Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act

The bill would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make explicit that the existing prohibition on contributions and donations by foreign nationals applies not only to candidate elections but also to state and local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections. It does this through a single targeted amendment inserting clarifying language into Section 319(a)(1)(A) of that act.

The bill would not create an entirely new enforcement regime — it would rely on the existing FECA enforcement framework administered by the Federal Election Commission. It applies only to contributions and donations made on or after the date of enactment, and does not change the underlying penalties or investigative authorities already in current law.

Foreign nationals — including foreign citizens, nationals, and entities — who might otherwise contribute to campaigns supporting or opposing state and local ballot measures or recall elections. Campaign committees, political action committees, and advocacy groups organized around ballot initiatives would also be affected, as they would be on clear statutory notice that foreign funds are prohibited.

If enacted, organizers of ballot initiative and recall campaigns would face unambiguous federal law barring foreign money, giving the Federal Election Commission clearer authority to investigate and penalize foreign-national contributions in those races. States and localities that rely on ballot measures for major policy changes — such as minimum wage, drug policy, or tax measures — would gain added protection against foreign influence.

The amendment is largely self-executing: it adds clarifying language to existing FECA text, and enforcement would proceed under the Federal Election Commission's existing investigative and enforcement powers. No new rulemaking is required, though the FEC may issue guidance. Covered campaigns would need to screen donors consistent with the broadened statutory text beginning on the date of enactment.