Bonamici Applauds Passage of Bill to Protect Elections from Foreign Attacks

Statement

Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici applauded the House passage of legislation to protect elections from foreign interference.

The Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act increases transparency and closes loopholes to prevent foreign governments and entities from influencing American elections. It includes a requirement that any offer of campaign assistance from foreign entities be reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Election Commission.

"Fair and free elections are essential to democracy, and we must do all we can to protect our country from foreign attacks," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "The SHIELD Act takes commonsense steps to keep foreign governments and their agents out of our elections. The 2020 election is quickly approaching, so we must act now. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation promptly."

To protect the integrity of elections, the SHIELD Act will:

-Require reporting of offers of campaign assistance from foreign governments
-Improve the transparency of online political advertisements
-Close loopholes that foreign individuals and entities have exploited to spend money in elections
-Prohibit candidates and their campaigns from sharing non-public information with foreign entities
-Strengthen protections against attempts to spread misinformation about voting procedures

The legislation complements H.R. 1, The For the People Act, which the House passed earlier this year to addresses campaign finance reform, voting rights, election security, accountability for government officials, and more.

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