Contact: Ellia Thompson
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HARMAN PRAISES PASSAGE OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

--Long-time CFR Supporter Applauds Reform--

Washington, February 13 - US Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA) praised Congressional passage of the bipartisan Shays-Meehan Campaign Reform Act.

"For ten years, I have supported every meaningful bill on campaign finance reform," said Harman. "Today, the House made history by passing a bill that can become law.

"Many say this bill does not go far enough - and they are right. But it is a bill the Senate has passed - and passing it today avoids a conference, which could well have become a graveyard.

"I have experienced the impact of soft money ads designed to distort my record," said Harman. "Approximately $4 million worth of these ads targeted me in the 2000 election cycle. This practice drives good people out of politics and discourages voters. Indeed, the whole point is to depress voting. I say enough."

Harman has been a co-sponsor of the Shays-Meehan bill while she has been in Congress. The House bill is the counterpart to the McCain-Feingold bill, which passed the Senate last year. In 1998 and 1999, the House passed Shays-Meehan, but the measure died in the Senate.

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