[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1704]
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

                       Tuesday, September 9, 1997

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, another day has gone by and we have not yet 
voted on campaign finance reform. Today, our schedules have been 
interrupted several times by procedural votes called in protest over 
the fact that we haven't had a vote. Our time, really the taxpayer's 
time, could have been saved if we were simply allowed to vote on 
campaign finance reform.
  During debate today we voted for an amendment to increase funding for 
the We the People Program. It is a program to promote citizenship and 
knowledge of the U.S. Constitution among our Nation's elementary and 
secondary school students. The vote on that amendment was adopted 
overwhelmingly. I wonder what the We the People Program would teach 
students about the failure of this House to even allow a vote on an 
issue that the public and a majority of the Members want to see debated 
and voted on this year. I am embarrassed to go back to the students in 
my district and tell them that this House does not operate in the 
manner that our Constitution envisioned.
  It is obvious that a growing number of Members want a vote on 
campaign finance reform. I hope that the other Members who share my 
frustration will begin to make their voices heard on this issue. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in calling for a campaign finance reform vote 
before we adjourn this year. Mr. Speaker, the time to act is now, next 
year will be too late.

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