Maine Highlands News

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) on July 10 introduced the Keeping Foreign Money out of Ballot Measures Act to prohibit foreign nationals from making political contributions related to state ballot measures and initiatives. 

“It doesn’t matter if the vote is on a state-wide ballot initiative or local referendums, foreign donors shouldn’t have a say in how Maine runs,” said Congressman Golden. “This bipartisan bill would ensure that elections in communities across the state are decided by Mainers, not money from foreigners.”

“The outcomes of our elections must be decided exclusively by American citizens. As National Director of the FBI’s Campaign Finance and Election Crimes Enforcement Program, I worked to protect American elections from foreign interference, and I remain committed to that fight in Congress,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Foreign contributions in elections pose a threat to our democratic process, and I am grateful to Chairman Steil and Congressman Golden for their partnership on this bipartisan legislation that will ensure that American voices are heard, not drowned out, at the ballot box.”  

The Keeping Foreign Money out of Ballot Measures Act would designate donations by foreign nationals, directly or indirectly to state or local ballot initiatives or referendums, as illegal under the Federal Election Campaign Act. The bipartisan bill follows previous legislation introduced by Congressman Golden and Congressman Fitzpatrick to prevent foreign money from interfering in American elections.

Read the text of the legislation here.

Original source can be found here