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S. 1638Senate118th Congress (2023-2025)In Committee

Protecting Ballot Measures from Foreign Influence Act

Sponsored by Marco RubioSen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Introduced May 17, 2023

AI-Generated Summary

Updated January 20, 2026 at 7:43 AM UTC

The Protecting Ballot Measures from Foreign Influence Act amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to bar foreign nationals from giving money to any state or local ballot initiative or referendum. It extends existing prohibitions on foreign contributions in federal elections to these direct‑democracy campaigns, affecting foreign donors, campaign organizers, and election officials who enforce the rules.

Key Provisions

  • Amends Section 319(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act to include state and local ballot initiatives and referenda among activities where foreign nationals cannot make contributions or donations.
  • The prohibition takes effect for any contributions made on or after the law’s enactment date.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action
SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Rules and Administration Committee

May 17, 2023

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

May 17, 2023

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Rules and Administration Committee

May 17, 2023

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued May 17, 2023

II

118th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 1638

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

May 17, 2023

Mr. Rubio (for himself and Mr. Warner) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration

A BILL

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with ballot initiatives and referenda.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Protecting Ballot Measures from Foreign Influence Act.

2.

Prohibition on contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with ballot initiatives and referenda

(a)

In general

Section 319(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30121(a)(1)(A)) is amended by inserting “, or a State or local ballot initiative or ballot referendum” after election.

(b)

Effective date

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to contributions and donations made on or after the date of enactment of this Act.