On the recordJune 24, 2010
I rise in support of the DISCLOSE Act. I believe that this is relatively simple. I think that all of us in this country have a right to know who is putting forth ads for or against candidates as the campaigns run on. This act that we are trying to pass basically is one of transparency. It basically indicates that foreign corporations cannot spend dollars in U.S. elections, and Federal contractors cannot get involved. But those who can, the corporations, unions, not-for-profits, must disclose who is paying for it in terms of the CEO coming forward and major contributors being posted so that people know who is paying for it. I do not believe it's in any way a violation of the First Amendment as has been stated here on repeated occasions. I will be the first to tell you I do not like the manager's amendment that was in the rule with respect to the exemptions for certain entities...
