[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 31, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                           HON. RUSS CARNAHAN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 31, 2011

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, due to an incorrectly recorded vote on the 
Cole Amendment #27 to H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2012, the record reflects a misrepresentation of my 
position. I would like the record to show that I firmly oppose this 
amendment which would exempt federal contractors from campaign 
disclosure requirements.
  I was disappointed by the Supreme Court's January, 2010, ruling on 
Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission, which overturned 
provisions of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 making it 
easier for big business and special interests to secretly finance 
political campaigns. As such, last year I cosponsored and voted in 
favor of H.R. 5175, the Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on 
Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act, which would promote transparency 
and disclosure in federal elections and counteract some of the most 
detrimental impacts of the Citizens United decision.
  I believe that Congress must address the unsustainable demands of 
campaign fundraising and enact tougher laws governing the actions of 
both legislators and special interests. In keeping with my views on 
campaign finance reform, please let the record show my opposition to 
this amendment.

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