September 23, 2020

Dear John,

In the 2018 election, hundreds of thousands of dollars in foreign-affiliated money flooded the North Texas airwaves and mailboxes with nasty and false attacks funded by a dark money Super PAC. North Texans know that the threat of foreign interference is very real and we must act to protect American elections and strengthen our campaign finance laws.

That’s why this week, I joined my colleagues Rep. Harley Rouda (CA-48) and Rep. Andy Levin (MI-09), to introduce the Shell Company Abuse Act. This bill would make it a crime for foreign-owned shell companies to conceal illegal political spending. As we approach election season, we must make sure that North Texans’ voices are heard at the ballot box, not drowned out by dark money or foreign interests. American elections should be decided and influenced only by Americans and I will continue to work to protect your vote.

I have made strengthening our elections and safeguarding them against insidious influence a top priority. Last year, I cosponsored the Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act, which passed the House. This bill requires campaigns to report offers of foreign assistance to the FBI and strengthens laws to prevent foreign money in elections. I joined my colleagues for a press conference to discuss the importance of protecting our elections from foreign interference which you can watch here.

Additionally, I voted for the Securing America’s Federal Elections (SAFE) Act, which provides comprehensive election security reform and grants to states to help secure America’s election infrastructure. 

Election season is already upon us and as we saw in 2018 and 2016, it is critical that we take action to protect the integrity of our elections. I urge my colleagues in both parties, as well as in the Senate, to put aside partisan politics and work together to pass the Shell Company Abuse Act and other measures to protect our elections. 

If you would like to register to vote by mail or find your polling place, you can go to https://www.votetexas.gov. Our democracy works best when everyone participates. If you have been experiencing issues with your mail service, please contact my Richardson office at (972) 972-7949.

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress