[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 97 (Thursday, July 12, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H3964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            ALLOW UP OR DOWN VOTE ON CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

  (Mr. CARDIN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, today was the day that we were supposed to 
debate at long last campaign finance reform. The public understands 
that if we are to pass campaign finance reform, it will be embodied in 
the principles of McCain-Feingold or Shays-Meehan. But, unfortunately, 
the Committee on Rules is recommending a rule that will make it 
extremely difficult, if not impossible, for this body to have an up-or-
down vote on the McCain-Feingold/Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform 
proposal.
  That is not right. Those of us who favor reform, unfortunately, will 
have to oppose this rule so that we can, in fact, have an honest debate 
and vote up or down campaign finance reform.

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