Patsy T. Mink: “I rise in opposition of H.R. 34, cynically misnamed the Illegal Foreign Contributions Act. Instead of standing here…”

“I rise in opposition of H.R. 34, cynically misnamed the Illegal Foreign Contributions Act. Instead of standing here having a full and fair debate on campaign finance reform, we are here debating whether legal permanent residents have a right to free speech. The title of this bill is there to lure the Member into thinking that it deals with illegal foreign contributions. That is simply not the case. Legal permanent residents play by the rules in this country. They are legal residents. We have acknowledged their contribution to our society. They must have the right to express their political views. I am mortified that this Congress is about to deny legal residents First Amendment rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The Supreme Court has ruled that making contributions is the exercise of free speech. Legal permanent residents have a stake in the future of America, and should be allowed to voice their support for candidates and be assured a part in the political process. If we enact this bill, we will be telling thousands of individuals that you can contribute to our economy, register for the draft, serve in the military, and lose your life as a result, but you cannot exercise your freedom of speech.”