Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set limits on Federal campaign contributions and spending, prohibit corporate spending in the political process, require Congress to develop a system of public campaign financing for all Federal candidates who qualify for the ballot, and allow the States to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and spending in State and local elections, and for other purposes.

# Summary of HJRES 119 **What the Bill Would Do** This proposed constitutional amendment would fundamentally change how federal elections are funded and regulated. It would allow Congress to set limits on how much money individuals and groups can contribute to political campaigns and how much candidates can spend. Notably, it would prohibit corporations from spending money on politics. The bill would also require Congress to create a public financing system—essentially using taxpayer funds to support qualified federal candidates who choose to participate.

States would gain the authority to set their own limits on campaign contributions and spending for state and local elections. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This amendment would affect politicians seeking federal office, donors and corporations, taxpayers (who would fund public campaign financing), and voters. Because it's a proposed constitutional amendment, it requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate to pass Congress, then ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures to become law. Currently, the bill (HJRES 119) is in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Representative James McGovern (D-MA), and it remains in the early stages of the legislative process.