Rep. Scanlon Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Limit Campaign Spending and Corporate Influence
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being introduced in the House. It has been sent to the House Committee on the Judiciary for review. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Passage Likelihood
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This proposed constitutional amendment would give Congress and state governments the power to regulate and set limits on money raised and spent to influence elections, aiming to promote political equality and protect the integrity of government.
From policy text
“Congress and the States may regulate and set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections.”
View in full text - The amendment would allow lawmakers to treat corporations and other artificial entities differently from real people when it comes to election spending. This could include outright bans on corporate spending to influence elections, directly targeting the effects of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision.
From policy text
“Congress and the States shall have power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation, and may distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence elections.”
View in full text - The proposal includes a safeguard for press freedom, making clear that neither Congress nor the states could use this amendment to restrict news organizations from covering elections and political issues.
From policy text
“Nothing in this article shall be construed to grant Congress or the States the power to abridge the freedom of the press.”
View in full text - Becoming part of the Constitution is extremely difficult. The amendment must pass both the House and Senate with a two-thirds supermajority, then be ratified by three-fourths (38) of state legislatures. As a joint resolution introduced in committee with only Democratic sponsors, its chances of advancing are very low in the current Congress.
From policy text
“Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States”
View in full text
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Related News
3 articlesBipartisan former officials, billionaires defend restrictions on money in politics in Maine lawsuit
The article discusses a legal battle over Maine's campaign finance laws, noting that supporters of the 'Democracy for All Amendment' are pushing for a constitutional change to allow Congress and states to regulate campaign spending and overturn the Citizens United decision.
Rep. Nikki Budzinski announces anti-corruption agenda
Rep. Budzinski highlighted the 'Citizens Over Corporations Amendment' as a key part of her agenda. The amendment aims to overturn the Citizens United decision, restrict corporate spending, and restore power to everyday voters by allowing legislative limits on election expenditures.
Schiff, Lee, and Neguse Lead Push for 'Citizens Over Corporations' Amendment
Lawmakers introduced a constitutional amendment on Constitution Day to rein in corporate influence. The proposal would allow for public financing of campaigns and enable lawmakers to set viewpoint-neutral limits on election spending by artificial entities.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(42)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.