Lawmakers seek to curb foreign influence by closing online political ad loopholes

The bill was introduced with the backing of several campaign finance watchdogs. In a conference call Wednesday, Campaign Legal Center (CLC) President Trevor Potter, a former Republican FEC commissioner, said the bill would give “voters, journalists, and law enforcement officers important tools to help root out illegal foreign activity.” Brendan Fischer, director of federal reform at CLC, added that the FEC needs to better enforce laws currently on the books. Erin Chlopak, director of campaign finance strategy at CLC, said more steps could be taken to limit foreign interference in U.S. elections. She noted individual states — including Vermont, Washington and Wyoming — have extended reporting and disclaimer requirements to online ads.

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