House To Consider Campaign Finance Legislation Monday
By Ann Curley/CNN
WASHINGTON (March 27) -- A day after House Republican leaders indicated they would delay consideration of campaign finance legislation until later in the spring, Republican Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) announced Friday the chamber would take up four measures on Monday.
The move surprised both Republicans and Democrats.
Campaign finance reform has been a thorn in Republican leaders' sides for months. Most do not want to set limits on fund-raising. But pressure has been building on House GOP leaders from their own rank and file to bring legislation to the floor.
The Senate reached an impasse on the issue a month ago.
But there is a catch. The reform bills will be considered Monday under strict rules, usually used only to quickly deal with non-controversial items: debate time is limited, no amendments are allowed, and the measures require 2/3 majority for passage.
That means chances of passage are highly unlikely, allowing GOP leaders off the hook.
When Armey made his announcement, Rep. Chris Shays (R-Conn.) was clearly shocked and questioned Armey on the procedure. Shays is the sponsor of a bipartisan measure for campaign finance that has gathered a large amount of support, much to the distaste of many Republicans.
After the announcement, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) gave a floor speech criticizing the move, saying, "On the day that we'll be burying a colleague, we'll also be burying campaign finance reform." He was referring to the funeral of Rep. Steve Schiff (R-N.M.), whose service is on Monday. Schiff died from cancer earlier this week.
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