[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.