We are in the middle of another contentious election season, with the presidential election heating up and control of Congress on the line. But while the media focuses on the horse race and polling numbers, one of the most overlooked issues is the amount of foreign-influenced cash pouring into U.S. elections.
The threat of foreign influence to our economy and national security was one our country’s founders understood. In his valedictory address, George Washington urged Americans to be “constantly awake,” because “history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.” This sentiment led to foreign nationals and companies being prohibited from making campaign contributions in the United States.