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.
The resolution highlights the dangers of corporate money in elections, particularly how it can undermine the principle of free speech for individual citizens and compromise the integrity of the electoral process. HCR34 asserts that the privileges afforded to corporations, such as limited liability and perpetual life, amplify their capacity to influence elections, stifling the voices of individual voters. By calling for constitutional amendments, the resolution seeks to address these inequalities and restore a more balanced electoral landscape.
HCR34 is a concurrent resolution that urges the United States Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. This landmark decision effectively allowed for unlimited corporate spending in elections by classifying political spending as a form of protected speech under the First Amendment. The resolution argues that this interpretation is flawed as it renders corporations equal to natural persons in the electoral context, which the framers of the Constitution did not intend.
Key points of contention in the discussion around HCR34 relate to the extent of corporate influence in politics and the implications of constitutional amendments. Supporters likely argue that reinstating limits on corporate spending is essential for maintaining democratic integrity, while opponents may express concerns regarding the enforcement of such limitations and the broader implications of restricting free speech. Furthermore, the rationale behind treating corporations distinctly from individuals remains a significant debate within both legal and political spheres, with differing opinions on how best to uphold democratic values in the face of corporate power.