Sean Patrick Maloney: “I rise reluctantly to support this rule because it remains the only way that we will get real campaign finance reform on…”

“I rise reluctantly to support this rule because it remains the only way that we will get real campaign finance reform on the floor for a vote. The underlying Shays-Meehan bill is strong, bipartisan legislation that deserves the support of every Member of this House. It is the only bill that shuts down the soft money system and reins in the phony issue ads; but in order to get to Shays-Meehan, this rules forces us to navigate a minefield of poison pills, killer amendments and substitutes introduced by many Members who have absolutely no intention of voting for the underlying bill. The most dangerous of these is the Thomas substitute. It would strengthen the FEC, a cause I have long championed. Along with my colleague, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp), we introduced an amendment that would incorporate the Thomas substitute as a perfecting amendment, as many of us did with the commission bill of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Franks) and others last year. But, Mr. Speaker, this was rejected. I urge my colleagues, vote for the rule, against all substitutes, all killer amendments, and for campaign finance reform.”