[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1227-E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




DEMOCRACY IS STRENGTHENED BY CASTING LIGHT ON SPENDING IN ELECTIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2010

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5175) to 
     amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit 
     foreign influence in Federal elections, to prohibit 
     government contractors from making expenditures with respect 
     to such elections, and to establish additional disclosure 
     requirements with respect to spending in such elections, and 
     for other purposes:

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 5175, the 
Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections 
(DISCLOSE) Act and I urge my colleagues to support this important 
bipartisan bill that will improve transparency and accountability in 
our federal elections. I would like to thank Chairman Brady and 
Congressman Van Hollen for their efforts to quickly move this bill to 
the floor.

[[Page E1228]]

  I share the concern of many Rhode Islanders who were disappointed 
with the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC, which 
would allow corporations to fund political ads without disclosing their 
funding sources. Unfortunately, this could facilitate unlimited 
political spending by anonymous donors in campaigns across the nation, 
allowing special interests and corporations to go unchecked in our 
democratic process.
  Contrary to some arguments that have been made on this Floor today, 
this bill does nothing to restrict free speech. It simply ensures that 
our citizens know who is speaking.
  This legislation takes several critical steps to protect the 
integrity of our elections and shine light on who is funding campaign 
advertisements. First, it prohibits large government contractors, those 
with over $10 million in contracts, from making campaign expenditures. 
The bill further bars those companies that received TARP funding from 
participating in federal campaigns until the government is repaid. 
Additionally, this bill ensures that foreign governments do not 
influence our elections by banning corporations controlled by foreign 
nationals from making campaign contributions and expenditures.
  I am especially pleased that the DISCLOSE Act contains strong 
language to require CEOs to stand by their ads by requiring them to 
appear on camera to ``approve the message,'' just as candidates do 
today. Additionally, top donors must be listed in ads so that 
individuals know exactly who is financing the message. Again, this does 
not curb the freedom to speak or advocate for an issue or candidate, it 
simply ensures transparency. Finally, this legislation requires 
corporations and other organizations to disclose campaign related 
expenditures to their shareholders, members, and on their websites.
  While I am disappointed with the inclusion of an exemption for 
certain organizations, I believe that this bill takes an enormous step 
towards improving our laws to bring greater transparency and 
accountability to our nation's campaigns. As a former Secretary of 
State and a proud representative of Rhode Island, I believe free and 
fair elections are fundamental to our democracy, and I urge my 
colleagues to support the DISCLOSE Act.

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