[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 116 (Friday, September 5, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H6922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

  (Mrs. MALONEY of New York asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, we know the answer to the 
question that my colleague raised. Existing law is not enough. We need 
to pass real reform. We need to pass campaign finance reform. Members 
of the other side of the aisle, they talk about reforming the system.
  Yet the real reform, campaign finance reform, there has not been one 
single hearing on it in this Congress. How can the leadership of this 
House in good conscience talk about packing up and going home in 
October when they have not looked at, held a hearing, or done anything 
about the most crucial problem confronting this country? I am talking 
about campaign finance reform.
  It is rather typical. We talk about actually doing something and they 
pack their bags and head for the hills. Some of my colleagues find it 
easier to strike the gavel of adjournment rather than hammer out the 
tough decisions here in Washington. There must be a vote on campaign 
finance reform in this Congress before we go home to our districts. We 
must vote on this issue before we ask our constituents to vote for us.

                          ____________________