[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1826]
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

                      Tuesday, September 23, 1997

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, 3 weeks have now passed since the August 
congressional recess, and still no campaign finance reform. The 
frustration among Members is growing over the inability of this House 
to take action on this issue.
  There is no issue that is demanding more attention this fall, yet we 
have not found the time to consider any bill in the Government Reform 
and Oversight Committee or on the floor of the House. On today's 
calendar we are considering 15 pieces of legislation, including a bill 
to study the feasibility of changing the U.S. quarter-dollar coin to 
commemorate all 50 states. While this idea may have some merit, it 
clearly is not as pressing an issue as campaign finance reform. The 
trend in this Congress, the last several months, has been to 
investigate rather than legislate. Today, unfortunately, we have 
decided to commemorate rather than legislate.
  Mr. Speaker, I and my constituents are tired of hearing no as an 
answer. It is time to schedule campaignn finance reform for a vote.

                          ____________________