U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) wants to require broadcasting stations, cable and satellite television providers, and online platforms to make “reasonable efforts” to ensure that political advertisements are not purchased by foreign nationals.
“Our nation’s foreign adversaries cannot be permitted to influence our elections, especially by funding political advertisements related to any candidate, issue, ballot initiative, or referendum,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said.
The congressman on Jan. 16 cosponsored the bipartisan Block Foreign-Funded Political Ads Act, H.R. 6996, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) to prohibit foreign nationals from directly or indirectly purchasing political advertisements on such outlets.
“I am proud to lead this effort with Rep. Golden and grateful for his continued partnership on legislation to ensure that American elections are decided freely and fairly by the American people,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.
H.R. 6996 builds upon the bipartisan Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act, H.R. 3229, which Rep. Fitzpatrick sponsored in May 2023 alongside lead original cosponsor Rep. Golden to prohibit campaign donations by foreign nationals for state and local ballot initiatives or referendums, according to the lawmakers.
The measure on Nov. 30, 2023, unanimously passed the U.S. House Committee on House Administration, which is now also considering H.R. 6996.
“Our adversaries shouldn’t be able to pay to have their propaganda amplified, nor influence and stoke division in the American political process,” said Rep. Golden. “Working with platforms to keep foreign actors out of political advertising will make our democracy more resilient and strengthen the voices of those who matter most in our elections: Americans.”