Jeff Clements, CEO of American Promise, issued the following statement in response to the committee passage of S.J.R. 7 in Utah:

“Utahns overwhelmingly support legislative action that prevents foreign actors from advancing their narrow political interests at the expense of voters, with almost 80% supporting a constitutional amendment to give Utah and other states control over election spending. Utah senators, led by Republican Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, took an important step to fulfilling voters’ demands today by advancing a resolution out of committee that calls on Congress to amend the Constitution to protect state sovereignty and prevent election interference from foreign actors who should have no say in the outcome of Utah’s elections. 

“Foreign election interference presents an increasing threat to local and state races. Bad actors, including those from Russia, China, and Iran, use shadowy dark money conduits to influence outcomes that advance their interests. Voters and state leaders understandably want to end these actors’ ability to spend money, and they can only do so if the Constitution is amended to give states back the power to set commonsense spending limits. 

“We thank Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore and the members of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee for championing this resolution and safeguarding Utah’s elections from foreign interference. We urge the Senate and House to follow their lead and support S.J.R. 7. If the resolution is adopted by both chambers, Utah will join 22 other states in support of a constitutional amendment.”