Harder, Rose Introduce Ban Corporate PACs Act

WASHINGTON – Continuing efforts to root out corruption in Washington, Representatives Josh Harder (CA-10) and Max Rose (NY-11) introduced the Ban Corporate PACs Act, which would ban all corporate Political Action Committees (PACs). In the 2018 election cycle, corporate PACs gave more than $400 million to federal campaigns.

"Everyone knows Washington is a cesspool – and they're right. Too many people up here are sleazy and work for big money corporate interests instead of the people who elected them," said Rep. Harder. "We need to weed out the corruption– and that's just what our bill would do."

"Corporate PACs flood this city with contributions, but it's not the American people's priorities they have in mind—it's their own bottom lines," said Rep. Rose. "That's wrong and at the root of Washington corruption. That's why we must send a clear, unmistakable message to the American people that we are here to fight for them and only them—not the special interests and corporate PACs."

"By championing bold anti-corruption and government reform bills, Reps. Max Rose and Josh Harder continue to deliver on promises they made to voters in 2018," said End Citizens United Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. "The introduction of the Ban Corporate PACs Act is a continuation of their commitment to making government work for people, not corporate special interests. The bill is aimed at ending the dominance of corporations in Congress so that progress can be made on issues important to everyday Americans."

Rose and Harder's Ban Corporate PACs Act would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit for-profit corporations from being allowed to sponsor, operate, or fund a separate segregated fund, commonly known as a PAC. This bill also dissolves existing corporate PACs one year after enactment. Corporate PACs are often established by corporations to influence policy, with corporations able to fund the creation and operation of the PAC and solicit contributions. In many cases, corporate PACs are controlled by corporate lobbyists and expressly make contributions to forward business interests.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Congressmen Antonio Delgado (NY-19) and Joe Kennedy (MA-04), and endorsed by End Citizens United.