[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 28, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        AMERICAN POLITICS IS BECOMING MORE CORRUPT BY THE DOLLAR

  (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, it's been more than 2 years since the 
Supreme Court rendered its Citizens United decision, and American 
politics is becoming more corrupt by the dollar.
  Election season is flooded with special-interest money, confirming 
the deep skepticism of an American public that is estranged from and 
fed up with its government. In the past 2 years alone, super PACs have 
raised approximately $181 million, an increase of more than 1,200 
percent, in outside spending during a Presidential election.
  Our system allows for corporations and extremely wealthy individuals 
to influence elections without any accountability, and this must 
change. That's why I'm a cosponsor and strong supporter of the DISCLOSE 
2012 Act, which would shine a light on the secret money in political 
campaigns.
  The DISCLOSE 2012 Act requires public reporting by super PACs, 
corporations, unions, and outside groups within 24 hours of making a 
campaign expenditure. It forces leaders of other corporations and other 
outside groups to stand by their campaign ads by appearing in them and 
stating that they approve this message.
  Madam Speaker, I urge Republican leadership to bring the DISCLOSE 
2012 Act up for a vote. Until we get Big Money out of politics, we will 
never be able to responsibly address the major issues facing American 
families.

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