[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H7021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS ON CAMPAIGN FINANCE
(Mr. KINGSTON asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, it is unbelievable to hear Democrats talk
about campaign finance reform and the need for it while they are
strangely, strangely silent on the subject of criminal violations
apparently by Members of their party in this administration.
Point in case. U.S. Code 18-1956 prohibits the solicitation or
acceptance of laundered campaign contributions intended to conceal the
nature, source, ownership or control of the funds. This prohibition
would cover the tens of thousands of dollars donated to the Democratic
National Committee by dirt poor Buddhists.
If they do not like that law, here is another one; 18 U.S. Code 600
prohibits promises of contracts or other benefits as consideration,
favor or reward for political activities such as the Democrat
Department of Commerce trade missions in exchange for political
donations.
Or this, 18 U.S. Code 601 prohibits the withholding of a benefit or
program of the United States from any person who refuses to make a
campaign contribution.
There are dozens and dozens of laws that are already on the books
that have apparently been violated and the Democrats have no interest
whatsoever in trying to enforce the existing law. Let us do not try to
confuse things. Let us enforce existing law, then move on to campaign
finance reform.
____________________