HR 324

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 324
Reps. Outman, Johnsen,
Paquette, Wozniak, Borton, Cavitt, Markkanen, Hoadley, McFall, Prestin, BeGole,
Rheingans, Morgan, Glanville, Jenkins-Arno, Wortz, Bohnak and Rigas offered the
following resolution:
A resolution to call upon the United States Congress to
propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to
clarify that the states and Congress may set reasonable limits on the spending
of money to influence elections, including distinctions between natural persons
and artificial entities.
Whereas, The Constitution of the state of Michigan recognizes
that “[a]ll political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted
for their equal benefit, security and protection.” We the people have a
compelling sovereign interest in fostering robust political debate and
self-government, protecting the free speech interests of all individuals,
securing the liberty and political equality of our citizens, guarding against
corruption, and advancing federalism and the interests of the several states; and
Whereas, Reasonable limits on how money is used to influence
the outcomes of elections are wise to secure the interests of all citizens of
our state to be represented and to participate in elections and self-government.
Such limits enhance the free speech rights of average Americans by helping to
ensure they have the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the political
process. Furthermore, limits on election-related spending can help protect the
integrity of our elections, shielding our government from out-of-state and
foreign interests and the undue influence of wealthy special interests, whether
of corporations, unions, or other artificial entities. Our campaign finance
laws should distinguish between natural persons and foreign or legal entities,
to ensure that our republican form of government continues to represent the
people of this great state; and
Whereas, Over the past five decades, the Supreme Court of the
United States has gradually come to equate unlimited election spending with
“free speech.” This unlimited spending is drowning out the free speech
interests of constituents, narrowing debate, weakening federalism and
self-governance in the states, and increasing the risk of systemic corruption;
and
Whereas, The Framers of the United States Constitution wisely
granted the states the power to amend the Constitution when necessary to make
it, and our Union, ever more perfect, and to protect and preserve
self-government and liberty; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we call upon
the United States Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a
constitutional amendment to clarify that the states may set reasonable limits
on the spending of money to influence elections in the states, and that
Congress may set reasonable limits on the spending of money to influence federal
elections, and that, in so doing, the states and Congress may distinguish
between natural persons and artificial entities such as corporations, unions,
and artificial intelligence; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of
the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United
States Senate, the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, and the members
of the Michigan congressional delegation.