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Committee backs resolution asking Congress to permit states to set limits on political expenditures
Summary
The Judiciary Committee voted 5-0 to send Senate Joint Resolution 8 forward, a resolution asking Congress to allow states to adopt constitutional limits on campaign contributions and undisclosed outside spending; sponsors and supporters argued it restores state sovereignty over elections and counters dark money and foreign influence.
The Judiciary Committee voted 5-0 to pass Senate Joint Resolution 8, a resolution urging Congress to permit a constitutional amendment that would allow states to regulate political contributions and campaign spending.
Senator Cooper, sponsor of the resolution, framed the proposal as a question of state authority and citizen control: quoting Article I, Section 1 of the Wyoming Constitution he said states should be able to "determine how to regulate campaign contributions, spending, and ensuring decisions reflect the local values and priorities." Cooper said the measure is meant to give states back the power to address undisclosed and out‑of‑state spending in elections.
Supporters who testified or spoke during debate told the committee they had received numerous constituent complaints about unidentified or out‑of‑state mailers during the recent election cycle. An online witness, who identified himself as Mister Boyle, told the committee that state petitions create momentum in Congress and argued the amendment would restore to states the choice over campaign finance rules. Paul Vogelheim, a former county commissioner who spoke in support, said the resolution would help protect elections "from out of state, and foreign interests, especially the undue influences of the super wealthy special interests."
Committee members discussed the practicalities and likely limits of the approach. Some legislators noted the Supreme Court decisions Buckley v. Valeo and Citizens United v. FEC have limited state and federal regulation of campaign spending; sponsors said the proposed amendment would allow states to alter that framework if ratified.
A roll-call vote recorded unanimous committee support: Senator Crago, Senator Crum, Senator Hicks, Senator Kohl and Chairman Olsen all voted aye. The committee report was "do pass" and the resolution will advance to the next stage of the legislative process.
Ending: Sponsors and backers said the resolution is intended to spur broader action — either in Congress or in state-level reforms — to increase transparency and limit undisclosed spending in elections.
