[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.