[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

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this letter.