John Yarmuth: “It's been more than 2 years since the Supreme Court rendered its Citizens United decision, and American politics is…”

“It's been more than 2 years since the Supreme Court rendered its Citizens United decision, and American politics is becoming more corrupt by the dollar. Election season is flooded with special-interest money, confirming the deep skepticism of an American public that is estranged from and fed up with its government. In the past 2 years alone, super PACs have raised approximately $181 million, an increase of more than 1,200 percent, in outside spending during a Presidential election. Our system allows for corporations and extremely wealthy individuals to influence elections without any accountability, and this must change. That's why I'm a cosponsor and strong supporter of the DISCLOSE 2012 Act, which would shine a light on the secret money in political campaigns. The DISCLOSE 2012 Act requires public reporting by super PACs, corporations, unions, and outside groups within 24 hours of making a campaign expenditure. It forces leaders of other corporations and other outside groups to stand by their campaign ads by appearing in them and stating that they approve this message. Madam Speaker, I urge Republican leadership to bring the DISCLOSE 2012 Act up for a vote. Until we get Big Money out of politics, we will never be able to responsibly address the major issues facing American families. ____________________”