US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HJR13

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the authority of Congress and the States to regulate contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections and to enact public financing systems for political campaigns.

Impact

If ratified, this amendment would represent a significant shift in the current landscape of campaign finance law. It would allow for the implementation of public financing systems for political campaigns, aimed at reducing the influence of private wealth in electoral choices. By providing increased public funding to offset campaign spending, the resolution seeks to democratize access to political funding and ensure that candidates can compete without disproportionately favoring those with greater financial resources. The amendment emphasizes viewpoint neutrality in the regulation of campaign contributions, which implies a focus on fairness in how funds are aggregated and spent.

Summary

HJR13 proposes a constitutional amendment that grants Congress and the States the authority to regulate contributions and expenditures intended to influence elections. The resolution outlines several key provisions aimed at creating a framework for establishing limitations on campaign finance, particularly focusing on the regulation of money spent by candidates and others during elections. This aims to uphold the integrity of electoral processes and ensure fairness in campaign funding, effectively giving governments at both levels the power to legislate on these matters.

Contention

Notably, one point of contention surrounding HJR13 revolves around the tension between free speech rights and the regulation of money in politics. Critics may argue that regulating financial contributions to political campaigns could infringe upon First Amendment rights, particularly when it relates to the free flow of ideas and political speech. Furthermore, the distinction made between natural persons and corporations may also evoke debate regarding the rights of artificial entities to engage in political discourse through financial means. This proposed amendment is likely to ignite discussions about the extent of government authority in regulating campaign finance and the implications for both election integrity and representative democracy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HJR122

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the authority of Congress and the States to regulate contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections and to enact public financing systems for political campaigns.

US SJR78

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the authority of Congress and the States to regulate contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections and to enact public financing systems for political campaigns.

US HJR121

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

US SJR43

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

US HJR119

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set limits on Federal campaign contributions and spending, prohibit corporate spending in the political process, require Congress to develop a system of public campaign financing for all Federal candidates who qualify for the ballot, and allow the States to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and spending in State and local elections, and for other purposes.

US HJR191

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that Congress and the States shall have certain authority to regulate and limit contributions and spending in campaigns for elections for public office, elections for public office, and ballot initiatives and referendums.

US HR1861

United States Congress; call a convention under Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments to limit the influence of money in political elections and on government officials

US HJR13

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting the pardon power of the President.

US HCR79

Urging Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.

US SCR28

Urging Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.