A joint resolution 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.

# Summary of SJRES 78 **What It Would Do** This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would give Congress and state governments the power to set limits on money spent in political campaigns and to create public financing systems for elections. Currently, the U.S. Supreme Court has restricted such regulations based on free speech protections in the First Amendment. This amendment would essentially override those court decisions by explicitly authorizing campaign finance regulation at both the federal and state levels. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The amendment would potentially affect political candidates, donors, political action committees (PACs), and anyone involved in campaign spending. If ratified, it would allow lawmakers to cap campaign contributions and spending, and to establish systems where taxpayer money funds political campaigns.

The proposal requires approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate, followed by ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures to become part of the Constitution. **Current Status** As of now, SJRES 78 is in committee and has not advanced to a full floor vote. The bill was introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the 119th Congress. Constitutional amendments rarely pass due to the high threshold required for approval, making this proposal's path forward uncertain.