Asa Hutchinson: “I came to Congress with a desire to reduce cynicism and to build confidence in our institutions of government. That is…”

“I came to Congress with a desire to reduce cynicism and to build confidence in our institutions of government. That is why I have worked with a bipartisan group of freshman Members to accomplish reform and to empower individuals in our political process. Because of those beliefs and work, I rise in support of this legislation sponsored by the chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas). It is not a perfect bill but it is a good bill. It bans soft money to our national parties, which has been the greatest source of campaign abuse, and I compliment the chairman for his willingness to make adjustments through this process to accomplish substantial reform. I am pleased to express my support of this bill, but I am deeply disappointed that in the last moments the people's hope for reform was crushed when majority rule became defeat by design. While the bill is worthy of support, the process today will not produce victory but reflects the dark side of this institution, and both sides of the aisle have contributed to this darkness.”