Other Amendments (2016 Archive)

While it is exciting to see the flurry of momentum and energy that is finally getting some traction in a small segment of Congress, Move to Amend is very clear that it is important that we not let our goals be diluted by our legislators in Washington, even by those who mean well and want to see reform in our political system.

Passing an amendment will be a tough job, so the language must be commensurate with the effort needed to win, and the amendment must be strong and clear enough to end corporate rule - there's no room here for half solutions or ambiguity.

It is our belief that we need to operate on the assumption that once an Amendment comes out of Congress we won't get another shot. So we MUST get it right!

With many competing proposals, it can be confusing to figure out what is what in terms of what the proposals will actually do. We have prepared a summary of each of the amendments proposed, including what is missing from each one.

We also encourage you to check out our article, Why Abolish All Corporate Constitutional Rights, to explain why we feel so strongly that half-way solutions cannot be accepted.

Click here to read Move to Amend's proposed amendment (HJR-48) that will clearly establish that money is not speech, corporations are not people, and allows for no loopholes. Our amendment will put people in charge of our government, and corporations in their proper place.

Proposed Amendments (114th Congress)

"Democracy for All" Amendment Proposal

Introduced on January 20, 2015 in the House of Representatives by Reps. Ted Deutch, Donna Edwards, and James McGovern and on January 21, 2015 in the Senate by Sen. Tom Udall
Read the text here: H.J. Res. 22 and S.J. Res. 5
Organizations involved: Public Citizen, People for the American Way, Free Speech for People

What it does:

Asserts that Congress and the States have authority to regulate and limit the amount for campaign contributions and expenditures. Grants authority to distinguish between natural persons and artificial entities when creating campaign finance legislation.

What’s missing:

Does not address corporate constitutional rights (corporate personhood)

Sanders Amendment Proposal

Introduced on Janaury 21, 2015 by Sen. Bernie Sanders
Read the text: S.J. Res. 4
Organizations involved: Public Citizen

What it does:

Asserts that only natural persons can make contributions and expenditures to influence the outcome of public elections.
Gives Congress the authority to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures and to institute disclosure requirements.

What’s missing:

Does not address corporate constitutional rights (corporate personhood)

Tester / McGovern Amendment Proposals

Introduced in the Senate on February 4, 2015 by Sen. Jon Tester and in the House of Representatives on January 21, 2015 by Rep. James McGovern
Read the text here: S.J. Res. 7 / H.J. Res. 23
Organizations involved: Free Speech for People

What it does:

Asserts that corporations are not people

What’s missing:

Does not address that money does not = free speech or address campaign spending.

Edwards Amendment Proposal

Introduced by Rep. Donna Edwards on February 6, 2013
Read the text here: H.J.Res. 25
Organizations involved: ?

What it does:

Clarifies the authority of Congress and the States to regulate the expenditure of funds for political activity by corporations.

What’s missing:

Does not address corporate constitutional rights (corporate personhood)
Does not address the Supreme Court doctrine of money = free speech. Leaves the door wide open to wealthy individuals continuing to bankroll elections.

Click here to read Move to Amend's proposed amendment that will clearly establish that money is not speech, a corporation is not a person, all corporations are subject to regulation, all campaign contributions will be disclosed and allows for no loopholes. Our amendment will put people in charge of our government, and corporations in their proper place.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ANALYSIS OF 2013/2014 AMENDMENT PROPOSALS (113th Congress)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ANALYSIS OF 2011/2012 AMENDMENT PROPOSALS (112th Congress)