[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
[June 16, 1993]
[Page 865]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Campaign Finance Reform Legislation
June 16, 1993

    I congratulate the Senators from both parties who voted to break the 
filibuster of campaign finance reform. Today the Senate showed it has 
heard the American people's demand for change. I have long believed that 
we will not give the middle class the economic growth and health care 
reform it needs unless we also reform our political system. Today's vote 
is a breakthrough in the fight to give the Government back to the 
American people.
    The stage is now set for passage of campaign finance reform 
legislation that limits spending, curbs the special interests, and opens 
up the airwaves to greater competition. Make no mistake: This 
legislation, while it necessarily contains compromises, will change 
Washington for the better.
    This must be only the first step in our effort to ensure that 
Washington works for the national interest and not narrow interests. I 
urge the Senate to pass this legislation tomorrow. I urge the House to 
act quickly on its own campaign finance reform bill. And I urge the 
Congress to move forward on lobby disclosure legislation that brings the 
activities of lobbyists into the sunlight of public scrutiny.