Jim Sensenbrenner: “I rise in opposition to the bill and to the rule. While H.R. 5175 is being touted by its supporters as increasing…”

“I rise in opposition to the bill and to the rule. While H.R. 5175 is being touted by its supporters as increasing disclosure and transparency, the bill will ultimately serve as a roadblock to Americans who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights. The Supreme Court explicitly stated in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that there is ``no basis for the proposition that, in the context of political speech, the government may impose restrictions on certain disfavored speakers.'' However, this is exactly what this unconstitutional bill will do. The Citizens United decision struck down provisions of campaign finance law because of the unconstitutional restrictions on free speech, a right explicitly guaranteed by the First Amendment. The bill is simply a legislative workaround to Citizens United. The Supreme Court was very clear that prohibitions on full legal speech are unconstitutional and will only be a matter of time should this bill become law that it's struck down as well.”