[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1796]
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 18, 1997

  Mr. KIND of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, we only have a few weeks left 
before we adjourn this year. Now is the time to allow a vote on 
campaign finance reform legislation.
  Today we are participating in a civil, bipartisan discussion of 
reforming the House Ethics Committee. It is refreshing to see respected 
Members of both parties engage in a dialog about how to improve the 
ethics process and ultimately restore some respect and dignity to this 
great institution. I believe the same thing can happen with campaign 
finance reform. If the Members of this House put aside partisan 
rhetoric we can fix the current system with honest, bipartisan reforms 
that puts no party at a disadvantage and restores some faith in this 
institution.
  However, we cannot reach a compromise if we don't consider the bills 
in committee or on the floor. Those of us waging this war are reduced 
to 1-minute speeches in the morning, parliamentary antics during the 
day, and floor speeches at night when the rest of this body has gone 
home. It is unfair and embarrassing that we have to pay these games to 
be heard in the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker please allow this 
issue to come to the floor and be given the kind of open, honest debate 
that this institution deserves.

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