[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 14 (Monday, April 6, 1998)]
[Page 541]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.