Rep. Gosar Introduces Bipartisan Bill to End Foreign Donations Influencing U.S. Elections

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after introducing H.R. 4177, the Stop Foreign Donations Affecting Our Elections Act, a bill that closes certain loopholes in order to prevent the campaign donations of foreign nationals from influencing American elections, a practice which has been banned since 1966:

"Current disclosure requirements for online donations make it relatively easy for foreign money to influence U.S. elections, despite being banned since 1966. Shockingly, the Government Accountability Institute has reported that the 2008 and 2012 Obama campaigns received questionable contributions of more than $500 million as a result of poor disclosure requirements. This abuse is not limited to Obama's two presidential campaigns as candidates on both sides of the aisle have benefitted and possibly been swayed as a result of current loopholes. It would be a bipartisan abdication of our American sovereignty to continue to allow our election system to be impacted by foreigners circumventing U.S. law.

"By increasing disclosure requirements for online donations, we can greatly hinder the ability for people that aren't U.S. citizens to unlawfully funnel money to politicians through campaign contributions, and in turn make the process more open to the American people. Fair and transparent elections are at the core of our Republic and Congressional oversight is required to ensure transparency and integrity. This bipartisan bill is a positive step in the right direction and will greatly assist with reining in this abuse."

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