WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S.J.Res. 78 · 119th Congress

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.

IntroducedGovernment Operations and Politics
IntroducedSep 17, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
Passed HouseNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Introduced. Latest step, Sep 17, 2025: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

What it does

Sourced

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing Congress and the states to (1) regulate and impose reasonable viewpoint-neutral limitations on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections; and (2) regulate and enact public campaign financing systems, including those designed to restrict the influence of private wealth by offsetting the raising and spending of money by candidates and others with increased public funding.

The amendment grants Congress and the states the power to implement and enforce this amendment by legislation. They are allowed to distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence elections.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in Senate, Sep 17, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Sep 17, 2025Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show all 2 recorded actions

Cosponsors

  • Richard Blumenthal D-CT
  • Cory A. Booker D-NJ
  • Mazie K. Hirono D-HI
  • Mark Kelly D-AZ
  • Andy Kim D-NJ
  • Angus S. King, Jr. I-ME
  • Amy Klobuchar D-MN
  • Alex Padilla D-CA
  • Jeanne Shaheen D-NH
  • Elizabeth Warren D-MA
  • Peter Welch D-VT
  • Sheldon Whitehouse D-RI
S.J.Res. 78: 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. · WHAT THE LAW DOIN