This bill prohibits the use of United States embassies and diplomatic posts for fundraising activities benefiting any foreign political party or candidate.
Julie Johnson
Representative
TX-32
This Act prohibits the use of any United States embassy, consulate, or diplomatic residence for the purpose of fundraising for any foreign political party or candidate. The legislation clarifies that while diplomatic engagement with foreign political entities is a core function, using U.S. government property to provide a financial or electoral boost to a foreign political campaign is strictly forbidden. The Secretary of State is required to update regulations within 90 days to enforce this prohibition.
New Bill Bans Foreign Political Fundraising at U.S. Embassies and Diplomatic Posts
The “No Foreign Fundraising at United States Embassies Act” is exactly what it sounds like: a straight-up ban on using U.S. diplomatic posts—like embassies, consulates, or even the Ambassador’s residence—to raise cash for political parties or candidates in other countries. This legislation makes it clear that the State Department’s mission is to promote U.S. interests and democratic values globally, not to act as a venue or facilitator for foreign political fundraising. The bill immediately prohibits the use of federal money, or even the personal funds of U.S. officials, to host any event aimed at collecting money for a foreign political group (SEC. 3).
Keeping Diplomacy Neutral
When we send an Ambassador overseas, they are supposed to represent the entire United States, not just one political faction in a foreign country. This bill reinforces that neutrality. Congress specifically states that while U.S. diplomats should engage with all political parties abroad—a key part of their job—using the prestige and property of the U.S. government to raise money for one side crosses a line (SEC. 2). Essentially, the U.S. flag should fly over a neutral space, not a campaign office.
What Counts as a Fundraiser?
This isn't just about handing over a bucket for donations at a cocktail party. The bill defines a “fundraising event” broadly, covering any gathering intended to collect money. Crucially, it also bans officials from knowingly setting up meetings between potential donors and foreign political figures specifically for fundraising purposes (SEC. 3). This prevents a loophole where an Ambassador might host a dinner and then conveniently step away while the foreign politician makes their pitch. If you’re a U.S. official, you can’t use your official capacity to help fill a foreign politician’s campaign chest.
The Real-World Impact: The Appearance of Favoritism
Think about it from the perspective of a citizen in another country. If the U.S. Embassy hosts a lavish fundraiser for Candidate A, it looks a lot like the U.S. government is actively endorsing and funding that specific candidate. That appearance of favoritism can undermine the legitimacy of the election process and make it harder for the U.S. to work with Candidate B if they win. This law aims to remove that headache entirely, ensuring U.S. diplomacy remains even-handed and focused on relationship building across the political spectrum, not just with the party that has the most access to our diplomats.
Regulatory Cleanup
To make sure this rule sticks, the Secretary of State is required to update the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) and the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) within 90 days of the bill becoming law (SEC. 3). These are the instruction manuals for diplomats, so changing them ensures that every Foreign Service officer understands this new ethical boundary. The updates must not only forbid fundraising but also discourage any activity at a diplomatic post that could even look like favoritism toward one foreign political group over another. This move provides clarity and accountability, which is always a good thing when dealing with government ethics.