Bill would extend foreign donor ban to ballot measures and recalls
Passed one chamberH.R. 3535Latest action
Sponsor: Brian K. Fitzpatrick · Representative · PA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 3535 would ban foreign nationals from funding ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections in the U.S.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill extends the existing federal ban on foreign campaign donations to also cover state and local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections. Currently, the ban only applies to candidate elections at the federal, state, or local level. The change would take effect for donations made after the bill becomes law, without applying retroactively.
Who does it affect?
Foreign individuals, companies, and governments would be barred from donating to ballot measure or recall campaigns. Political organizations, advocacy groups, and campaign committees that raise money for these measures, along with state and local election officials and campaign finance regulators, would be affected.
Why does it matter?
Political organizations and campaign committees would need to verify their contributions do not come from foreign sources, and election officials would be responsible for enforcing the expanded rule.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 21, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Jul 14, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.