U.S. House approves bill to bar foreign funding of state and local elections

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act, sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R‑PA). The legislation would restrict contributions to state and local political races and ballot proposals to U.S. citizens, aiming to prevent foreign nationals from influencing elections and referenda. Supporters such as Rep. Brian Steil (R‑WI) argued that existing federal law already bans foreign money in federal contests and that the bill extends this “commonsense” prohibition to sub‑national contests.

The bill arises amid concerns over recent foreign billionaire donations channeled through dark‑money groups like the Sixteen Thirty Fund, which have supported progressive ballot initiatives on abortion access and voter registration in states including Ohio, Arizona and Nevada. Lawmakers are also debating the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration, photo ID for federal ballots, and removal of non‑citizens from voter rolls. Democrats have labeled these measures voter‑suppression efforts, while Republicans contend they are needed for election security.