HJRES 122SJRES 78119th CongressIn Committee

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: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] (D-Colorado)

Civil Rights & Justice

Chamber Versions:

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would give Congress and state legislatures explicit authority to regulate campaign finance and establish public financing systems for elections. The amendment is designed to address concerns about the influence of money in politics by allowing lawmakers to impose limits on campaign contributions and spending, including the ability to restrict or prohibit corporate and other artificial entities from spending money to influence elections. This represents a direct response to Supreme Court decisions like *Citizens United v. FEC*, which struck down certain campaign finance restrictions as violations of free speech rights.

Key Points

1Authorizes contribution and spending limits: Grants Congress and states power to impose "reasonable viewpoint-neutral limitations" on money raised and spent to influence elections by candidates and other entities
2Enables public financing systems: Explicitly permits creation of public campaign financing programs, including systems that use public funds to offset or counterbalance private spending in elections
3Allows distinction between people and corporations: Specifically empowers lawmakers to treat natural persons differently from corporations and other artificial entities, including potentially prohibiting corporate election spending entirely
4Protects press freedom: Contains explicit language ensuring the amendment cannot be used to restrict freedom of the press
5Seven-year ratification deadline: Requires approval by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years of congressional passage to become part of the Constitution

Impact Areas

Political campaigns and candidates: Would face new potential regulations on fundraising and spending activities, though specific rules would depend on subsequent legislationCorporations and unions: Could be subject to restrictions or outright prohibitions on political spending that are currently unconstitutional under existing Supreme Court precedentState and federal legislators: Would gain new constitutional authority to enact campaign finance reforms previously blocked by courts as First Amendment violationsVoters and democratic process: Intended to reduce the influence of wealthy donors and special interests in elections, potentially changing the balance of political power

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