Prohibit Israel Contributions to U.S. Elections - Congressional Bill
Draft Congressional Bill: Prohibiting Contributions from Israel to U.S. Election
Campaigns
Section 1. Short Title
This Act may be cited as the “Prohibition on Foreign Contributions to U.S. Election
Campaigns from Israel Act of 2025.”
Section 2. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to prevent foreign interference in U.S. elections by
prohibiting donations, contributions, or expenditures made by the government of
Israel, Israeli political entities, or Israeli individuals to political campaigns or
candidates for federal, state, or local office in the United States.
Section 3. Prohibition of Donations from Israel to U.S. Election Campaigns
(a) Prohibition on Donations
No government entity, political party, political action committee (PAC), or individual
from the state of Israel shall directly or indirectly contribute, donate, or make an
expenditure to a federal, state, or local election campaign in the United States,
including but not limited to:
• Political candidates
• Political action committees (PACs)
• Political party organizations
• Political committees
(b) Prohibition on Election-Related Activities
It shall be unlawful for any Israeli government official or entity to engage in any
election-related activities, including but not limited to advertising, voter
mobilization, or political endorsements, aimed at influencing U.S. elections.
Section 4. Exceptions
This section provides exceptions where Israel may engage in U.S. election-related
activities:
(a) Public Policy Advocacy
Israeli citizens and entities may continue to engage in public policy advocacy,
including lobbying efforts, so long as such activities do not involve direct or indirect
contributions to election campaigns or candidate-specific political activities.
(b) Humanitarian or Non-Political Campaigns
Israeli donations may be permitted to nonprofit organizations or initiatives with a
clear humanitarian, educational, or non-political purpose. Such organizations must
ensure that their activities are not intended to influence or interfere with U.S.
elections or candidate-specific issues.
Section 5. Enforcement and Penalties
(a) Violations
Any individual or entity found in violation of this Act shall be subject to the
following penalties:
• A fine not exceeding $500,000 for each violation.
• Any campaign or candidate found to have accepted such donations
shall be required to return the funds to the U.S. Treasury within 30 days.
• Possible criminal penalties for intentional violations, including
imprisonment for up to five years for individuals, and a fine of up to $10 million
for entities.
(b) Civil Action
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) shall have the authority to initiate civil
action for violations of this Act, in addition to any criminal charges brought by
the Department of Justice.
Section 6. Reporting and Transparency
(a) Reporting Requirements
Political candidates, committees, and PACs must disclose all foreign donations or
contributions they have received, including from entities based in Israel, in their
periodic reports to the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
(b) Transparency of Foreign Influence
The Federal Election Commission shall ensure that all information related to foreign
donations is easily accessible to the public on its website for full transparency.
Section 7. Effective Date
This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage.
Section 8. Severability
If any provision of this Act is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the
remainder of the Act shall continue in full force and effect.
Section 9. Authorization of Appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry
out the provisions of this Act.
Section 10. Statement of Policy
This Act reaffirms the sovereignty of the United States in its electoral process,
ensures transparency and fairness in U.S. elections, and upholds the principle of
non-interference by foreign governments or entities in American democratic
processes.
This draft provides a framework for a bill aimed at restricting donations and
involvement in U.S. elections by foreign actors, specifically addressing the case of
Israel. It prioritizes election integrity while outlining penalties and exceptions in a
balanced manner.