WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after the U.S. Senate voted in favor of a resolution to overturn a Trump Administration rule that made it easier for wealthy foreign nationals and special interests to interfere in U.S. elections and exempted political nonprofits from disclosing large donors to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) called the vote a positive step toward fair elections.

In a 50-49 vote, the Senate approved a resolution authored by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), and cosponsored by Senator Reed, that would block the recent Treasury Department change to IRS forms allowing political nonprofits to avoid listing some donors. 

“Today’s vote was a positive step toward greater transparency and fair elections,” said Senator Reed.  “This CRA will help shine a light on dark money, improve transparency, and help prevent foreign interference in our elections.  I’m pleased the Senate acted on a bipartisan basis and I urge the House to do the same.”

Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), members of Congress must introduce a disapproval resolution within 60 calendar days from when the final rule was issued.  Under CRA procedures, the legislation only required a simple majority to pass the full U.S. Senate.

The measure must now be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in order to be sent to the President.