FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 25, 2002
CONTACT: LINDA MACIAS/DAVID FERREIRA (202) 225-6161

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM AT LAST!

Washington, D.C. - This week, the bipartisan House coalition obtained the necessary 218 signatures on the discharge petition to consider meaningful campaign finance reform legislation.

"This is an important step for democracy and for the American people," said Rep. Baca. "I am proud to have stood side-by-side with both Democrats and Republicans forcing a vote on this extremely important legislation. The time has finally come for a fair vote on real, bipartisan, campaign finance reform."

HR 2356, The Shays-Meehan bill shuts down the soft money system that allows the wealthy special interests undue access to our political system. It also reins in sham issue ads that pollute the airwaves, and allows candidates and parties to get reduced rates for broadcasts right before an election.

"Now, for the first time in a long time, because the Senate passed legislation last year, we have a golden opportunity to make Shays-Meehan the law of the United States," said Rep. Baca. "Today, both the House and Senate began hearings into the dealings of Enron. The Enron debacle, if nothing else, shows the urgency of making this reform into law. I hope that Congress can take advantage of this opportunity to curb the influence of special interests in Washington."

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