Johnson, Markey Push to End Foreign Political Fundraising at U.S. Embassies

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), introduced the No Foreign Fundraising at United States Embassies Act, which would prohibit the use of U.S. embassies, consulates, or other diplomatic posts for raising funds for foreign political parties or candidates.

“American diplomacy should be about advancing our security, strengthening our alliances, and promoting democracy, not raising money for foreign politicians,” said Johnson. “When U.S. embassies and diplomatic posts are exploited as campaign venues, it doesn’t just look like corruption, it is corruption, plain and simple. It undermines trust in our institutions abroad, abuses taxpayer dollars, and erodes America’s credibility as a global leader. This bill makes clear: our diplomatic corps works for the American people, not foreign parties looking to cash in on their influence. We’re drawing a hard line against this abuse because the integrity of U.S. diplomacy is not for sale.”

“America’s diplomatic posts must stand as symbols of democracy—not be turned into venues for political fundraising,” said Senator Ed Markey (D-MA). “The United States has a long history of supporting free speech and fair elections by remaining a neutral partner, not a partisan player. Using our embassies to raise money for foreign political parties would undermine that credibility and weaken our voice as a champion of democracy. We also need to ensure that the Trump administration cannot misuse government resources for personal profit or influence peddling, as we’ve already seen with Trump’s cryptocurrency business. That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Johnson in introducing the No Foreign Fundraising at United States Embassies Act to keep our diplomats focused on promoting America’s interests—not padding anyone’s political or financial gains.”

Specifically, the bill establishes that:

• The Department of State’s mission is to promote security, prosperity, and democratic values, not serve the interests of any political party;

• It is the policy of the U.S. to maintain strict political neutrality in foreign countries’ electoral processes;

• No federal funds or personal funds from Ambassadors or officials can be used to host fundraisers for foreign political parties or candidates at U.S. embassies, consulates, diplomatic posts, and Ambassadors’ residences; and

• Any diplomatic activity that could be construed as promoting any particular foreign political party or candidate is discouraged.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’s 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties.

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