[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 31, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H1783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM KILLED ONCE AGAIN

  (Mr. FARR of California asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, well, we were here yesterday for 
almost 12 hours; and we were able to kill campaign finance reform. It 
reminds me of borrowing a lyric from the old song ``The Party's Over:'' 
``It's time to wind up the masquerade. But make up your mind, the piper 
must be paid.''
  The campaign finance reform has not been done. There are no limits on 
expenditures. There is no ban on soft money. There is no disclosure for 
independent groups that campaign for or against politicians. History 
reveals again last night that the Republican Party has killed the 
campaign finance reform once again.
  In 1992, a bill got to the President's desk and Bush vetoed it. In 
1994, the Senate Republicans filibustered against campaign finance 
reform and killed it. In 1996, this House, under present leadership, 
killed H.R. 3505. And now, in 1998, the House leadership once again 
killed campaign finance reform.
  Mr. Speaker, the Republican Party does not want to bite the money 
interests that field their campaigns. But do not forget, it is not the 
money that elects us, it is the people who vote.

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