[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CAMPAIGN AND LOBBYING REFORMS IN FIRST 100 DAYS

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, we must dedicate our efforts within the 
first 100 days of the 105th Congress to passing comprehensive campaign 
finance and foreign lobbying reform legislation.
  The events of the last election, with the worsening situation of 
foreign influence and the continuing flood of campaign contributions 
and expenditures, compel us to act. Now is the time.
  Just as in past Congresses, I am once again introducing legislation 
calling for a constitutional amendment authorizing Congress and the 
States to set reasonable expenditure limits for elections to Federal 
and State office. It is simply wrong to equate campaign money with free 
speech. The only way to limit the exorbitant levels of money being 
spent on campaigns is through a constitutional amendment.
  In addition, I'm proposing once again legislation to stop foreign 
contributions and influence, as was witnessed in the closing weeks of 
the elections. My bill creates a clearinghouse of political activities 
information within the F.E.C.
  Finally, we must end the revolving door between Government service 
and lobbying for foreign interests. My ``Foreign Agents Compulsory 
Ethics in Trade Act'' measure will impose a lifetime ban on high-level 
Government officials from representing, aiding or advising foreign 
governments and foreign political parties. The act also imposes a 5-
year prohibition on representing, aiding or advising foreign 
interests--including commercial interests--before the Government of the 
United States.
  Mr. Speaker, we should make it our goal to adopt these reforms within 
the first 100 days of the 105th Congress.

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