118th Congress Government Operations and Politics
H.J.Res. 78: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set limits on Federal campaign contributions and spending, prohibit corporate spending in the political process, require Congress to develop a system of public campaign financing for all Federal candidates who qualify for the ballot, and allow the States to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and spending in State and local elections, and for other purposes.
Introduced
- Introduced (completed)
- Passed House (not reached)
- Passed Senate (not reached)
- To the President (not reached)
- Became law (not reached)
Summary
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment regarding federal campaign contributions and spending.
Specifically, the amendment
- declares that the right of U.S. citizens to vote in elections in which campaign contributions and spending are subject to enforceable limits (as set forth in the amendment) shall not be abridged,
- sets forth limits on federal campaign contributions and spending, and
- prohibits corporations (or other entities created by law) from contributing or spending money for the purpose of influencing federal elections.
Read the full summary
Not later than 60 days after ratification of the amendment, Congress shall enact legislation to
- limit the amounts that candidates, their campaigns for federal office, and political parties may spend on such candidacies;
- provide public funding for all federal candidates who qualify for the ballot;
- require disposition to the Treasury of any unspent campaign funds after each election, without compensation; and
- enforce, with civil and criminal penalties, the limits and prohibitions of the amendment.
States shall have the power to implement and enforce reasonable regulations on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence state or local elections.
Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.
Roll calls
No roll call votes have been held on this bill.
Amendments
No amendments were offered to this bill.
Cosponsors
- Kevin Mullin D-CA
- Chris Deluzio D-PA
Who scored on this bill
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Other bills by James McGovern
History
- Introduced in the House by James McGovern.
Show the full action history (2 actions)
- Introduced in House
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.


