Political Quotes

“I rise in support of the Thomas substitute, and I urge my colleagues to vote for this substitute. The legislation makes a series of much-needed changes. For instance, there are over 20 provisions in this legislation that will simplify and strengthen laws for FEC reporting and enforcement. In addition, the Thomas substitute places a strict ban on foreign soft money. Finally, one of the problems with the current campaign finance system is not what we know, but what we do not know. This legislation will ensure that more rapid filing requirements, electronic filings, will make it easier for the public to know who is contributing to which federal candidate. This is why I commend Texas Governor George W. Bush who posted all of his campaign contributors on his Web site for public view. The most important aspect of this debate is information, and we should support legislation that gives us more information, not less. Once again, it seems that politics will rule the day, though, for supporters of Shays-Meehan, a major portion of the Thomas substitute was taken from the ranking member of the Committee on House Administration, yet politics prevail and he has chosen to oppose the bill with the provisions in it that he himself used to support. It is pretty clear to me that the proponents of this legislation are more concerned about politicizing the issue, rather than actually passing legislation which will improve our current situation.”