for introducing this critical bill, and for his continued commitment to keeping our elections free and fair.”
“Federal campaign finance laws that prohibit foreign nationals from spending in federal, state and local elections are an important shield for Americans’ right to self-governance.” said Saurav Ghosh, director of federal campaign finance reform at Campaign Legal Center. “However, these laws currently do not address those who help or assist foreign nationals to spend money on U.S. elections, a major loophole allowing bad actors who facilitate foreign influence schemes to evade accountability. The Campaign and Election Accountability Act is an important step that will close this loophole, helping to ensure accountability for those who knowingly participate in foreign influence schemes. Congress must make passing this legislation a top priority.”