[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2082]
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

                       Thursday, October 23, 1997

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, another day has gone by and still no campaign 
finance reform. As we approach the end of one more week we are inching 
closer and closer to the end of the 1997 legislative session. If we do 
not take action before we adjourn, now expected to be November 7, we 
will not have the chance to fix the campaign finance system before the 
1998 election. Next year will be an election year and any chance to 
change the system during a campaign year is very unlikely.
  Today we spent over an hour debating a contested election for 
Congress. That debate is important, and must take place. However, if 
this House can find the time to consider the outcome of one election, 
why can't we take the time to consider legislation that will impact 
every Congressional election from this day forward. The answer is 
clear. The leadership of this House has no desire to consider campaign 
finance reform.
  The sad fact is, because of the reluctance of the House leadership to 
allow a vote, Members are going to be forced to take action on their 
own. That will happen tomorrow.
  Before that happens, I hope the Speaker will reconsider his 
opposition to allowing a vote on campaign finance reform. I hope the 
Speaker will give the majority of the public what they want. They want 
Congress to get serious about cleaning up our house by passing campaign 
finance reform.

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