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Bill

SJM 8002

Calling on Congress to exercise its authority under Article V of the United States Constitution to regulate money spent on elections.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Hasegawa and 4 co-sponsors

Washington urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment restricting campaign spending to regulate money's influence in elections.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SJM 8002

Legislative bill overview

SJM 8002 is a memorial resolution that urges the U.S. Congress to invoke Article V of the Constitution to propose a constitutional amendment limiting campaign spending. The bill does not create state law but instead calls on the federal government to take action on campaign finance regulation at the constitutional level.

Why is this important

Campaign finance regulation directly affects electoral competition, candidate viability, and political access. A constitutional amendment on this issue would represent a fundamental shift in how elections operate nationwide, potentially overturning or modifying precedents like Citizens United v. FEC. This reflects ongoing national debate about money's role in politics and whether current spending levels distort democratic representation.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional amendment bar: Article V amendments require extraordinary consensus (two-thirds of both chambers of Congress, or two-thirds of state legislatures calling a convention, plus three-fourths ratification). This sets an extremely high threshold that many view as unrealistic for campaign finance reform.
  • Citizens United precedent: Current Supreme Court jurisprudence treats political spending as protected speech. An amendment would be necessary to override this, making the constitutional route the only viable path—which some see as legitimately pursuing change while others view as circumventing the judicial system.
  • Defining "regulation" ambiguity: The resolution doesn't specify what form regulation should take (spending caps, disclosure requirements, public financing, etc.), leaving Congress wide latitude in interpretation if such an amendment were proposed.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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