Protecting Ballot Measures From Foreign Influence Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]
- Committees
- Committee on House Administration (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 16, 2025
Bottom line
This bill extends the existing federal ban on foreign national contributions in candidate elections to also cover state and local ballot initiatives and referenda, aiming to prevent foreign influence in direct democracy processes.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to explicitly prohibit foreign nationals from making contributions or donations in connection with state or local ballot initiatives and referenda. It expands an existing prohibition that applied to federal, state, and local elections to specifically include direct democracy measures.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is essential to protect the integrity of state and local democratic processes by preventing foreign entities from influencing ballot measures. They contend it closes a critical loophole in current campaign finance law, ensuring that decisions on local issues are made by citizens and not foreign money.
Opponents contend
While direct opposition to preventing foreign influence in elections is uncommon, potential critics might raise concerns about the administrative burden on state and local ballot measure campaigns to verify donor nationality. Some might also argue that the definition of 'foreign national' could be overly broad, potentially impacting organizations with legitimate international ties that wish to express views on local policy outcomes.
The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for public review and evaluation.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition on Foreign National Contributions to Ballot Measures
This provision amends Section 319(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. It explicitly adds 'or a State or local ballot initiative or ballot referendum' to the existing prohibition on contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with 'elections.' This clarifies that foreign nationals are forbidden from contributing to campaigns supporting or opposing state and local ballot questions, aligning these rules with those for candidate elections.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of local democratic processes, ensuring that decisions directly affecting communities are not swayed by foreign money or interests, thereby upholding the principle of self-governance and national sovereignty.
Critics contend
While direct opposition to this specific prohibition is rare, potential critics might argue that the definition of 'foreign national' could be overly broad, inadvertently impacting organizations with legitimate, non-political foreign ties that wish to express views on local issues, or that it could lead to increased compliance burdens for grassroots campaigns.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to protect democratic integrity from foreign influence against potential concerns about the administrative burden on campaigns and the scope of free speech for entities with international connections, particularly those with legitimate interests in local policy outcomes.