Political Quotes

“because of a family matter, I unfortunately missed three rollcall votes (249, 250, 251) pertaining to campaign finance reform. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 249, the Thomas amendment to add a nonseverability clause, ``yes'' on rollcall No. 250, the Maloney amendment providing for a commission on campaign finance reform, and ``yes'' on rollcall No. 251, the Gillmor amendment to ensure every voter can participate in the political process. I strongly oppose the Thomas amendment. It goes too far; the amendment strikes the provision in Shays-Meehan stating that if any part of the bill is found unconstitutional, the remainder stays intact, and it adds a provision stating that if any part is found unconstitutional, the entire bill is invalid. This Congress has passed several bills with severability clauses, including the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Bills that are silent on the issue are considered by the courts to be severable. The Thomas anti-severability approach is highly unusual, and found in only four of the thousands of bills introduced this Congress. I support the Maloney amendment, which would create a 12-member commission to recommend changes to current campaign finance law.”