Sam Brownback: “I am proud today to be offering a bipartisan proposal for campaign finance reform with my distinguished colleague, the…”

“I am proud today to be offering a bipartisan proposal for campaign finance reform with my distinguished colleague, the senior Senator from Wisconsin, Herb Kohl. Mr. President, those of us who have spent the balance of our congressional careers working to build public trust in the political system know of the difficulties in offering constructive alternatives. Any legislation which fundamentally alters the way public officials seek election is bound to attract their attention and intense scrutiny--as it should. Mr. President, Senator Kohl and I believe this proposal offers a hopeful avenue for progress. Recognizing that any reform effort must be bipartisan to succeed, the legislation we are offering establishes a fair and independent process to bring this issue to the floor of the Congress for consideration. Without prejudging any outcomes, this bill would help to break the logjam which threatens to prevent even meaningful consideration of alternatives for reform. Mr. President, Senator Kohl and I do not claim to have all the answers, but we believe that through this vehicle, we can take the next step in accomplishing substantial progress on this important matter.”