Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 3535, the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act.

Madam Speaker, this legislation is built on a simple principle: American elections should be decided by the American people, not by the influence of foreign actors.

The Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act closes a dangerous and longstanding loophole in our current election system. While current Federal law already prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to candidates running for office, there remains gaps when it comes to State and local ballot measures.

Ballot initiatives, referendum, and recall elections often determine major public policy questions that directly affect American communities, yet existing law does not clearly prohibit foreign money from being used to influence these outcomes. This bill closes that loophole.

Madam Speaker, this is not a partisan issue. Whether the issue on the ballot is one you support or oppose, every American should agree that the outcome should reflect the will of the American voters, not the financial influence of foreign interests.

Our elections and ballot measures exist to give the American people a voice, not outside actors with agendas that may conflict with our national interests.

The Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act simply extends an existing safeguard to ensure that all taxpayer-funded elections receive the same protection from foreign influence.

I thank Congressman Golden for his partnership on this legislation as well as Chairman Steil and Ranking Member Morelle for their engagement on this legislation.

I urge all my colleagues to support this commonsense bill to strengthen the integrity of our electoral system and ensure that our democratic process remains accountable to the citizens that it serves.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source