Reconciliation Bill Passes the Senate Without Two Dangerous Provisions: Campaign Legal Center Reacts

Washington, DC — Moments ago, the U.S. Senate passed the reconciliation bill (officially the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,”), which now goes back to the House of Representatives for final approval. Although the overall legislation is not yet law, Campaign Legal Center helped to secure a win for democratic safeguards by successfully pushing the Senate to remove two dangerous provisions from the bill before the chamber’s final vote.  

One of these provisions would have undermined judicial independence by making it harder for courts to enforce the law and protect constitutional rights. The other sought to block states from regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI), including in elections, despite bipartisan efforts across the country to address this growing threat. 

Thanks to the advocacy of Campaign Legal Center and many of our partners, both provisions were resoundingly defeated and removed from the final legislation.  

Trevor Potter, founder and president of Campaign Legal Center and former Republican chairman of the Federal Election Commission, issued the following statement:   

“Since debate began in the House on the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act,’ my colleagues at Campaign Legal Center, and many others, have been working tirelessly against two proposed provisions that would have threatened our democracy. 

“Today, as the Senate passes the bill, I am relieved that both of these provisions have been successfully removed. This is evidence that the advocacy of those who are dedicated to the preservation of American democracy remains a worthy fight. 

“The first of these provisions would have limited the power of federal courts to hold government officials accountable to the Constitution and our laws. This alarming proposal could have allowed government officials to violate court orders with impunity, while helping the Trump administration evade nearly 200 judicial rulings that have already halted its activities. 

“The second provision would have compelled states to give up their right to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), including laws governing AI's use in our elections. More than 20 states, controlled by Republicans and Democrats alike, have already enacted such rules, which are meant to solve real challenges for our democracy. This provision was stripped from the bill by an overwhelming vote by the Senate this morning. 

“Through our advocacy, CLC is proud to have helped lead the fight to defeat these dangerous provisions. We vow to continue opposing these policies if they ever reappear in future bills, as well as similar threats to our democracy moving forward.”

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The nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center advances democracy through law. We safeguard the freedom to vote, defend voters’ right to know who is spending money to influence elections, and work to ensure public trust in our elected officials.

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