Victor Fazio: “it is pretty obvious by now that Democrats believe there is too much money in our political system today. But we think…”

“it is pretty obvious by now that Democrats believe there is too much money in our political system today. But we think it is equally important that all the money in our political system be fully disclosed to the American people. Voters must know who paid for an advertisement to help them evaluate its purpose. Toward that end, Mr. Speaker, this motion to recommit includes the commonsense definition of what is called an independent expenditure, as set forth a decade ago by the Court of Appeals in the Fergatch case, which has never been overruled by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Republican bill, by contrast, adopts the narrowest possible definition, one that is riddled with loopholes. As a result, the Republican bill would deprive Americans of the information they want by reducing the requirements for disclosure of political money. It would also, frankly, have the unfortunate effect of encouraging the anonymous negative advertising that has grown so common lately in this country. The Republican aversion to disclosure is not limited to independent expenditures. Time and time again the Republican leadership has sought to stifle communication from working people in the labor movement who have fought so hard for an increase in the minimum wage. Specific antilabor provisions were grafted onto the Republican bill as an exercise, I believe, in union bashing. It seems the majority prefers to create a campaign issue rather than seek a solution to the alleged problem.”