[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 40 (Wednesday, April 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CAMPAIGN REFORM AND ELECTION INTEGRITY ACT OF 1998

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                               speech of

                         HON. VINCE SNOWBARGER

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 1998

  Mr. SNOWBARGER. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that Congress is focusing 
attention on reform of our campaign and election system. There are many 
problems worthy of our best efforts, and this bill contains a number of 
thoughtful remedies championed by reformers of all stripes. Among those 
reforms that I have advocated are efforts to curtail illegal foreign 
contributions and new restrictions that safeguard the paychecks of 
union members. These were a part of my own campaign finance reform 
proposal, H.R. 3315. That is why I am voting for the separate bills 
that accomplish these aims.
  Although these are very good ideas, I am concerned about some aspects 
of the bill we consider today. Because H.R. 3485 is a compromise, it is 
weak in addressing every Member's ``first principles'' for campaign 
finance reform. However, I want to use this opportunity to call 
attention to one issue I feel has been most egregiously ignored.
  Individual and candidate accountability is required. As I am sure all 
of my colleagues are aware, Republicans and Democrats frequently take 
to the floor of the House to decry the failure of one group or another 
to take responsibility for their actions. Whether it is Republicans 
demanding that fathers take responsibility for their children or 
Democrats who call on industry to account for the impact their 
activities have on the environment, this principle is regularly invoked 
on behalf of our constituents. I believe it is now time for Congress to 
do what it has long asked of others. We all must assume personal 
responsibility for our own campaigns.
  How should we accomplish this? I believe the first step is real 
punishment for candidates and their surrogates who intentionally break 
our campaign finance laws. Earlier this year I introduced the ``Fair 
Elections and Political Accountability Act'' (H.R. 3315) which has as 
its chief aim real personal accountability. Put simply, this bill sends 
the bad guys directly to jail. No more of the Faustian bargain: ``Cheat 
to get elected and worry about the fines later.'' Such an environment 
creates a disincentive to obey the law. My bill mandates prison terms 
for intentional violations and strengthens the enforcement powers of 
the Justice Department and the Federal Election Commission. Swift and 
certain criminal sanctions will make all the other reforms work better. 
I asked Chairman Thomas to include these provisions in the campaign 
reform measure reported to the House. I am disappointed that they were 
omitted. As long as candidates think that they can break the law with 
impunity, it doesn't matter how many new laws and regulations we pass. 
We must first address this question of accountability.

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