Political Quotes

“we are about to take a significant step forward in our efforts to restore public confidence in the American political system by passing the much needed reforms contained in the Shays-Meehan substitute. Under the current system, many average, hard-working Americans feel their voices can't be heard above the call of special interests. And who can blame them? The roar of unaccountable advertising campaigns financed by unlimited soft money donations dominates our elections. Where the voters seek an informed discussion of the issues, they find only slogans and rhetoric. Long after the need for reform became clear to the voters, its opponents resisted. Opponents of reform would have the American people believe that the only change necessary is increased disclosure, that unlimited sums of soft money pose no threat to the foundation of our democracy, the principle of one person, one vote. Against the will of the voters, opponents of reform sought to deny consideration of Shays-Meehan. Having failed in their delaying action, opponents of reform then waged a war of attrition, attempting to amend Shays-Meehan to death. Once again, supporters of reform stood tall and these efforts were defeated. Today, I am proud to join my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, to vote for the Shays-Meehan substitute, to pass meaningful campaign finance reform legislation, and to fulfill the commitment we have to the American people to ensure that their voices will be heard.”