[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 19 (Tuesday, March 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E272]
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

                         Tuesday, March 3, 1998

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, as we begin work this week, the week after the 
Senate failed to pass campaign finance reform legislation, many in the 
media are proclaiming campaign finance reform dead. I disagree, there 
is still a chance if the House of Representatives passes our own bill. 
I hope Mr. Speaker that you do not use the vote in the Senate as an 
excuse for failing to act in this House.
  A majority of the Senate supported the McCain-Feingold campaign 
reform bill. A majority of the members of the House, as judged by those 
who have signed on to campaign reform legislation, support campaign 
finance reform. The will of the majority in the Senate was denied 
because of Senate rules which requires 60 votes to end debate and pass 
a bill. The only way the will of the majority in the House can be 
denied is by your failing to schedule a vote on this issue.
  We have been promised a vote on campaign finance reform before the 
end of March. The people of this nation have demanded that we act to 
clean up our broken election system. They will be watching to insure 
that the vote this month is a fair vote without poison pills. Mr. 
Speaker the people of my district refuse to take ``no'' for an answer. 
Do not let them down by denying the will of the majority.

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