However, in this age of multimillion-dollar congressional campaigns, even the most dedicated Member has no choice but to spend a great deal of his time or her time fundraising.

In my home State of Connecticut, we addressed these problems. The inordinate amount of time spent fundraising was unfair, and the public perceptions of pay-to-play and the runaway cost of campaigns were the main reason why the State of Connecticut implemented a public financing system.

All of my colleagues are principled people who would rather be doing just about anything else, as you bore witness to, than making fundraising calls, attending fundraising breakfasts, lunches, dinners, you name it.

I don't believe that any Member of this body is unduly influenced by the contributions that are made.

I would think that right now there is legislation being put forth. There is H.R. 1729, which is the 'Student Voter Act,' which would require all colleges and universities that receive Federal funds to offer voter registration to students during the enrollment for a course of study.

Clearly, not to preempt creativity in States, but where should there be--should people have an equal chance to vote throughout the country, when it comes to their ability to access voting, if they are choosing to do it in, you know, other than just going to the polls?

I would like to discuss that for a second in a minute.

We must get back to teaching civic engagement, teaching the process.

Our hearing will come to order.

Often when I meet with the Navy and Marine Corps ombudsmen in my district, one of the common concerns that I hear is the lack of access to funds that could be used to help reduce the financial burden on our volunteers or provide recognition for their service.

When we think of military families, most think of the spouse and children. However, not all service members are married, but yet their families--mothers, fathers, siblings may need similar support services when a single service member is deployed.