Rich Neal: “I thank the gentleman for a long 45 seconds. The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis), my friend, raised the question…”

“I thank the gentleman for a long 45 seconds. The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis), my friend, raised the question earlier why did somebody sign the discharge petition. It is the first one I have signed in 14 years in this House, and I was number 218, precisely for the purpose of giving the American people a full and fair discussion about campaign finance. Everybody knows what has happened in this institution. It is no secret that the Republican leadership is opposed to campaign finance. Enron has cast a new day around here. This debate appears to be complicated. The task ahead of us is really quite simple. The time is now to adopt this legislation. This part of our campaign finance season in this House is known for one thing: It is search and destroy with soft money. It is not to enlighten. It is to eviscerate the public debate. Mr. Chairman, I would suggest now that we take down the 'For Sale' sign that hangs over this wonderful old House and pass Shays-Meehan. We need to move forward with this campaign finance bill.”