Ben Cardin: “Today was the day that we were supposed to debate at long last campaign finance reform. The public understands that if…”

“Today was the day that we were supposed to debate at long last campaign finance reform. The public understands that if we are to pass campaign finance reform, it will be embodied in the principles of McCain-Feingold or Shays-Meehan. But, unfortunately, the Committee on Rules is recommending a rule that will make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for this body to have an up-or- down vote on the McCain-Feingold/Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform proposal. That is not right. Those of us who favor reform, unfortunately, will have to oppose this rule so that we can, in fact, have an honest debate and vote up or down campaign finance reform.”