[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.