Reps. Fitzpatrick, Golden introduce legislation to prohibit foreign political contributions related to State ballots

U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Jared Golden (D-ME) recently introduced the Keeping Foreign Money out of Ballot Measures Act, which prohibits foreign nationals from making political contributions related to State ballot measures and initiatives.

“The outcomes of our elections must be decided exclusively by American citizens,” 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. Foreign contributions in elections pose a threat to our democratic process.”

The bill ensures American voices are heard, not drowned out, at the ballot box, Fitzpatrick continued.

“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,” Golden said. “This bipartisan bill would ensure that elections in communities across the state are decided by Mainers, not money from foreigners.”

The legislation 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.

“American elections are for American citizens,” U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), chairman of the Committee on House Administration, said. “Prohibiting foreign nationals from interfering in our elections is a simple and common-sense policy that will restore voter confidence. I thank Congressman Fitzpatrick for leading this legislation that will help ensure our elections are free, fair and secure.”