[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 11, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentleman from California [Mr. Fazio] is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, the clock is ticking.
  Last week in this very Chamber, the President called for Congress to 
pass campaign finance reform by July 4. The President and, most 
importantly, the American people are committed to meeting that 
deadline. That is only 143 days away. History shows us we have the 
support to meet that deadline if the people in charge of the schedule 
do not drop the ball.
  In the 103d, the 102d, and the 101st Congresses, the Democrats were 
able to corral enough votes in both Chambers to pass legislation to fix 
the system. A Presidential veto stopped us once, a veto threat stopped 
us another time and a Republican filibuster in the Senate stopped it a 
third time.
  The burden now rests with the current Republican leadership to keep 
campaign finance reform on track. All of us, Democrats and Republicans 
alike, have a golden opportunity to at long last correct problems that 
have plagued this system for far too long. Let us not lose it because 
of stalling tactics or partisan political games.
  The American people are looking for results. Their confidence in our 
election system depends on it. Mr. Speaker, the clock is ticking.

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