[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E100]]


                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

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                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 1998

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, will 1998 be the year the U.S. House of 
Representatives finally considers and passes meaningful campaign 
finance reform? Debate on this issue is long overdue. I urge you to 
take the first step and open this issue for discussion on the floor.
  Much of the controversy over campaign financing has to do with 
perception--how things might appear to the voting public. Are certain 
interests buying access to elected officials through campaign 
contributions? Are elected officials using the power of office to 
solicit campaign contributions, thereby perpetuating themselves in 
office? To some, it appears that way. I ask you, Mr. Speaker--What is 
the voting public's perception of your refusal to allow this issue up 
for debate? President Clinton has called for it. The Senate has agreed 
to debate it. Still, the House remains silent. The voting public--my 
constituents included--want to know why.
  Mr. Speaker the people refuse to accept ``no'' for an answer.

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