Bills · SJRES 78
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate Joint Res.SJRES 78Government Operations and Politics
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.
INTRO SEP 17· LAST ACTION SEP 17
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
12
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly challenges the current legal framework for campaign finance in the U.S., which largely interprets money in politics as a form of free speech. If this amendment were to be passed by Congress and then ratified by the states, it would significantly increase the power of federal and state governments to regulate campaign spending and establish public financing options. This could fundamentally alter how elections are funded, potentially shifting candidates' reliance from wealthy donors to smaller individual contributions or public funds.
The real-world impact could mean a more level playing field for candidates, potentially allowing more diverse individuals to successfully run for office without needing vast personal fortunes or access to large private donors. Without this amendment, the current system, where broad restrictions on campaign spending are often deemed unconstitutional, would largely remain in place, continuing the debate about the role of money in politics.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allows Congress and states to set reasonable, viewpoint-neutral limits on money raised and spent to influence elections.
This provision would overturn prior court interpretations that limit the government's ability to regulate money in politics as free speech, allowing for more restrictions.
PROVISION 02
Enables Congress and states to create public financing systems for campaigns, which can reduce the impact of private money.
This opens the door for alternative campaign funding models that can lessen reliance on wealthy donors and increase the role of public funds.
PROVISION 03
Permits Congress and states to treat individuals and organizations (like corporations) differently in campaign finance, potentially prohibiting organizations from spending money in elections.
This provision directly addresses concerns about corporate and special interest spending by allowing direct restrictions on these entities.
PROVISION 04
Clarifies that this amendment does not grant power to restrict the freedom of the press.
This ensures that legitimate journalism and news reporting are explicitly protected and not subject to campaign finance regulations under this amendment.
PROVISION 05
Requires ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years after its submission to become part of the Constitution.
This sets a clear timeframe and threshold for the amendment to be adopted into the U.S. Constitution.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 12
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
25
BILLS LED
97
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 11 REP 0 IND 1
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 17
Introduced in Senate
SEP 17
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Joint Resolution
NumberSJRES 78
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 17, 2025
Last actionSep 17, 2025
READER REACTIONS
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 17, 2025
Senate Joint Res.SJRES 78Government Operations and Politics
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.
INTRODUCED SEP 17, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 17, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
12
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
