H.R. 5114: No Foreign Fundraising at United States Embassies Act

This bill, titled the No Foreign Fundraising at United States Embassies Act, aims to establish strict guidelines regarding the use of U.S. embassies and consulates in relation to fundraising for foreign political parties or candidates. The key points of the bill include the following:

Prohibition on Fundraising Events

• The bill prohibits any federal funds, as well as personal funds from U.S. ambassadors or officials, from being used to host fundraising events for foreign political parties or candidates at U.S. embassies or consulates.
• It defines fundraising events as activities intended to raise money for foreign political entities, including facilitating contact between donors and such entities.

Policy Statement

The policy expressed in the bill emphasizes maintaining political neutrality in the electoral processes of foreign countries. The use of U.S. diplomatic resources should not provide any financial or electoral advantage to foreign political entities.

Restrictions on Expenses and Events

• The bill amends existing laws to ensure that the Secretary of State cannot authorize receptions or activities at diplomatic posts specifically aimed at fundraising for foreign political parties or candidates.
• It further restricts expenditures that could be used in ways that would support or promote the financial interests of specific foreign political parties or candidates over others in the context of a democratic process.

Review and Certification Process

The Secretary of State is required to revise existing regulations regarding U.S. embassies and consulates to align with the new prohibitions outlined in the bill. They must certify to Congress that these revisions have been completed within 90 days of the bill's enactment.

Congressional Findings

The bill includes findings that emphasize the U.S. Department of State's mission to promote democratic values and the rule of law without favoring specific political parties, both domestically and abroad. The legislation is positioned against the backdrop of a longstanding practice of U.S. neutrality in foreign elections.

Implications

The intention of the bill is to uphold the integrity of U.S. diplomatic efforts by preventing the conflation of U.S. governmental activities with foreign political fundraising, ensuring that all foreign political parties and candidates are treated equally.

Relevant Companies

None found