SJRES 78119th CongressIn Committee

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.

Introduced: Sep 17, 2025

Sponsor: Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA] (D-California)

Civil Rights & Justice

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would give Congress and state governments explicit authority to regulate campaign finance, including limiting money in elections and establishing public financing systems. The amendment is designed to address concerns about the influence of money in politics by overturning or modifying Supreme Court decisions like *Citizens United*, which currently restrict government regulation of political spending as protected free speech. If ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years, this amendment would fundamentally alter how political campaigns can be funded and regulated in the United States.

Key Points

1Authorizes spending limits: Grants Congress and states power to impose "reasonable viewpoint-neutral limitations" on money raised and spent by candidates and others to influence elections
2Enables public financing systems: Allows governments to create public campaign financing programs, including systems that offset private spending with increased public funding
3Permits corporate spending restrictions: Specifically authorizes distinguishing between natural persons and corporations, including the ability to prohibit corporations and artificial entities from spending money to influence elections
4Protects press freedom: Explicitly states that nothing in the amendment can be used to restrict freedom of the press
5Seven-year ratification deadline: The amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years of congressional approval to become part of the Constitution

Impact Areas

Political campaigns and candidates: Would face new potential regulations on fundraising and spending activitiesCorporations and special interest groups: Could be prohibited from making independent expenditures in electionsVoters and democratic process: Intended to reduce the influence of wealthy donors and increase electoral competitivenessState and federal legislatures: Would gain new regulatory powers over election financing previously limited by First Amendment interpretationsNews media organizations: Explicitly protected from any restrictions under this amendment

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