Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SJR78

Introduced
9/17/25  

Caption

A joint resolution 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.

Impact

If ratified, SJR78 could significantly alter existing state laws regarding campaign finance by providing a constitutional basis for imposing regulations on how campaign funds are raised and spent. This amendment would empower states to create their own public financing systems while simultaneously restricting certain corporate contributions. This change aims to protect the integrity of elections by reducing the sway of affluent donors and special interest groups, ensuring that political campaigns remain transparent and accessible.

Summary

SJR78 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that seeks to grant both Congress and the states the authority to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures aimed at influencing elections. It aims to impose reasonable, viewpoint-neutral limitations on the financial aspects of political campaigns, thus changing how financing for such elections is managed at both federal and state levels. The resolution emphasizes the need for a system that could mitigate the impact of private wealth on political processes, advocating for increased public funding of campaigns to create a more even playing field for candidates.

Contention

However, SJR78 is likely to ignite debate over the implications of such regulations on free speech, particularly regarding the spending rights of corporations and organizations in elections. Critics may argue that imposing limitations on campaign financing infringes upon the First Amendment rights of these entities. The bill's supporters, on the other hand, would stress the importance of preventing corruption and promoting fairness in the electoral process. The potential for legal challenges over the interpretation and enforcement of the new regulations could also arise, further complicating the landscape of electoral financing.

Companion Bills

US HJR122

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

US HJR13

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.

US SJR45

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

US HJR78

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.

US HJR229

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States related to the public debt.

US SJR121

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States.

US SJR77

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to vote.

US SJR3

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify the authority of Congress and the States to regulate corporations, limited liability companies, and other corporate entities established by the laws of any State, the United States, or any foreign state.

US SJR108

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to reaffirm the principle that no person is above the law

US SJR2

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

US SJR34

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.