Joe Crowley: “9 out of 10 Americans, 9 out of 10 Americans support campaign finance reform. Today, I rise in support of meaningful…”

“9 out of 10 Americans, 9 out of 10 Americans support campaign finance reform. Today, I rise in support of meaningful campaign finance reform which our political system needs and our constituents demand. I salute the Blue Dogs for once again filing a discharge petition to try to overcome the resistance of the Republican leadership and force a reform bill onto the House floor. The simple fact is the cost of running for Federal office today is so great that candidates are forced to devote way too much of their time fund-raising rather than dealing with issues of importance to their constituents. Mr. Speaker, last year 196 Members signed a discharge petition that led to bringing the Shays-Meehan bipartisan campaign finance bill to the House floor. Without that petition process, the House Republican leadership would never have let that debate occur. Today, I urge all Members, from both sides, to join me in signing this petition so that a real debate can finally take place on this floor.”