[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

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                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 1997

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, it is now our second day back from the August 
break. As I stated yesterday, these next 2 months are our last 
opportunity to pass meaningful campaign finance reform. We all know 
that next year will be an election year and passage of reform 
legislation will not only be politically impossible it will be 
difficult to change the campaign rules in the middle of our own 
reelection campaigns.
  In July three former Presidents, George Bush, Jimmy Carter, and 
Gerald Ford, called for a ban on soft money contributions. The 
Bipartisan Campaign Integrity Act bans soft money and it enacts more 
stringent contribution disclosure requirements for candidates and 
independent groups. Our constituents want us to enact meaningful 
campaign finance reform, and we are being denied the opportunity to 
vote on this important issue.
  Last night Mr. Speaker was a perfect opportunity to begin the debate 
on campaign finance reform. We finished voting by 6:30 p.m. Every 
member was present and available to participate in debate and take a 
vote on finance reform. This morning a subcommittee on the House 
Government Reform and Oversight Committee met and considered 
legislation, but not campaign finance reform legislation. Why, Mr. 
Speaker, have you not scheduled campaign finance reform for a vote? 
When will the members of Congress get an opportunity to follow the lead 
of Presidents Bush, Carter, and Ford and vote on an end to soft money?

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