Sam Farr: “I ask my colleagues here on the floor to think about what is going on today, ask themselves what exactly is reform. Less…”

“I ask my colleagues here on the floor to think about what is going on today, ask themselves what exactly is reform. Less money is certainly reform. More power to small contributors is certainly reform. Preventing rich people from buying public office is certainly reform. Eliminating soft money is certainly reform. Leveling the playing field is certainly reform. Limiting special influence in campaigns is special reform. Let me tell my colleagues what the President says about this: He says, Unfortunately the Republican leadership in the House appears determined to block any legitimate reform. The Republican leadership's bill, unlike your own legislation, would drive campaign financing in the wrong direction. Your bill would control campaign spending. The Republican bill would encourage dramatic increases in spending. Your bill reforms the soft money system. The Republican bill would place a premium on soft money contributions from the very wealthy.”