Don Bacon: “Today I rise in opposition to this effort to conduct a hostile takeover of our elections by Washington, D.C. H.R. 1 is…”

“Today I rise in opposition to this effort to conduct a hostile takeover of our elections by Washington, D.C. H.R. 1 is nothing less than an attempt by the majority party to federalize our election system, strip all authority from the States, and create government-funded political campaigns. All of this will increase the election system's vulnerability for fraud and restrict free speech. The legislation we consider today will have a long-lasting, devastating impact on our elections: H.R. 1 will create a 6-to-1 government match for all small donor contributions. This means government funds will be going to help pay for more campaigns, more TV, more radio ads. Americans will be compelled to bankroll candidates they don't support. My sister, a staunch Republican, shouldn't have to have her hard- earned money go towards Democratic candidates. Her son, a staunch Democrat, shouldn't have his hard-earned money go towards a Republican. If H.R. 1 is to become law, it will place limits on freedom of speech, putting vague standards on groups who wish to advocate for any legislative issue. This is why even the ACLU does not support H.R. 1. And when the ACLU doesn't support a Democratic election bill, you know it is wrong. Our Nation was built on individuals advocating for their beliefs. It is our right to advocate the way we wish for a cause we believe in.…”