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119-hjres-119119th Congress

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.

Sponsored By: Representative McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]

Introduced

Summary

Would impose enforceable limits on money in federal elections. The amendment would cap individual contributions and spending, ban corporate spending in federal contests, require Congress to create public financing covering at least 80% of allowable spending, and let States set reasonable limits for state and local races.

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  • Voters and candidates: Individual donors and candidates would face strict annual caps. No person could spend or give more than $100 to influence any other person's federal election in a year, and no one could spend or donate more than $1,000 in total each year.
  • Corporations and entities: Corporations and other entities created by law would be prohibited from contributing or spending to influence federal elections for Representative, Senator, President, or Vice President.
  • Public financing and enforcement: Congress would have to create a public financing system that covers at least 80% of the amount candidates may spend. The amendment would also require unspent campaign funds be turned over to the Treasury, authorize civil and criminal penalties, and allow citizens to sue to enforce the rules.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Corporations barred from funding federal campaigns

If ratified, corporations and other entities created by law could not spend or give any money to influence elections for Representative, Senator, President, or Vice President. Political parties and candidate campaigns could still spend amounts allowed by law.

Voting protections and citizen enforcement

If ratified, the United States could not abridge the right to vote in elections that have enforceable campaign finance limits. Citizens could bring federal lawsuits to enforce the amendment’s rules. This would let people seek court orders when they believe the limits are being broken.

No congressional pay if law delayed

If ratified, and the required law is not in effect one year after ratification, Senators and Representatives would get no pay or other emoluments from the United States for any time served while that law is not in effect. Pay would resume only after the required law takes effect.

Public funding and spending caps for campaigns

If ratified, Congress would have 60 days to pass a law setting enforceable spending limits for candidates and parties. The law would give public money to all qualifying candidates equal to at least 80% of the allowed spending. For President and Vice President, Congress would decide how to divide funds among the States and the District. Any unspent campaign money after an election would go to the Treasury, with no compensation. The law would include civil and criminal penalties to enforce these rules.

Tight yearly caps on personal giving

If ratified, you could give no more than $100 in a year to influence any other person’s run for Congress or President. You also could not spend or give more than $1,000 total in a year across federal candidates, campaigns, parties, or your own run. Congress could set lower limits or adjust these amounts only for changes in the value of money.

States can set local campaign limits

If ratified, States could make and enforce reasonable rules on raising and spending money in state and local elections. States could use limits and bans like those in the amendment. Rules would vary by State.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]

MA • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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