[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2001

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, the House this week begins debate 
on campaign finance reform. This debate is important for a number of 
reasons. We need to end the practice of unlimited soft money 
contributions from corporations and labor unions. We need to improve 
disclosure requirements so that ordinary citizens know who is paying 
for campaigns. Most importantly, we need to restore people's confidence 
that their elected officials are looking out for their interests.
  In previous debates on campaign finance reform, I have supported a 
ban of soft money. These unregulated, unlimited contributions have cast 
a shadow of impropriety over electioneering efforts by both political 
parties. Soft money circumvents current campaign finance laws which 
prohibit corporate contributions to federal campaigns and limit how 
much an individual can contribute. Banning soft money would eliminate 
the largest source of questionable campaign money in elections and 
would help repair Congress's tarnished public image.
  Another key principle of campaign finance reform is improved 
disclosure. Voters have a right to know who is contributing to 
campaigns, how much and when. They also have a right to know who is 
paying for advertising and other political activities on behalf of or 
in opposition to candidates. Armed with this information, voters are 
more than capable of judging who is representing them and who is 
representing special interest contributors. Reform legislation should 
strengthen disclosure requirements and improve electronic access to 
campaign finance information.
  While I strongly support reforming our campaign finance laws, I do 
not support taxpayer financing of federal elections. Nor do I support 
proposals that infringe on the free speech rights of individuals or 
groups. The freedom to support or oppose candidates is fundamental to 
the American system of government. Public financing forces citizens to 
support with their tax dollars candidates they oppose at the ballot 
box. Similarly, it is wrong to prohibit citizens from using their own 
resources to advocate the election or defeat of a candidate. We need to 
ensure that we do not use the banner of reform to silence the voices of 
those who oppose us.
  I will work to pass and send to President Bush a campaign finance 
reform bill that accomplishes true reform while protecting the rights 
of all citizens to participate in our democracy.

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