Senate Proposes Bill to Curb Foreign Influence in U.S. Elections
In Washington, Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) along with seven other Republican senators has put forth legislation designed to stop foreign donors from impacting U.S. elections through financial means.
While it’s against the law for non-citizens to contribute to political campaigns at any level, there have been instances where they manage to fund intermediary organizations that promote specific policy agendas or even initiatives like voting campaigns.
The proposed Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections Act seeks to close these loopholes.
“After years filled with tension over foreign interference, particularly related to Russiagate, it’s come to light that the Democratic Party has recently accepted a significant amount of campaign contributions from a foreign billionaire,” Hagerty explained in a statement.
“This sort of influence threatens our democracy and self-determination in the U.S., and the sheer scale of it is concerning,” he continued. “This bill aims to bring an end to hidden foreign influence in our elections and to safeguard Americans’ right to choose their leaders.”
It seems Hagerty is pointing fingers at Hansjorg Wyss, a Swiss billionaire who has become prominent on the political left. The Berger Action Fund, tied to the Wyss Foundation, has channeled millions to the influential liberal group known as the Sixteen Thirty Fund, which some call Families Over Billionaires.
This particular organization utilized various strategies like paid media, rapid responses, and grassroots efforts to build opposition against parts of President Trump’s policies, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The Berger Action Fund has reportedly committed upwards of $280 million to this effort, as detailed in records related to the Sixteen Thirty Fund.
Recently, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced a lawsuit against Wyss along with six of the groups affiliated with him for their financial contributions to committees backing voter initiatives.
The bill introduced by Hagerty last year restricts foreign nationals from donating to voting efforts, whether they’re local, state, or concerning ballot collection and public communications to uplift any political party.
If the Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections Act passes, foreign nationals would be barred from contributing to U.S. election-related initiatives.
The legislation also aims to implement safeguards preventing federal investigations from becoming excessively broad or intrusive, allowing for petitions to dismiss subpoenas on grounds of bias.
Hagerty’s initiative is backed by other prominent Republican senators, including Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).
President Kennedy commented, stating, “Clearly, only Americans should have a voice in American elections. The Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections Act will defend our electoral framework against links to the Chinese Communist Party and foreign billionaires that may undermine our democratic processes.”
Additionally, House Administration Committee Chairman Brian Steil (R-Wis.) intends to introduce a similar bill in the House, although a timeline for this has not yet been established.
“Foreign influence has no place in U.S. elections,” Steil affirmed. “By closing the door on foreign contributions to election campaigns, we take a crucial step in preserving our democratic integrity.”
