Kendra S. Horn: “today the House will begin the debate and vote on proposals to reform the way we finance federal election campaigns in…”

“today the House will begin the debate and vote on proposals to reform the way we finance federal election campaigns in this country. Some believe this issue rates very low in public concern, but I believe strongly that the proposals we debate today go to the very heart of our democracy. This is a debate about the way we will run our elections, which are the foundation and a major safeguard of our republic. It is a debate and a decision about whether every voter will have an equal voice in deciding our nation's future or whether some interests will always have special status because their voices are backed by large financial contributions. Mr. Speaker, there is nothing wrong with a person providing a financial contribution to a political candidate or committee. It is proper that candidates are supported at the grassroots level through the involvement of friends and neighbors. Each of us is here in large measure because we enjoy and appreciate such support from a wide range of Americans who care about our government and are personally committed to supporting us. But, there is something wrong with this system when the link between candidates and the grassroots voter--our neighbors and our friends--is broken or bent beyond recognition by an avalanche of big money that comes directly from corporations, labor unions and from a very few, very wealthy individuals. That is the problem we face today.…”