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.
Impact
This amendment would encourage a more equitable playing field in federal elections by enforcing enforceable limits on expenditures and contributions. It mandates that Congress must develop a public campaign financing system for all qualifying federal candidates, thereby supporting candidates who may be at a disadvantage due to their financial capacity. The bill reflects a growing demand for reform in political financing to protect the integrity of the electoral process and to enhance democratic engagement among citizens.
Summary
HJR78 proposes a significant amendment to the Constitution of the United States aimed at reforming the landscape of federal campaign contributions and expenditures. The bill sets strict limits on the amount individuals can contribute towards federal elections, outlining that individuals cannot exceed $100 for influencing another person's election, and an aggregated total contribution limit of $1,000 plays a central role in its framework. Additionally, it seeks to prohibit corporate entities from spending in the political process, fundamentally altering how campaign financing is approached at both state and federal levels.
Contention
While HJR78 aims to advance democratic self-governance and political equality, it also introduces points of contention regarding regulation at state and local levels. By allowing states to implement reasonable regulations on campaign contributions and spending, proponents of state-level autonomy may see this as a necessary tool to promote localized political engagement. However, critics might view this measure as an invitation for inconsistencies in how campaign finance is handled across different states, potentially leading to disparities in electoral competition and representation.
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the authority of Congress and the States to regulate contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections and to enact public financing systems for political campaigns.
Urging Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.
Urging Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.
Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the U.S. Constitution addressing campaign fundraising and spending limits.