[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2389-E2390]
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, November 13, 1997

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, one more day and no campaign finance reform. 
At a press conference today, the members of the Republican

[[Page E2390]]

leadership said that they will take up campaign finance reform early 
next year. The leadership also said that they will consider several 
small bills, rather than a comprehensive piece of legislation. Mr. 
Speaker that approach is inadequate.
  As I have explained before, next year is going to be too late to 
consider campaign finance reform in time for the 1998 election. In 
addition, allowing a variety of small incremental bills will only 
result in more confusion and more loopholes for special interests to 
buy our elections. It is obvious that the leadership has no desire to 
see real campaign finance reform pass this year.
  What we need is comprehensive campaign finance reform. We need reform 
that takes the big money out of campaigns. We don't need incremental 
bills that only add confusion to an already confusing system. The House 
of Representatives has to act soon.
  Mr. Speaker, it appears that we have failed the people of this Nation 
by not passing a campaign reform vote this year, lets not let them down 
again next year.

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