Rick Allen: “reclaiming my time, these freshmen Members of Congress have helped bring real campaign finance reform to the floor. H.R.…”

“reclaiming my time, these freshmen Members of Congress have helped bring real campaign finance reform to the floor. H.R. 2183 should now be debated and passed in this Congress. But we are going to hear some objections. We are going to hear the phrase ``big money.'' I ask you to remember it. We are going to hear the phrase ``free speech.'' Because when some Members of Congress argue that campaign reform stifles free speech, they are really saying that it shuts down big money, and they like big money. They want to keep big money. The Supreme Court has said preventing the appearance and reality of corruption justifies limits on contributions to candidates and parties. To be sure, the First Amendment is a factor. But a soft money ban is constitutional. Issue advocacy can be regulated. Do not be fooled by those who use the rhetoric of free speech to keep campaigns fueled with big money from corporations, unions and wealthy individuals. Support the freshman bill.”