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Senate asks Congress to consider constitutional amendment on political contributions after heated floor debate
Summary
The Wyoming Senate approved a resolution asking Congress to consider a constitutional amendment to permit limits on political contributions after floor debate about Citizens United and dark‑money spending.
Cheyenne — The Wyoming Senate on Feb. 11 passed Senate Joint Resolution 8, a nonbinding measure requesting that Congress consider a constitutional amendment permitting limits on political contributions. The resolution passed on third reading by a 17‑13 vote with one senator excused.
Sponsor Senator Cooper framed the resolution as a request for Congress to study whether the current Supreme Court jurisprudence permits foreign or large undisclosed contributions to unduly influence U.S. elections. "In the 2024 elections, nationwide there were $16 billion spent; it's estimated $2.8 billion of that was dark money," Cooper said, adding that a significant portion was allegedly from overseas sources.
Opponents said the resolution amounts to a call to repeal or work around Citizens United v. FEC and risks curbing free speech for churches, nonprofits and small donors. Senator Anthony Smith described the resolution as "a repeal of Citizens United" and argued the decision protects free expression, including churches and small advocacy groups. "If Wyoming passes this resolution, it'll join 22 states... Do you want to tell your constituents you're on the side of limiting political speech?" Smith asked on the floor.
Other senators raised procedural questions about the effect of a state‑level request on federal constitutional doctrine, while supporters described it as a conversation starter rather than an immediate change in law. Debate also touched on the role of transparency and campaign‑finance reporting.
After debate the Senate approved the resolution; it is a request to Congress and does not itself change federal law.
Why this matters: The resolution reflects continuing national debate about campaign finance, disclosure and the influence of large or opaque donors on elections. While nonbinding, the measure signals the Legislature's interest in federal action.
What's next: The resolution will be transmitted to the state's Congressional delegation as a formal request that Congress consider a constitutional amendment.
