    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 30, 1997]
    [Page 1027]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Campaign Finance Reform
    July 30, 1997

        In my State of the Union Address, I called on Congress to enact
    bipartisan campaign finance reform legislation. I said that delay could
    be the death of reform and urged Congress to move forward quickly. I
    strongly support the decision by Senators McCain and Feingold to bring
    campaign finance reform legislation to the floor of Congress in
    September for a vote.
        The problems with the role of money in Presidential and
    congressional elections are plain. Since the campaign finance laws were
    last overhauled two and a half decades ago, the system has been
    overwhelmed by a flood of campaign cash. Both political parties are now
    engaged in an ever-escalating arms race for campaign funds. The
    consequences for our political system are clear: There is too much money
    in politics, and it takes too much time to raise.
        To make sure that ordinary citizens have the loudest voice in our
    democracy, we must act to change the campaign finance laws. This year, I
    have asked the FEC to ban so-called soft money to parties; I have asked
    the Federal Communications Commission to require broadcasters to provide
    free TV time to candidates; and the Justice Department has indicated it
    will defend spending limits in the courts. But these steps, however
    important, are no substitute for legislation. America needs--and the
    American people demand--strong, comprehensive campaign finance reform
    legislation. As the new century approaches, we have an opportunity and
    an obligation to restore the trust of the American people in their
    politics--and this is our chance to do it.
        For years, the special interests and their allies have blocked
    reform. This year, those who seek to continue special interest influence
    as usual will filibuster again. But this year, we have an opportunity to
    come together across party lines to act and pass reform that cleans up
    the campaign finance system. September will be the time for Members of
    the Senate to stand up and be counted for reform. I will do what I can
    to see to it that 1997 is finally the year that it is achieved.