No Foreign Fundraising at United States Embassies Act

This bill would stop any fundraising for foreign political parties or candidates from happening at U.S. embassies, consulates, or other diplomatic sites. It keeps U.S. diplomats neutral in other countries’ elections and bars using either government money or an ambassador’s personal money to host such fundraisers, including at an ambassador’s residence. A “fundraising event” is defined broadly and even includes setting up contacts between potential donors and foreign parties or candidates for fundraising purposes.

The State Department would have to update its internal rules to reflect these limits and to discourage any embassy activity that could look like it helps one foreign party or candidate raise money over another. It also bans paying for official receptions or other costs tied to such fundraising. After the law takes effect, the Secretary of State must certify to Congress, at least 90 days later, that these updates are done.

• Who is affected: U.S. embassies, consulates, and American diplomats; foreign political parties and candidates who might seek fundraising help at U.S. diplomatic sites.
• What changes: No fundraising events for foreign parties/candidates at U.S. diplomatic sites or ambassadors’ homes; no government or personal funds can be used; no paying for receptions tied to such fundraising; State Department rules must be updated to match .
• When: After it becomes law, the Department updates its rules and then certifies to Congress at least 90 days later that the changes are in place.