Lawmakers Clash Over Campaign Finance Bills
Democrats, some Republicans say restrictions make the debate a sham
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 30) -- The House debated four campaign finance measures Monday, but many Democrats and some Republicans dismissed the exercise as a pointlesss sham because of the GOP leadership's restrictive process, including no amendments, strict time limits on the debate and a two-thirds requirement for passage.
"Let's come back with a real vote on campaign finance reform and allow the vote on bipartisan reform," said Rep. Martin Meehan (D-Mass.), co-sponsor of an alternate measure not part of the Republican leadership's package.
One of the measures (H.R. 3485) would make it more difficult for unions to spend members' dues on political activity. It would also permit local election offices to verify prospective voters' citizenship and would boost the amounts that individuals and political action committees can give to candidates.
Other measures before the House would bar contributions by noncitizens, limit
political spending by unions and require more prompt financial disclosure by
political candidates.
Democrats called the debate a sham and a travesty, and were joined by some Republicans in criticizing the GOP leadership's decision to take up the measures under suspension of the rules. Rep. Chris Shays (R-Conn.) called it "pretty much a sneak attack."
Over the weekend, Rep. John Kasich (R-Ohio) said Republican leaders erred in bringing up the bills in a way that will probably ensure their defeat.
"We should have given people with another position the
opportunity to amend the bill," Kasich said on "Fox News
Sunday."
Republican Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) announced Friday the chamber would take up the measures on Monday, surprising many lawmakers. The move reversed an earlier decision to put off action for several weeks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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