Citizens United Decision Could Lead to Constitutional Amendment

The Supreme Court’s controversial Citizens United ruling last month, which removed restrictions on corporate political spending, could lead to an amendment to the U.S. Constitution if some on Capitol Hill have their way. A pair of Democratic Senators, Chris Dodd of Connecticut and Tom Udall of New Mexico, unveiled a proposed amendment this week that would trump the Court’s decision.

According to the Associated Press, the amendment would give Congress and individual states the authority to regulate campaign fundraising and spending. In addition, Congress would have the authority to make laws on implementation and enforcement of the amendment.

“Ultimately, we must cut through the underbrush and go directly to the heart of the problem, and that is why I am proposing this constitutional amendment: because constitutional questions need constitutional answers,” Dodd told the AP. “I believe it is the best way to save our democratic system of government from the continued corrosion of special interest influence.”

While legislation that would limit corporate political spending has already been proposed in both Congressional chambers, some believe the laws would not do enough to counter the ruling. A constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate and its ratification by 38 states within seven years.