Contact Congress about H.R. 8988: Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act
Some U.S. companies with foreign ownership or foreign influence could no longer spend money in U.S. elections. Companies that do spend would have to file sworn statements, and political groups would have to track that money carefully.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act is a House bill in Congress.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects businesses that spend money in elections and have foreign investors or foreign decision-makers. It also affects political committees that receive company money, including super PACs and corporate political action committees. State and local campaigns and ballot measure campaigns could also feel the change if they rely on money from companies with foreign ownership or influence.
Why this matters: This bill matters because companies with foreign investors can currently play a role in U.S. election spending, and this bill would limit that role in more cases. It could reduce foreign influence in campaign money, especially through businesses, super PACs, and ballot measure campaigns. It could also make election spending more complicated for companies and political groups that must verify ownership, file sworn statements, and separate funds. The exact impact is uncertain because it depends on how many companies meet the bill’s ownership or influence tests.
Key provisions in H.R. 8988
- The bill would expand the foreign money ban to some for-profit businesses. It covers companies that are 50% or more foreign owned or foreign controlled.
- Some U.S. companies could be covered even with smaller foreign ownership. The trigger can be 1% from one foreign national or 5% total from several foreign nationals, if other conditions apply.
- A company could count as foreign-influenced even without high foreign ownership. That happens if foreign nationals can direct its U.S. interests or election-related decisions.
- A company leader would have to sign a sworn statement after covered election spending. The chief executive officer or top official must file it within 7 days and certify, under penalty of perjury, that the company is not a foreign national.
- Businesses would have to share their certifications with political committees they fund. They would also have to give copies to other recipients of covered spending when asked.
How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 8988
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about H.R. 8988
- What is H.R. 8988?
- Some U.S. companies with foreign ownership or foreign influence could no longer spend money in U.S. elections. Companies that do spend would have to file sworn statements, and political groups would have to track that money carefully.
- How do I support or oppose H.R. 8988?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about H.R. 8988?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain H.R. 8988 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
