US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SJR78

Introduced
9/17/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

If ratified, SJR78 could significantly alter existing state laws regarding campaign finance by providing a constitutional basis for imposing regulations on how campaign funds are raised and spent. This amendment would empower states to create their own public financing systems while simultaneously restricting certain corporate contributions. This change aims to protect the integrity of elections by reducing the sway of affluent donors and special interest groups, ensuring that political campaigns remain transparent and accessible.

Summary

SJR78 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that seeks to grant both Congress and the states the authority to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures aimed at influencing elections. It aims to impose reasonable, viewpoint-neutral limitations on the financial aspects of political campaigns, thus changing how financing for such elections is managed at both federal and state levels. The resolution emphasizes the need for a system that could mitigate the impact of private wealth on political processes, advocating for increased public funding of campaigns to create a more even playing field for candidates.

Contention

However, SJR78 is likely to ignite debate over the implications of such regulations on free speech, particularly regarding the spending rights of corporations and organizations in elections. Critics may argue that imposing limitations on campaign financing infringes upon the First Amendment rights of these entities. The bill's supporters, on the other hand, would stress the importance of preventing corruption and promoting fairness in the electoral process. The potential for legal challenges over the interpretation and enforcement of the new regulations could also arise, further complicating the landscape of electoral financing.

Companion Bills

US HJR122

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

US HJR122

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.

US SJR43

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

US HJR121

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

US HJR119

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set limits on Federal campaign contributions and spending, prohibit corporate spending in the political process, require Congress to develop a system of public campaign financing for all Federal candidates who qualify for the ballot, and allow the States to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and spending in State and local elections, and for other purposes.

US SJR58

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

US S2463

Resolutions for a United States Constitutional Amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

US SJR1

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

US HR1861

United States Congress; call a convention under Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments to limit the influence of money in political elections and on government officials

US H3842

Resolutions for a United States constitutional amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

US SJR48

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms an individual may serve as a Member of Congress.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.