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.

# HJ RES 122 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would give Congress and individual states the power to regulate money spent on elections and to set up public financing systems for political campaigns. Currently, the Supreme Court's 2010 *Citizens United* decision limits such regulations, ruling that restricting campaign spending is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment. If passed by Congress and ratified by the states, this amendment would overturn that restriction and allow lawmakers to impose campaign spending limits. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The amendment would primarily affect political campaigns, donors, and candidates at federal and state levels. It would empower legislatures to control contributions to candidates and independent spending meant to influence elections.

It would also allow states and Congress to create public financing systems where taxpayer money could fund campaigns, potentially reducing politicians' reliance on large private donations. This could affect anyone who donates to campaigns or runs for office. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colorado) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House or Senate. Constitutional amendments require approval from two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures to become part of the Constitution, making passage a lengthy and difficult process.