[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 117 (Monday, September 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1687-E1688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 1997

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, 1 week in our final legislative session has 
already passed without a vote on campaign finance reform. Members of 
Congress, as promised, have begun to use parliamentary procedures to 
slow down the legislative process. This is unfortunate, but inevitable. 
Frankly, I and many other Members are increasingly frustrated with the 
fact that no vote has been scheduled on campaign finance reform.
  A front page article in the Washington Post this Sunday highlighted 
Senator Mitch McConnell. Senator McConnell's belief is that money 
represents free speech. While I may disagree with the Senator's views 
on this issue at least we know where he stands. The vast majority of 
Members of Congress have not made it clear where they stand on campaign 
finance reform. They do not have to, because they have not had to 
express their vote on the floor of the House. The public is demanding 
action on this issue. Now is the time, Mr. Speaker, to let the public 
know where their Representative in Congress stands on campaign finance 
reform. The only way that will happen is through a vote on the floor of 
the House.

[[Page E1688]]

  As a sponsor of the Bipartisan Campaign Integrity Act I believe this 
bill offers the best vehicle to fix the current system. There are many 
other bills that would make the election process work better and 
encourage more people to vote. At this time a vote on any of these 
bills is better than the current inaction.

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