Foreign nationals would be prohibited from making political contributions related to state ballot measures and initiatives in America under a bipartisan bill sponsored on July 6 by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
“The outcomes of our elections must be decided exclusively by American citizens,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “As national director of the FBI’s Campaign Finance and Election Crimes Enforcement Program, I worked to protect American elections from foreign interference, and I remain committed to that fight in Congress.”
Specifically, the Keeping Foreign Money out of Ballot Measures Act of 2023, H.R. 4484, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), would designate donations by foreign nationals, directly or indirectly to state or local ballot initiatives or referendums, as illegal under the Federal Election Campaign Act.
“Foreign contributions in elections pose a threat to our democratic process,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, adding that H.R. 4484 “will ensure that American voices are heard, not drowned out, at the ballot box.”
If enacted, H.R. 4484 would stipulate that any person who violates the law would be fined not more than the greater of $10,000 or 300 percent of the amount of the contribution or value of the donation of money or other valuable item, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, according to the text of the bill.
“It doesn’t matter if the vote is on a state-wide ballot initiative or local referendums, foreign donors shouldn’t have a say in how Maine runs,” said Rep. Golden. “This bipartisan bill would ensure that elections in communities across the state are decided by Mainers, not money from foreigners.”
“American elections are for American citizens. Prohibiting foreign nationals from interfering in our elections is a simple and common-sense policy that will restore voter confidence,” said U.S. House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI). “I thank Congressman Fitzpatrick for leading this legislation that will help ensure our elections are free, fair, and secure.”
H.R. 4484 has been referred to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee for consideration.