On the recordMarch 13, 1997
What they say is they believe the Supreme Court was correct when it said they had a right to support or oppose whomever they choose in the American political system. They know that if Congress is given the power, either through a constitutional amendment or through a measure such as McCain-Feingold, their voices will be quieted, their ability to participate will be capped, limited. They are quite concerned about that and feel that this is not a step in the right direction, that in fact it is the worst possible thing you can do. If you look out at America, we are a seething cauldron of interests. The Founding Fathers envisioned that. The Supreme Court has made it clear that all those interests have an opportunity, a right, a constitutional right to participate in the American political system, and these groups don't want to be pushed out. They think their causes are important. They want to be able to advocate them. They want to be able to support whomever they choose.
Said by
Pete Domenici
Source
govinfo.gov