John Doolittle: “I know the theme of the minority is the Republicans abuse power and they are corrupt; but I think this example is…”

“I know the theme of the minority is the Republicans abuse power and they are corrupt; but I think this example is absolutely ludicrous, given that it was recommended by a prominent Democrat member of the House Administration Committee who happens to support the legislation. And she prudently recommended it because at the time it seemed like it was a relatively noncontroversial idea, supported by most of us. I would venture to guess that the outcome will be just as she assumed, that it will pass by the two-thirds vote required. {time} 1500 I just cannot sit here and listen to this recitation when it is so unfair, given the facts of this particular case. Mr. Speaker, the Constitution is clear, ``Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech.'' Unfortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to the contrary that, in this instance, in political speech Congress may abridge the freedom of speech and it may do so under the guise of preventing corruption or the appearance thereof in campaign activities. I disagree with that decision, but the Supreme Court has spoken for now, so we must live with it. I am grateful to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who at least feel, as concerns the Internet, that there are compelling policy reasons why that should not be subject to this kind of regulation.…”