Lower Bucks Today

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Congressman Jared Golden of Maine have introduced a bipartisan bill called the Block Foreign-Funded Political Ads Act. This bill aims to prevent foreign nationals from purchasing political advertisements on broadcast and cable television, as well as online platforms. The legislation is a continuation of previous bipartisan efforts by the two congressmen to counter foreign influence in the U.S. electoral system.

The Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act, which prohibits campaign donations by foreign nationals for state and local ballot initiatives or referenda, was unanimously passed by the House Committee on Administration in November 2023. The new bill introduced by Fitzpatrick and Golden seeks to further strengthen the safeguards against foreign interference in American elections.

Congressman Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of preventing foreign adversaries from influencing elections through funding political advertisements. He stated, "Our nation's foreign adversaries cannot be permitted to influence our elections, especially by funding political advertisements related to any candidate, issue, ballot initiative, or referendum." Fitzpatrick expressed his pride in leading this effort alongside Congressman Golden and thanked him for their continued partnership in ensuring that American elections are decided freely and fairly by the American people.

Congressman Golden echoed Fitzpatrick's concerns about foreign actors influencing the American political process. He emphasized the need to keep foreign propaganda from being amplified and to prevent the stoking of divisions within the country. Golden believes that working with platforms to keep foreign actors out of political advertising will make American democracy more resilient and strengthen the voices of American citizens in elections.

The introduction of the Block Foreign-Funded Political Ads Act is a significant step towards safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. electoral system. By prohibiting foreign nationals from purchasing political ads on various platforms, this bipartisan bill aims to prevent undue foreign influence and ensure that American elections remain a fair and democratic process.

Read the text of the bill HERE.