[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 152 (Tuesday, November 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2181]
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, November 4, 1997

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, we are starting another week of legislative 
session, possibly the last week this year, and still no campaign 
finance reform. The news over the weekend was encouraging for 
supporters of reform. Speaker Gingrich announced that the House will 
schedule debate on campaign finance reform no later than March 6 next 
year.
  This is another positive step on the road to reform, but it is not 
the answer. As I and many of my colleagues have warned, a vote next 
year, during an election year, is not satisfactory. By March of next 
year we will all be involved in our reelection campaigns, and any 
change will be too late to take effect in the 1998 elections. Mr. 
Speaker, rather than wait until March of next year to consider this 
issue, the House should take up campaign finance reform this week. 
There are a wide variety of bills currently introduced that could be 
considered. The House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight has 
been holding hearings on these bills. We have the time to consider 
campaign reform legislation this week and have a bill passed before we 
adjourn for the year.
  The voters of this Nation want us to clean up our house. The 
leadership in the Senate and the House have agreed to allow a vote on 
this issue. The time to act is now. I refuse to take ``no'' for an 
answer.




                          ____________________