PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 22, 2023
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment regarding federal campaign contributions and spending.
Specifically, the amendment
declares that the right of U.S. citizens to vote in elections in which campaign contributions and spending are subject to enforceable limits (as set forth in the amendment) shall not be abridged,
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
sets forth limits on federal campaign contributions and spending, and
prohibits corporations (or other entities created by law) from contributing or spending money for the purpose of influencing federal elections.
Not later than 60 days after ratification of the amendment, Congress shall enact legislation to
limit the amounts that candidates, their campaigns for federal office, and political parties may spend on such candidacies;
provide public funding for all federal candidates who qualify for the ballot;
require disposition to the Treasury of any unspent campaign funds after each election, without compensation; and
enforce, with civil and criminal penalties, the limits and prohibitions of the amendment.
States shall have the power to implement and enforce reasonable regulations on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence state or local elections.
People & committees
Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] · D–MA
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Oct 5, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.J.Res.78 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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