[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 30, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SOFT MONEY BAN

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                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2001

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a bill that 
would prohibit the use of soft money to influence any campaign for 
election to federal office.
  Since 1907, it has been illegal for corporations to donate money for 
campaigns for federal office. Since 1947, labor unions have not been 
allowed to donate money directly for campaigns. Finally, since 1974, 
individuals have not been allowed to contribute more than $1,000 to a 
federal candidate.
  Soft money emerged as a vehicle to get around these campaign finance 
laws. Political parties now receive unlimited contributions by 
corporations, labor unions, and wealthy individuals. Huge amounts of 
soft money have invaded our political system. My bill places the same 
limits on the contributions to the National Parties as is currently in 
effect for contributions made to all candidates for federal office. We 
should ban soft money this year and restore the people's faith in our 
political process.




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