[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 184 (Friday, December 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TERMINATING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN FUND AND ELECTION ASSISTANCE 
                               COMMISSION

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                               speech of

                          HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2011

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House passed H.R. 3463, a bill 
terminating the Election Assistance Commission and the Presidential 
Election Campaign Fund. I voted ``no''.
  I also opposed the House-passed legislation in January to eliminate 
the Presidential Election Campaign Fund (H.R. 359), as well as the 
previously unsuccessful attempt in June to pass a bill eliminating the 
Election Assistance Commission (H.R. 672). H.R. 3463 combined these 
previously considered bills to pay for the cost of the two bills the 
House considered yesterday and today (H.R. 527 and H.R. 3010). I also 
voted against those bills because they reduce the ability of federal 
agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to 
implement regulations to protect public health, workers, and the 
environment.
  The Election Assistance Commission was established in 2002 as part of 
the Help America Vote Act. That legislation was enacted because of the 
widespread irregularities and controversy surrounding the 2000 
presidential elections. The commission's immediate role was to oversee 
payments to states to help them replace punch card and lever voting 
systems and to develop statewide voter databases. The commission also 
operates a federal voting system testing and certification program and 
maintains an election administration information clearinghouse. State 
and local governments rely on the services provided by the Commission. 
One year before another presidential election, now is not the time to 
eliminate the Commission.
  The Presidential Campaign Fund was created to establish a system and 
spending limits for publicly financed presidential elections, providing 
opportunities for greater competition and transparency. The law that 
created the Fund in 1972 clearly needs some updating, but it should not 
be repealed.

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