Congressman Panetta Votes for Legislation to Protect American Elections from Foreign Interference

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) voted in support of the Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act, H.R. 4617, to combat foreign interference in American elections.

"Foreign adversaries attacked our elections in 2016 and are setting their sights on 2020," said Congressman Panetta. "Today, the House acted to protect the integrity of our elections. The SHIELD Act safeguards our democratic process from foreign intervention and holds individuals engaged in attacking our elections accountable."

This comprehensive legislation:

• Creates a duty to report illicit offers of campaign assistance from foreign governments and their agents.
• Helps prevent foreign interference in future elections by improving transparency of online political advertisements.
• Closes loopholes that allow foreign nationals and foreign governments to spend in U.S. elections.
• Restricts exchange of campaign information between candidates and foreign governments and their agents.
• Prohibits deceptive practices about voting procedures.