Home California Rep. McNerney Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Eliminate PACs and Dark Money

Rep. McNerney Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Eliminate PACs and Dark Money

by ECT
Congressman Jerry McNerney

Washington, DC – As the 2020 election cycle begins, with money flooding into candidates on both sides of the aisle, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) has introduced a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would drastically change the way political campaigns are financed. H.J. Res 73 would restrict campaign contributions and eliminate Political Action Committees (PACs) and dark money that strongly influence the outcome of our elections. Funding for a candidate or ballot measure would be limited to the use of a public financing system or donations given directly to the campaign by individual citizens.

“Our campaign finance system is broken, and it’s weakening the core of our government,” said Congressman McNerney. “Americans across the political spectrum agree: it’s time to eliminate the corruptive spending that has been poisoning our political system.”

H.J.Res. 73 would also give Congress, states and localities jurisdiction to establish contribution limits, including limits on the amount of money an individual candidate can contribute to their own campaign.

“When Americans see that dark money is determining the outcomes of our elections, they become disillusioned and discouraged,” said Congressman McNerney. “And when someone’s wealth determines the value of their voice, our democracy deteriorates. It’s time we return to a government that is truly by the people and for the people – and that is what this Constitutional amendment would do.”

The resolution is supported by End Citizens United – an organization working to reverse the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which deregulated limits on independent expenditure group spending.

“We applaud Congressman McNerney for his commitment to creating a democracy that works for all of us, not just wealthy special interests,” said Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United Action Fund. “His amendment would end the dominance of big money in politics and bring dark money into the light, making our elected officials more responsive to their communities and accountable to their constituents.”

Rep. Jerry McNerney proudly serves the constituents of California’s 9th Congressional District that includes portions of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties. For more information on Rep. McNerney’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.

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