4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jul 13, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The two versions of H.R. 3535 are substantively identical, with v4 reflecting the bill's referral to the Senate and including the name of the House Clerk. No substantive policy changes were made between v3 and v4.

H.R. 3535119th CongressIntroduced May 21, 2025

Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act

Passed HouseGovernment Operations and PoliticsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Committees: Committee on House Administration (primary)
Last action: Jul 14, 2026

Bottom line

The bill aims to prevent foreign influence in state and local direct democracy processes by explicitly banning foreign national contributions to ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections.

What it actually does

This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to explicitly extend the existing prohibition against contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with elections. Specifically, it clarifies that this ban also applies to contributions or donations made in connection with state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections, thereby closing a potential loophole for foreign influence in direct democracy processes.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that foreign influence in any aspect of American elections, including direct democracy measures, undermines the integrity of the democratic process and the sovereignty of the electorate. They contend that ballot initiatives and referenda often deal with critical local and state issues, and foreign money could distort public discourse and outcomes, making this a necessary safeguard to protect local governance from external manipulation.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that existing laws already broadly cover foreign influence, and this bill could be seen as redundant or potentially overreaching, creating unnecessary complications for organizations that might have foreign ties but are not directly involved in electoral campaigns. Some might also raise concerns about the practical enforcement challenges of tracking foreign funds in local ballot measures, particularly for smaller campaigns.

The bill text is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose quickly.

Section 2(a)

Expanding Prohibition on Foreign National Contributions to Ballot Measures

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section amends Section 319(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to explicitly state that the existing ban on contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with elections also applies to state or local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections. This provision ensures that the prohibition against foreign interference extends to these direct democracy processes, preventing foreign entities from influencing local and state policy decisions through financial contributions.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupForeign nationals and entitiesImpactProhibited from contributing to state/local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections.MechanismLegal prohibition under federal law, expanding the scope of existing restrictions.ScaleNational, affecting all state and local direct democracy processes.

GroupState and local election integrityImpactEnhanced protection against foreign influence in direct democracy processes.MechanismFederal statutory amendment clarifying and expanding existing prohibitions.ScaleSystemic improvement in election security.

GroupCampaigns for state and local ballot measuresImpactIncreased responsibility to vet donors for foreign national status.MechanismCompliance with expanded federal campaign finance regulations.ScaleOperational adjustment for campaigns nationwide.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision is a vital update to election law, ensuring that the principle of preventing foreign interference extends to all forms of electoral decision-making, including direct democracy. They believe it protects the integrity of local and state governance from external manipulation by closing a clear loophole.

Critics contend

Some might argue that the existing broad language of federal election law already implicitly covers these scenarios, making this amendment largely symbolic or redundant. Others might express concerns about the administrative burden on state and local campaigns to verify the nationality of all donors, or the potential for overreach into local political activities.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension is between ensuring comprehensive protection against foreign influence in all electoral contexts and avoiding potentially redundant legislation or creating unforeseen compliance burdens for local campaigns and organizations involved in ballot measures.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.