Sen. Cruz, Rep. Meadows Introduce SuperPAC Elimination Act to Expand and Protect Free Speech in Elections
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) introduced the SuperPAC Elimination Act, which expands and protects free speech in elections by allowing unlimited individual contributions to candidates with immediate disclosure, effectively eliminating SuperPACs. As a foundation for meaningful reform, this bill protects the interests of the American people and will serve as a model for how we should approach championing free speech in campaign finance.
“Americans want the First Amendment defended and transparency in our elections,” Sen. Cruz said. “Americans should be free to support any candidate they like, to any extent they like, and candidates should be free to make their case to the voters and define their message. That is why Rep. Meadows and I are introducing the SuperPAC Elimination Act, to ensure that free speech is protected in the electoral process.”
“Too often, powerful elites in Washington use campaign finance laws as a backdoor to increasing their own electoral influence while weakening that of the average American on Main Street,” Rep. Meadows said. “I’m pleased to join Senator Cruz in offering a bill that will take steps to promote engagement, accountability, and transparency in the campaign finance system while putting every day Americans on a level playing field with the Washington establishment. This fight is critical for all Americans – the fight to ensure individual citizens have an adequate say in our political process and reaffirming the critical principle of free speech within our political system.”
Specifically, the SuperPAC Elimination Act removes the caps on direct contributions to candidates from individuals and requires donations of more than $200 to be disclosed within 24 hours. The bill will protect freedom of speech in America’s electoral process, while providing much-needed transparency in campaign finance.
Sen. Cruz and Rep. Meadows introduced the SuperPAC Elimination Act in 2016. Sen. Cruz first introduced the bill in 2014.
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