Foreign interference in US elections has been a major concern for many years. In recent years, we have seen a rise in the influence of foreign investment in US elections through the use of dark money organizations. These organizations, which are not required to disclose their donors, can funnel foreign money into US elections, potentially tipping the scales in favor of certain candidates.
You might be wondering, how is it legal for foreign sources to fund US elections? Unfortunately, due to a loophole in campaign finance laws, foreign entities are able to contribute to US elections through dark money organizations such as 501(c)(4) groups. These groups are not required to disclose their donors, which means that foreign entities can effectively launder money through them to influence US elections.
The impact of foreign money in US elections can be significant. For example, in 2016, a Russian oligarch with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin contributed $30 million to a group supporting then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. This money was used to purchase ads attacking Trump's opponent, Hillary Clinton, in key battleground states.
Foreign influence is not limited to presidential elections. In fact, foreign money has been used to influence elections and legislation at all levels of government. For example, in 2016, a Chinese businessman with ties to the Chinese government contributed $1.3 million to a group supporting the re-election of a member of Congress. This member subsequently supported legislation favorable to China.
The Democracy For All amendment seeks to address this issue by allowing Congress and the states to regulate and set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections. It would also give Congress and the states the power to distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence elections.
Passing the Democracy For All amendment is critical to protecting our democracy from foreign influence. We cannot allow foreign entities to influence our elections and legislation. By limiting the power of dark money organizations and foreign donors in our political system, we can ensure that our elected officials represent the interests of the American people, rather than the interests of foreign governments and oligarchs.
We must act to protect our democracy from the influence of foreign money in our elections. The Democracy For All amendment is a crucial step towards ensuring that our political system is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.
