Michael Bennet: “I rise today in support of the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act--the DISCLOSE…”

“I rise today in support of the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act--the DISCLOSE Act. I would first like to thank Senator Schumer for his leadership. This legislation is necessary as we work to fix Washington's broken campaign finance system in response to the Supreme Court's decision in Citizen's United v. FEC. The credibility of our democracy is damaged by the status quo. Because of the dysfunction in our campaign finance system, the voices of special and entrenched interests drown out those of ordinary people. Thousands of lobbyists line the Halls of Congress every day, and their voices get heard. Only strong reform can begin to turn things around. Campaign finance reform is something Congress has long needed to address. The reforms of the past have proven insufficient and are continually under assault in the courts. The Supreme Court did us no favors with its decision in Citizens United. As Justice Stevens wrote in his dissent, "the Court's ruling threatens to undermine the integrity of elected institutions across the nation." I'm with Justice Stevens.”