Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act, a bill to prohibit foreign nationals from financing state and local ballot initiatives. APT Executive Director Caitlin Sutherland released the following statement after H.R. 3535 passed the House:
“The U.S. House took a monumental step today by passing the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act. This critical piece of legislation demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding American politics from foreign influence by barring foreign nationals from donating to ballot issue campaigns. Over the last decade, over one hundred million in foreign-backed money has been funneled into our system to influence the outcome of ballot measures across the country. It’s troubling that this loophole has existed for so long, and we thank the sponsors and committee leaders who have worked tirelessly on this issue. We have confidence that the full House, and their colleagues in the Senate, will continue to do the important work of ending foreign influence in our politics wherever it exists.”
