    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 37 (Monday, September 20, 1999)]
    [Page 1739]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Letter to Members of Congress on Proposed Campaign Finance Reform
    Legislation

    September 13, 1999

    Dear __________:

        This week, the House of Representatives will have an historic
    opportunity to strengthen our democracy when it considers legislation to
    reform our campaign finance system. I write to you today to urge the
    passage of the bipartisan campaign finance reform bill offered by
    Representatives Christopher Shays and Martin Meehan.
        The Shays-Meehan legislation represents real, comprehensive reform.
    It would ban the raising of unregulated ``soft money'' by both parties,
    address backdoor campaign spending by outside organizations, and
    strengthen public disclosure. It would revitalize the political process
    by curbing the role of special interests, giving voters a louder voice,
    and treating incumbents and challengers of both parties fairly.
        For nearly four years I have challenged Congress to pass the Shays-
    Meehan bill. As you know, it was approved by the House last year, only
    to be blocked by a minority of the Senate. Today, I ask Members of the
    House to pass it--without unnecessary amendments that would undermine
    its intent and reach.
        We have had enough talk about reform; the House of Representatives
    now has a rare and fleeting opportunity to act. The American people know
    the system needs to be fixed--but many have come to doubt Congress's
    will to fix it. I urge you to make this the year that Congress proves
    the cynics wrong, and passes bipartisan, comprehensive campaign finance
    reform.
        Sincerely,
                                                      Bill Clinton

    Note: Letters were sent to every Member of the House of Representatives.