    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [September 29, 1994]
    [Page 1661]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Lobby and Campaign Finance Reform Legislation
    September 29, 1994

        The American people have made it clear that they want a change in
    the way Washington works. From the beginning of my administration, I
    have called upon Congress to enact tough political reform legislation.
    Today Congress made real progress in the effort to return Government to
    the people. It is now time for Congress to finish the job and enact
    lobby reform and campaign finance reform, so that narrow interests are
    never able to obstruct the national interest.
        The House of Representatives took a major step toward changing the
    culture of the Capital when it voted for lobby reform. This legislation
    will, for the first time, require lobbyists to fully disclose their
    activities, their clients, and the sources of their funding. And it will
    bar lobbyists from providing gifts, meals, and entertainment to
    lawmakers. I call on the Senate to quickly pass lobby reform and send it
    to my desk. We must take the political system away from the lobbyists
    and the narrow interests in Washington and give it back to the American
    people.
        I am also heartened by the agreement between House and Senate
    leaders on campaign finance reform legislation. This bill will limit
    congressional spending, curb the PAC's and lobbyists, open the airwaves
    to debate, and ban the use of soft money in Federal elections. Make no
    mistake: this is real reform. Tomorrow the Senate will vote to end a
    filibuster and appoint conferees on this bill. I call on Senators from
    both parties to put aside partisanship and move forward with this
    legislation. There is simply no excuse for delay.