[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2018

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a constitutional 
amendment to reverse the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in 
Citizens United v. FEC. No other recent decision has more sweepingly 
impacted our elections than this decision which allowed corporations to 
spend unlimited amounts of money to support candidates and PACs. 
Citizens United inflated the influence of corporations, megadonors, and 
special interests in American elections and in effect drowned out 
American votes.
  Citizens United unleashed corporate campaign spending. But it also 
created a gaping hole in the barrier that once blocked foreign money in 
U.S. elections. Before 2010, all federal campaign spending was 
traceable back to an individual's contribution to a candidate or a PAC.
  But because of the combination of Citizens United and FEC v. 
Wisconsin Right to Life, ``social welfare'' nonprofits (501(c)(4) can 
now make political expenditures just like other super PACs. These 
501(c)(4)s are even more attractive money funnels than traditional 
super PACs. They don't have to publicly disclose their donors.
  Almost all major corporations have some foreign ownership. The black 
hole of corporations' unlimited contributions to PACs and 501(c)(4)s 
should trouble all freedom lovers. This amendment nullifies the 
misguided decision in Citizens United and chips away at the influence 
of special interests in our elections.
  It restores the power of the American people to choose 
representatives who reflect their priorities. Mr. Speaker, I urge you 
to bring this bill to the floor for swift consideration.

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