    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [March 30, 1998]
    [Pages 473-474]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Campaign
    Finance Reform Legislation
    March 30, 1998

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        The Congress has an obligation and an opportunity to strengthen our
    democracy by passing comprehensive campaign finance reform. Instead, the
    Congressional leadership is attempting to derail serious, bipartisan
    campaign finance reform through procedural means.
        The bipartisan plan proposed by Representatives Christopher
    Shays and Martin Meehan is genuine, tough reform, supported by a large number of
    lawmakers of both parties. It would address serious flaws in the
    campaign finance system, by banning unregulated ``soft money'' raised by
    both parties, addressing backdoor campaign spending by outside
    organizations, and strengthening disclosure. This bipartisan measure is
    the best chance in years to reduce the role of special interests, give
    voters a louder voice, and treat fairly incumbents and challengers of
    both parties. This measure has the support of a majority of the Senate,
    and I believe that if it were allowed to come for a vote, it would have
    the support of a majority of the House as well.
        Instead, the House leadership has determined to thwart serious
    reform. It has refused to allow

    [[Page 474]]

    the Shays-Meehan bill even to come up for a vote. Instead, it has
    offered a plan stocked with proposals--including the so-called
    ``Paycheck Protection'' and ``Election Integrity'' provisions--that are
    harshly partisan and plainly unacceptable.
        Behind the blizzard of proposals and procedural complications, one
    thing is clear: this is a transparent effort to block reform. I call on
    the House of Representatives to rise to its responsibility, bring the
    Shays-Meehan bill to an up-or-down vote, and give the American people
    the reform they deserve.
        Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this letter.