OKC Standard

A House bill introduced Wednesday aims to modernize legislation barring foreign money from influencing U.S. elections, addressing loopholes that have been exploited by foreign billionaires, according to its authors.

The “Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act,” introduced by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) and first obtained by The Daily Wire, seeks to amend a 1971 law to “further restrict contributions of foreign nationals.” The proposed law would prohibit foreign nationals not only from making direct contributions to candidates and political groups but also from donating to groups involved in ballot collection, voter registration, or get-out-the-vote efforts. Steil highlighted that these loopholes have enabled foreign billionaires to fund indirect election activities.

“American elections must be free from foreign influence. By closing loopholes that allow foreign nationals from funding election operations, we are one step closer in preventing foreign involvement in American elections,” Steil told The Daily Wire. “I’m committed to stopping foreign influence in U.S. elections and protecting U.S. donor privacy.”

Experts indicate that current statutes are insufficient for the complexities of modern political finance. Caitlin Sutherland, executive director of Americans for Public Trust—a group focused on curbing foreign influence in elections—praised the legislation.

“For too long, loopholes in our laws have allowed Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into organizations directly and indirectly influencing politics and elections,” Sutherland told The Daily Wire. “There’s nothing stopping foreign adversaries from China, North Korea, or Russia from doing the same. This commonsense legislation will help safeguard our politics from foreign meddling.”

If enacted, the new legislation would prevent foreign nationals from donating funds for “any public communication that refers to a clearly identified Federal, State, or local political party” or “the administration of a Federal, State, or local election.” It also refines existing laws by creating penalties for “indirect contributions” made through American citizens with the intent of supporting prohibited activities.

Sutherland’s group found that Wyss-funded nonprofits such as the Wyss Foundation and the Berger Fund have spent $475 million influencing U.S. politics; $265 million went through Arabella Advisors—a dark money network backing liberal causes nationwide.

Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), a co-sponsor of the bill, also pointed out Wyss when discussing the impact of foreign billionaires on American politics.

“Individuals like Hansjörg Wyss should not be allowed to use loopholes to bankroll liberal groups such as the 1630 Fund or Arabella Advisors,” Bice asserted. “We must ensure that foreign individuals or even foreign adversaries are not corrupting our political processes with money or influence.”