Resolutions for an application to Congress for an amendment overturning Citizens United
Impact
The passage of this resolution would not directly amend state law; however, it serves as a formal request for changes at the federal level that could significantly influence political campaign financing. Should Congress enact such an amendment, it would create new restrictions on campaign contributions and expenditures, potentially equalizing the electoral landscape for candidates and reducing the overwhelming financial impact that special interests have on elections. It aims to empower voters by reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process.
Summary
House Bill 3768, presented by Representative Carmine Lawrence Gentile, seeks to memorialize Congress to propose a constitutional amendment aimed at overturning the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC. The bill identifies that the Citizens United decision has allowed corporations and entities to exert disproportionate influence over the political process by permitting them to spend unlimited amounts of money in elections. This bill advocates for a restoration of the First Amendment's true intent regarding electoral fairness and the political equality of individual citizens.
Contention
The bill’s introduction reflects ongoing debates about campaign finance reform and the role of money in politics. Supporters argue that the restoration of fair elections is essential to democratic integrity, while opponents may contend that limiting corporate spending could infringe upon free speech rights. This reflects a deeper ideological divide regarding how best to ensure equitable political representation and the financial underpinnings of electoral success.
Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the U.S. Constitution overturning the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the U.S. Constitution overturning the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
Citizens United; a resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEC; requesting that Congress clarify that the rights protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment; asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such clarification.
A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court Citizens United v. FEC; requesting that Congress clarify that the rights are protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment; asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such a clarification
A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court Citizens United v. FEC; requesting that Congress clarify that the rights are protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment; asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such a clarification
A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEC, requesting that Congress clarify that the rights protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment, and asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such clarification.