[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 1998

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, today is a great day for supporters of 
campaign finance reform. It appears that after long last the leadership 
of the House of Representatives has agreed to allow an open, honest 
debate on campaign finance reform. The will of the people has overtaken 
the reluctance of the leadership in this crucial debate.
  I began delivering a daily statement on campaign finance reform after 
the House failed to pass legislation by July 4th of 1997. That was the 
date the President challenged Congress to pass comprehensive reform. 
Since I began my daily statements I have received overwhelming 
encouragement from the people of western Wisconsin who have told me 
that Congress must do something about the big money in politics. I am 
pleased that the leadership has finally given in to the demands of a 
majority of the members of the House who have advocated for real 
campaign finance reform.
  This struggle is not over yet. We have received false promises 
before. I will continue to remind the leadership of their promise to 
allow an open and fair debate until that promise is kept.
  I am pleased that the base bill for debate will be H.R. 2183, the 
Bipartisan Campaign Integrity Act. This is a bipartisan bill, worked 
out among freshman members the House. The freshman bill is an honest 
effort to craft a bill that will take the big money out of politics and 
give our elections back to the people. I hope the House passes this 
bill.
  I thank the leadership for agreeing to end their stalling tactics and 
allow an open honest debate on campaign finance reform.

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