Congresswoman Nikema Williams Co-Leads Bill to Fight Corruption, End Dark Money in Elections

(WASHINGTON) – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), along with Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), has introduced new legislation to fight corruption and crack down on dark money influencing U.S. elections.

“Dark money” campaign spending—undisclosed spending meant to influence political elections—has dramatically increased in recent elections. Roughly $1 billion in television, online advertisements, and mailers have been spent since 2010, when the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision gave rise to dark money groups.

The End Dark Money Act would fight corruption and close loopholes that allow mega-donors to hide their political contributions through so-called “social welfare” organizations. 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:

“The whole world is witnessing an unelected billionaire, Elon Musk, buy his way into the Oval Office and receive unprecedented power. For every Elon in plain sight, we have millions of mega-donors who remain hidden. Under current policies, the faces behind massive political spending like this are usually kept in the dark. The End Dark Money Act stops this shady abuse of the system and, in the process, empowers voters and strengthens our democracy.”

“Corruption is harming the American people and making it harder for working families to achieve the American Dream. That’s why in Congress, I’m focused on fighting corruption, lowering costs, and taking on the power of special interests on our government,” said Congressman Crow. “Americans are sick and tired of special interests and billionaires like Elon Musk using campaign finance loopholes to influence our elections. My legislation would increase transparency and accountability in our elections to return power back to the voters and begin to restore the American people’s faith in our democracy.”

The End Dark Money Act would repeal current prohibitions and allow the Internal Revenue Service to issue new guidelines to ensure non-profits adhere to their social welfare mission or be required to register as a PAC, disclose their donors, and risk losing their tax-exempt status.

The End Dark Money Act is supported by the End Citizens United Action Fund and Public Citizen.

“Dark money is one of the most corrosive and corrupting forces in our elections and government. It allows billionaires and special interests to operate in the shadows, manipulating our democracy without accountability,” said End Citizens United Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. 

“Congressman Crow’s End Dark Money Act is a commonsense solution that will shine a light on undisclosed money, giving the American people the ability to see who’s trying to influence election and policy outcomes. We’re incredibly grateful for Congressman Crow’s continued leadership and dedication to addressing this growing threat.”

“Many of those who fund campaigns want to remain in the shadows,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D. of Public Citizen. “These financers hiding in the shadows have been able to thwart disclosure of their political spending by exploiting inside connections in Congress, attaching riders to legislation that prohibit the IRS from even considering rules to disclose dark money donors. Congressman Crow’s End Dark Money Act is necessary legislation to remove these secretive legislative riders and open the books on wealthy influence peddlers.”

Read the legislation here.