[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H7736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             AMERICAN PEOPLE DEMAND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

  (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have been listening to my Republican 
colleagues this morning. It is amazing to me that they are still trying 
to obstruct campaign finance reform.
  Clearly, the time has come today for the House Republican leadership 
to bring up campaign finance reform for a vote on the floor. We know 
the Senate is doing it. Mr. Lott has said that he is going to bring it 
up. The President has sent a letter saying he will have a special 
session if necessary.
  But so far there is only silence by the Speaker and the House 
Republican leadership on the issue. They suggest it is for the future 
and certainly not for this session of Congress, and this has to change 
because the American people are demanding reform.
  There is simply too much money in the system. The average American 
does not feel that he or she matters anymore because wealthy 
individuals and corporations have all the influence.
  Mr. Speaker, bring up campaign finance reform for a vote on the House 
floor. We can move on bipartisan reform legislation. The American 
people demand it, and we should move on it immediately.

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