    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [April 22, 1998]
    [Page 601]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House Action on Campaign Finance Reform
    April 22, 1998

        I am very pleased that the House Republican leadership will heed the
    call of congressional reformers and allow a vote on campaign finance
    reform. I strongly support the bipartisan legislation offered by
    Representatives Christopher Shays and
    Marty Meehan, which is the best chance in a
    generation for real reform. Similar legislation already has the support
    of a majority of Senators, yet it has been blocked by a minority on
    procedural grounds. Now every Member of the House of Representatives has
    a responsibility to vote for this measure to ban large soft money
    contributions, improve disclosure, and restrict backdoor campaign
    spending. A vote for bipartisan campaign finance reform will be a vote
    to strengthen our democracy and give ordinary voters a stronger voice.