[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 3, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H6723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                BRING ABOUT CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM NOW

  (Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, when I think of the unexplained delay in 
considering campaign finance reform, I am forced to ask myself the same 
question over and over again: Why is it taking so long to do what we 
promised the American people in 1996?
  It is obvious that the American people want campaign finance reform. 
The President and the Speaker shook hands over 2 years ago committing 
themselves to reforming the system and, according to the rhetoric in 
Congress, many of my colleagues want the same thing. Yet, no campaign 
finance reform legislation is on the agenda, and many news reports 
indicate that after the consideration of the remaining appropriation 
acts, as early as October 11, the House will adjourn for the year. Roll 
Call says it will be the fastest session since 1965.
  I think we still have time to consider this important issue. What we 
need is the commitment of the Republican leadership of the House. We 
can no longer tolerate the rhetoric without action on this issue.
  The Speaker has left us no choice: We have declared September Ban 
Soft Money Month, and we will do everything in our power to raise this 
issue on the floor. We must do it before the 1998 election.

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