On the recordJuly 11, 2018
I thank my friend, and, Mr. Speaker, this proposed constitutional amendment will overturn Citizens United and will put voters back in charge of Washington. Over 90 percent of American voters want background checks on gun sales; three-quarters want aggressive action on climate change; 85 percent want guaranteed paid sick leave; and 75 percent of the people in our country think we ought to raise the minimum wage. The problem is these are the priorities of voters instead of the priorities of donors, and right now, in this House, donors call the shots. Ninety-three percent of Americans believe that we don't hear their voices. The cynicism is deep and it is bipartisan. Only 5 percent of Republicans and 6 percent of Democrats believe that their views are heard by their elected Representatives. Why? The Supreme Court's disastrous Citizens United decision held that unlimited election spending doesn't corrupt our political system. The Citizens United decision was wrong. To American voters, our Congress and our government institutions look like they are bought and paid for. In recent elections, just 150 wealthy families and the corporations that they control have flooded our elections with hundreds of millions of dollars. That money buys something. Unlimited money in our elections too often determines who can afford to run and sets the legislative agenda here in Washington.…
