[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 BIPARTISAN CAMPAIGN REFORM ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2356) to 
     amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide 
     bipartisan campaign reform:

  Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Chairman, I stand here today in support of 
H.R. 2356, the Bi-Partisan Campaign Finance Reform Act.
  Over time, Americans have become a group very skeptical of politics, 
pleading for reform--reform that would enable them to participate in 
the political process. While there are many opinions on how to fix our 
system, what is clear is that Americans need reassurance that they have 
a voice in our political process. A perfect illustration may be that 
which has become a major headliner in today's news--Enron. I am not 
advocating that if campaign finance had already been implemented the 
Enron debacle may not have occurred, but I will say that the recent 
collapse of Enron has only further illustrated the extent of 
corporations' political spending and furthered people's cynicism about 
big money and politics. Today, I am glad to say after a long fight, we 
are able to offer the American people an opportunity to once again 
become involved in a political system that promises a vote and voice 
for everyone.
  H.R. 2356 takes so many steps to improve the current political 
process. It invites all American voters to participate in the political 
system by completely banning soft money contributions to the national 
political parties, prohibits federal officeholders and candidates from 
soliciting soft money in connection with Federal elections, and 
requires state and local parties to spend hard money on activities that 
influence federal elections. Not only does this legislation stop the 
ever increasing and powerful flow of money, but it also reins in sham 
issue ads by requiring hard money for broadcast communications that 
mention a Federal candidate within sixty days of a general election or 
thirty days of a primary and are targeted in the candidate's 
electorate, among other provisions--such as allowing state parties to 
use funds to conduct voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts. 
Finally, we, those who are chosen to represent the American people, are 
able to offer the American voters a reform bill that strengthens our 
nation and allows all its citizens to actively participate.
  Now that we have made considerable steps in providing all Americans 
with an opportunity to participate in the political process, no matter 
their income, it is important that we continue this fight for the right 
of all Americans to have a guaranteed protected vote. Americans must be 
reassured that what occurred in the 2000 elections will not occur 
again. Not only will they have an opportunity to actively participate 
in the election process, but also a right to have their voices heard 
when it is time to cast their votes. Mr. Chairman, reforming our 
campaign laws is an important step toward renewing people's belief in 
our American system and now we must continue this fight and ensure them 
that their right to vote is just as great.
  During this vote on final passage of H.R. 2356, we, my colleagues, 
have an opportunity to inevitably shape the course that we follow as a 
nation. Now is the time to make change, now is the time to offer 
opportunity, now is the time to engage those who have been disengaged 
for far too long. Remember, when people go to the poles, they cast one 
vote, when we vote on the House floor, we vote for all those we 
represent. My dear colleagues, I urge you to represent them now, 
represent all those who are so often unheard, let them know they soon 
can and will be heard--today, tomorrow, and forever. I urge my 
colleagues to support final passage of H.R. 2356, the Bi-Partisan 
Campaign Finance Reform Act.

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