Senate Republicans are introducing a bill to prevent foreign nationals from improperly influencing American elections in response to a report revealing how a Swiss billionaire allegedly funneled millions into a liberal dark money network that funded ballot campaigns across the U.S. The Prevent Foreign Interference in American Elections Act, introduced by Tennessee GOP Sen. Bill Hagerty, aims to further restrict contributions from foreign nationals under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
The report from Americans for Public Trust detailed how Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss sent over $243 million to the Sixteen Thirty Fund, which then invested nearly $100 million in ballot campaigns in 25 states over the past decade. These campaigns included initiatives supporting progressive causes such as abortion access, drug penalty reduction, and minimum wage increases.
Wyss, often referred to as the 'new George Soros', allegedly donated over $135 million between 2016 and 2020 to various political entities supporting Democratic causes, including Super PACs that backed Joe Biden in the 2020 election. The Honest Elections Project highlighted Wyss's significant financial contributions to left-wing causes aimed at influencing American politics.
Hagerty's bill seeks to clarify and strengthen existing bans on foreign nationals making indirect contributions to U.S. political entities, particularly through intermediaries or instructions. The legislation would prohibit foreign funding of ballot harvesting, get-out-the-vote efforts, election administration, and spending on ballot measures.
The report concluded that while federal law prohibits foreign nationals from donating to political candidates and committees, there is a gap regarding contributions to ballot committees. The bill aims to address this gap to prevent foreign influence on U.S. elections, citing concerns about potential interference from countries like China, Russia, and North Korea.
In response to the report and the need for safeguards against foreign influence, Hagerty emphasized the importance of protecting American democracy and ensuring that elections are free from covert foreign interference. The bill has garnered support for its efforts to close loopholes that could allow foreign nationals and adversaries to impact American politics.
