CONGRESSMAN
WASHINGTON — Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., has joined Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., to introduce legislation aimed at preventing foreign influence in state and local ballot initiatives and referenda.
The Protecting Ballot Measures From Foreign Influence Act of 2025 would prohibit contributions and donations from foreign nationals intended to sway the outcome of ballot measures at the state and local levels.
“Foreign nationals should have absolutely no role in influencing the outcome of American elections, whether at the federal, state, or local level,” Cline said in a statement. He said the bill would close what he described as a loophole by ensuring ballot initiatives and referenda are decided by U.S. citizens rather than foreign money or interests.
Gluesenkamp Perez said the issue crosses party lines.
“Folks of all political stripes agree that U.S. citizens, not foreign nationals, should determine the outcome of U.S. elections,” she said. “Ballot measures can have an immense impact on life in the United States, and they must be protected from the whims of international bad actors.”
Cline represents Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District, which includes Salem and much of western Virginia.
-The Salem Times-Register
