January 26, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H483 that the current law needs to be mod- Court told us that you do not in fact 2008, several candidates declined public ernized; it needs to be fixed. We saw lose your First Amendment rights be- financing for their primary campaigns. that in the last Presidential election. cause you happen to say it jointly with And as was mentioned by the gen- But rather than throw out something someone else. As a matter of fact, they tleman from Illinois, during the most that has served the country and the pointed out that some people with the recent Presidential election, for the electorate well for 36 years, let’s fix it. least amount of influence in a society first time, a nominee of one of our two And the gentleman from North Caro- actually expand their influence in the major political parties withdrew from lina (Mr. PRICE) and I and others have political debate by joining with others. the public financing during the general introduced legislation to do exactly And then the question that the Su- election and instead went on to raise that. preme Court answered was, if that as- record amounts of money for his cam- So rather than shielding an ava- sociation happens to be corporate in paign. And I recall when I thought we lanche of unlimited special interest nature, happens to be a union, happens heard a pledge to participate in this money from public view, we should to be a for-profit, happens to be a not- program because of the virtuous nature shine a light on it. We should do it by for-profit, whether that changes the of the program. Somehow that was lost modernizing the Presidential system, dynamic as contemplated by the First along the campaign trail. and we should also pass the DISCLOSE Amendment protections, and they told One of the things I would like to Act, which we could have brought up us it did not. So let’s get rid of that ca- point out is this: There is this idea that and voted on except for the previous nard here on the floor right away. This somehow we are going to be able to question was just defeated. has absolutely nothing to do with that. suppress money that goes into politics. Mr. Chairman, at the end of the day, This has absolutely nothing to do with The fact of the matter is it is like a our Nation’s democracy doesn’t belong corporate contributions to campaigns balloon, a water balloon. If you squeeze to Presidents or Members of Congress; or foreign contributions to campaigns, it on one side, it comes out on the it belongs to the voters who send us both of which remain illegal, with other side. The question is: How do we here, and we have a solemn responsi- criminal sanctions, under the law. get it within the system? bility to safeguard it on their behalf So let’s get that out of the way to We should be talking about the idea and protect it for future generations begin with so we don’t have a lot of de- of this silly demarcation between our from the lessons in corruption in his- bate here that has nothing to do with parties and our candidates where we tory. Let’s mend it. Let’s fix it. Let’s the bill before us. limit in extreme fashion the amount of not throw it out. Mr. Chairman, we find ourselves at a money that can be transferred or co- The CHAIR. The Committee will rise unique juncture in the longstanding de- ordinated, as if somehow that corrupts informally. bate over this issue; but, frankly, in re- the candidate to have him or her iden- The Speaker pro tempore (Mr. SMITH ality, it is a juncture no longer. Tax- tified with the very party they rep- of Nebraska) assumed the chair. payer financing of Presidential elec- resent. We ought to be working to- f tions and party conventions of the two wards those kinds of changes that will major parties is simply no longer de- allow a greater responsibility on the MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE fensible. party and the candidates to express A message from the Senate by Ms. The first tax liability contributions their positions and to hold to their po- Curtis, one of its clerks, announced from American taxpayers to be di- sitions, be responsible for their posi- that the Senate has agreed to a concur- verted toward the funding of Presi- tions. But no, we talk about these ways rent resolution of the following title in dential elections began 35 years ago in of how we are going to somehow reduce which the concurrence of the House is 1976. This new practice was, as we were the impact of money in campaigns. It requested: told by the other side, supposed to hasn’t worked under this system. It S. Con. Res. 3. Concurrent resolution hon- raise the public’s trust in their govern- hasn’t worked. ment as well as increase both the num- oring the service and sacrifice of Staff Ser- b 1150 geant Salvatore Giunta, a native of Hia- ber of candidates and, thus, electoral watha, Iowa, and the first living recipient of competition and the financial footing In addition to Presidential primaries the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. between parties. I believe, Mr. Chair- and general elections, if there is any- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The man, it has failed on all accounts. thing the American taxpayer should Committee will resume its sitting. It did allow us to have Lyndon not be subsidizing, I would say—as f LaRouche be a participant in the Presi- much as I enjoy them—it is the week- dential elections. I am not sure when long Presidential conventions. On our ELIMINATING TAXPAYER FINANC- we have had someone who had been side of the aisle, in our party, I think ING OF PRESIDENTIAL ELEC- subjected to a criminal conviction and we’ve had some indications of what I TIONS actually conducted part of his cam- consider to be wasteful spending in The Committee resumed its sitting. paign while still incarcerated, but that preparation for our upcoming conven- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- was brought to us by way of this fine tion; and to say to the taxpayer that, fornia. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself law. in light of that, we ought to continue such time as I may consume. Since 1976, approximately $1.5 billion to subsidize the production of our Pres- I rise today in support of H.R. 359, has been spent on this system. As we idential conventions by the two major which terminates the taxpayer financ- speak, there is a balance of $195 million parties, it is very difficult to articulate ing of Presidential election campaigns sitting in the Presidential Election and even to understand. and party conventions. Campaign Fund at the U.S. Treasury They are, as I say, grand fun, wonder- At the outset, I just want to mention Department. And yet this system of ful occasions—week-long party gath- in response to something that was said electoral subsidization has not changed erings that are, unfortunately, in this by the other side, this has absolutely the public’s perception of our Presi- day and age, largely symbolic. One nothing to do with the Citizens United dential elections or our politics. Ac- can’t even argue something important case decided by the Supreme Court. cording to one survey after another, is being decided because, unfortu- That changed not one iota of campaign Americans continue to harbor deep dis- nately, they ceased to have real signifi- finance law. Corporations still cannot trust of their elected officials. So does cance sometime ago, and that was part make contributions to campaigns or anyone think that our Presidential of our effort to try and cleanse the sys- candidates. It does not change that. elections over the past 35 years have tem. Citizens United had to do with the shown a virtuous progression toward Rather than having people selected question of whether or not one loses more accuracy and more honesty? by these delegates that come to these his or her First Amendment protec- Mr. Chairman, prominent Presi- conventions, we should move more and tions of free speech, particularly with dential candidates, candidates who more to the primary operation and, of respect to expressions of political na- even supposedly believe in this system, course, then earlier and earlier in the ture, merely because they associate have opted out of this taxpayer financ- season so that somehow it becomes a 2- with another person. The Supreme ing scheme in recent years. In 2004 and year event. I guess we’re already in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.024 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE H484 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 26, 2011 that. Taxpayers would be shocked, if Mr. Chairman, as we promised in the Last week, the new majority fast- not outraged, to discover that they Pledge to America and as we have tracked a health care reform repeal have been funding these extravagant promised here on the floor during these bill. This week, they expedite the re- photo ops. initial weeks of the 112th Congress and peal of this voluntary program without Mr. Chairman, as I mentioned, since as we have verified by our trans- the proper process. So I think the 1976, approximately $1.5 billion has parency-enhancing rules package, our Speaker may need to revisit his state- been spent on publicly funding our bipartisan votes to trim Congress’ ment about process and transparency. Presidential primaries, our Presi- budget and end excessive congressional In addition to the process concerns, I dential general elections, and our Pres- printing, by our determination to re- question the need for Congress to pass idential party conventions. The Amer- turn discretionary spending to fiscal this bill at all. I was here as a young ican taxpayer has paid enough for this year 2008 levels or less and now through staffer when the Judiciary Committee unwise experiment. I think it should be this bill, the Republican majority is took up the impeachment of President ended and the balance in the Presi- committed to fiscal stewardship, to Nixon. It is worth remembering that dential Election Campaign Fund and having a relentless eye on waste and the public finance system was created the Presidential Primary Matching inefficiency, and to a continued com- as a direct result of the Watergate Payment Account returned to the mitment through this 112th Congress scandal. Treasury to be used for deficit reduc- to reduce spending, to create private Remember Phillips Petroleum, which tion. I think we’d actually have the sector jobs, and to produce meaningful illegally contributed $498,000 to the American people cheering us for that. legislation that makes long-lasting re- Nixon campaign; or Ruth Farkas, who According to a 2010 Congressional forms. told the Watergate grand jury that she Budget Office estimate, the elimi- Mr. Chairman, if we, in fact, mean gave $300,000 to the Nixon campaign as nation of this program will save Amer- what we say when we say we are will- an explicit exchange for an ambas- ican taxpayers $617 million over the ing to look at those programs that al- sadorship to Luxembourg; or the Nixon next 10 years. ready exist and to judge whether or not tapes that revealed that Secretary Now, some could say, Well, that’s they have proven to be efficacious, or John Connally shook down dairy farm- your opinion. We have our opinion. efficient or successful, in promoting ers for $600,000 in contributions in ex- Why change things? the principles that underlie their pas- change for raising milk price sup- Well, why don’t we look to the opin- sage in the first place, we ought to ports—to the detriment of children ion of the American people. Not a bad start with this. This is a program that who needed milk around the country. idea in this House. Simply put, this almost 93 percent of the American peo- These incidents eroded public con- program does not have the support of ple who pay taxes reject, and we’re fidence, not only in the Nixon adminis- the American people. asking them to participate. Maybe we tration, but in the entire system. In re- Taxpayer support has declined pre- ought to listen to what they are saying sponse, pursuant to the General Wel- cipitously over time. I remember, and, instead, allow the savings gar- fare clause of the U.S. Constitution, years ago, I thought it was a good ex- nered by this particular bill to go to- Congress passed sweeping election re- periment. I thought it was a good idea. ward deficit reduction. forms, including the Presidential I checked off for some of my taxes to This bill, introduced by my colleague checkoff system. go to this program. I was in hopes that from Oklahoma, should garner over- Now, I would not argue that this sys- it would actually prove to be a good whelming bipartisan support. We tem is perfect at this time. I think it change. I, like most Americans, should thank him for introducing it— does need reform. though, who contributed to that in the and I do—and for his commitment to a b 1200 past, have given up on the program. We more responsible and efficient steward- don’t believe it gave us what we ship of taxpayer dollars. I would urge But I think mere elimination with- thought it might. my colleagues to understand what this out a committee process is a huge mis- In 1980, for instance, the percentage bill is and understand what it is not take. of taxpayers participating through and to support H.R. 359. I would hope that the committee their tax form checkoffs was 28.7 per- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance could convene, that we could sort cent. It was so popular that in 1985 it of my time. through what the problems are with was 23 percent. It proved so successful Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. this current system and how do we fix that in 1990 it was 19.5 percent. Boy, it Chairman, it is my pleasure to yield 3 them, work in a bipartisan way to cre- really proved itself by the year 1995, be- minutes to the gentlelady from Cali- ate the fixes, and then come to this cause then 12.9 percent of the American fornia (Ms. ZOE LOFGREN), a distin- House for the solution. taxpayers decided they’d participate. guished member of the Committee on I urge opposition to this bill. In the year 2000, it dropped to 11.5 per- House Administration. Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I yield cent. In 2005, it was 9.1 percent. Accord- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. 4 minutes to the gentleman from Okla- ing to the IRS data obtained from the Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. homa, the author of the bill, Mr. COLE. FEC, the checkoff rate in 2010 was 7.3 359. Mr. COLE. I thank the gentleman for percent. This bill will unnecessarily eliminate yielding. In other words, on a direct vote, a the $3 checkoff box—it’s voluntary—on As I listen to my colleagues on the plebiscite taken by the taxpayers of tax returns to fund Presidential elec- other side of the aisle, I would just America, 92.7 percent reject the notion. tions, and it could increase the influ- urge them to read the bill. It’s only Now, where I come from, that’s a land- ence of special interests in the funding three pages long. slide. I think even in Chicago it would of Presidential campaigns. Frankly, most of the things I’ve be a landslide—even if you paid your Now, the bill has been fast-tracked heard so far don’t have anything to do taxes only once. by the Republican leadership—without with this legislation. This legislation Mr. Chairman, this candidate and any hearings, no markups, no respect doesn’t raise the legal contribution convention subsidy is obviously un- for the committee process. As a mem- limit for anybody. This legislation popular. To paraphrase one former ber of the House Administration Com- doesn’t allow corporate contributions. member of the Federal Election Com- mittee and as a former chair of the This legislation keeps in place all the mission, ‘‘Any system of public financ- Subcommittee on Elections, I am very disclosure requirements for Presi- ing must have popular support to suc- concerned by the end run around our dential campaigns that we currently ceed. Today’s low taxpayer checkoff committee and the lack of deference have. So those of you that are con- rates cast serious doubt on whether the shown to the committee and its mem- cerned about those things don’t need to public financing system has this sup- bers. be concerned about this bill. port. When only one in 13 taxpayers are Speaker BOEHNER promised 2 weeks H.R. 359 is really a very simple piece participating, it is very difficult to ago, when he took the Speaker’s gavel, of legislation. It does two things: It re- conclude that the public financing sys- more transparency in the legislative moves taxpayer funding for Presi- tem has broad popular support.’’ process and to focus on job creation. dential campaigns, and it eliminates

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.026 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE January 26, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H485 taxpayer funding for political party American, doesn’t build a single mile Now, did we put the perfect controls conventions by the two major parties. of interstate highway or infrastruc- in? No. Should we be amending this Now, I have to say, if you look at ture, doesn’t pay to defend the coun- bill? Yes. Because I don’t know what whether or not these ideas have been try; it simply goes to support a handful 2012 is going to cost—maybe $1 billion popular, historically they, frankly, of politicians that want to run for on either side. Sarah Palin will have $1 haven’t. When this was put in in the President, many of whom are marginal. billion and Barack Obama will have $1 1970s, the idea was that it would The CHAIR. The time of the gen- billion, and that will be all right with spread. It hasn’t. We don’t fund any of tleman has expired. everybody. But the problem with that our elections with taxpayer dollars, Mr. ROSKAM. I yield the gentleman is that the ordinary folks in this coun- our colleagues in the other body with 1 additional minute. try don’t have any opportunity to par- taxpayer dollars; and, frankly, as my Mr. COLE. So in an era where we ticipate. friend Mr. LUNGREN pointed out, pop- have to make genuinely hard decisions, They also know that people don’t ular participation in this program has to me, this is a no-brainer. This is a lot give $1 billion with no expectation of declined for almost 30 consecutive less important than a lot of the things something coming back. That’s what years, from a high of 28 percent in 1980 that we need to consider and a lot of happened in 1972. People gave money to barely 7 percent today. So there is the decisions that we will have to and they expected something back. not much indication that it’s popular. make. And that’s where the real fallacy here I need to say, for the record, that I There is leadership by lip service and is in simply wiping this out without philosophically have always been op- there is leadership by example. If my trying to fix it. It’s an admission that posed to taxpayer dollars being used friends on the other side think this is you do not care how much money gets the appropriate thing—and certainly if for political advocacy of any kind. spent in a Presidential campaign. And the President thinks it, he ought to Some of my friends on the other side if that’s your view of how the democ- lead by example and participate in the have a very different point of view, and racy works, I think we are in serious system. If not, we ought to recognize I respect that. We just have a philo- trouble. sophical difference. I think this is an it’s broken, end it, save the money; and I’m one of those who think there inappropriate use of public money. if somebody wants to rewrite a bill, should be publicly financed campaigns. Having said that, as I think even my then they ought to do that and let’s in- I think even my opponents against friends on the other side at least troduce it and have that debate. But me—I get 84 percent, but I think my right now, this is money we can’t af- tactically acknowledge, this is a pro- opponent ought to have an equal shot ford to waste and this is a system gram that is broken beyond belief. And at me. But the Congress didn’t put that the current system didn’t just begin to that’s broken. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. in this bill because they didn’t want break down in 2008. I’d go back to 2000. 359. Let’s get rid of this outdated sys- that. Neither did the Senate want that. President Bush didn’t use this system tem. They wanted to put it on the President during the primary campaign. He only Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Chairman, I and say, well, we fixed it over there. used the public system during the gen- yield myself such time as I may con- We really need it for this House and eral election. Four years later, neither sume. the Senate as well as what’s going on President Bush nor Senator KERRY The short title of this bill ought to in the Presidential election. And to chose to use this system in the primary be ‘‘The White Flag of the United simply repeal this is bad public policy portion of the campaign. States Congress on Campaign Fi- and it is an admission that we don’t Fast-forward another 4 years to 2008, nance.’’ My distinguished colleague care. neither President Obama nor now-Sec- from Oklahoma says, if it’s broke, why I oppose the bill. retary Clinton chose to use this in the don’t we write a bill. That’s exactly STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY primary campaign. And the President, what the point is. There weren’t very H.R. 359—TERMINATION OF PUBLIC FINANCING OF having committed to use it in the gen- many people on this floor who were in- PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS AND PARTY CON- eral, then chose not to use it in the volved in politics when this whole VENTIONS general—certainly his right—but said thing blew up. You’ve forgotten 1972. (Rep. Cole, R–Oklahoma, and 18 cosponsors, at the time he still thought it was a We wrote a bill in the Congress—we Jan. 25, 2011) great idea and that some day we ought didn’t, but the Congress wrote a bill. The Administration strongly opposes to go back and fix it. House passage of H.R. 359 because it is crit- Interestingly enough, they left them- ical that the Nation’s Presidential election Now, I will say this for the President. selves out of it, but they tried to con- Having said that, we haven’t seen any public financing system be fixed rather than trol how much money went into a Pres- dismantled. action on that front. He has been in of- idential campaign. Now, if you don’t The Presidential election public financing fice for 2 years. There has not been a index it for inflation or do some kind of system was enacted in the aftermath of the proposal from the White House to fix mechanism, it’s pretty clear that a law Watergate scandal to free the Nation’s elec- this system. In fact, as my friends on written with the limits of 1972 is going tions from the influence of corporations and the other side of the aisle know, cur- to be pretty out of date by 2012. other wealthy special interests. Rather than rently he is planning to run for reelec- There are some things we could do to candidates having to rely on raising large tion; he is setting up a campaign. sums of private money in order to run, the change this process and make it more system provides qualifying presidential can- There has been a lot of thought on how in sync with what’s going on in society didates with the option of accepting match- to raise the money and how to put to- financially. But by saying you repeal it ing funds in the primary and a public grant gether a campaign, but no proposal with nothing to replace it, you simply in the general election. It has done so at from the administration to actually fix are saying we don’t care how much minimal cost to taxpayers, who fund it by the system that they purport to sup- money is spent in the election of the voluntarily choosing to direct $3 of their port and that they said years ago they President of the United States; it is of Federal taxes to this beneficial system. For were going to try and fix. That’s not no concern to the Republican Party many years, the system worked well and at- true, by the way, of every Member on whatsoever. tracted wide participation. In time, however, It fits very nicely with the Citizens it became clear that a system introduced in the other side. There have been some the 1970s was in need of modernization and that have, I think, genuinely tried to United lawsuit that allows corporate repair. Beginning in the 2000 Presidential fix things, but let’s recognize this sys- money to come in in a variety of other campaign, candidates began to opt out. Since tem has been in decline and decay for a ways. And the system is now so corrupt that time, promising proposals for the long time. that what you heard my colleague from strengthening of the system have been made. Now the estimates are that we could California say, that is, all the things H.R. 359 would kill the system, not save $612 million over a 10-year period. that were uncovered as a result of Wa- strengthen it. Its effect would be to expand We all know in this Chamber we have a tergate and the investigation that fol- the power of corporations and special inter- ests in the Nation’s elections; to force many $1.4 trillion deficit problem. Governing lowed and led to the ejection of the candidates into an endless cycle of fund- is choosing and prioritizing. This is President from the White House, was raising at the expense of engagement with $612 million that doesn’t feed a single because we didn’t have any controls on voters on the issues; and to place a premium American, doesn’t educate a single anything. on access to large donor or special interest

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.028 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE H486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 26, 2011 support, narrowing the field of otherwise and by JOHN MCCAIN in 2008—although bring available funds into line with the worthy candidates. After a year in which the in recent years the need for moderniza- increased costs of campaigns, adjust Citizens United decision rolled back a cen- tion has become evident. the program to the front-loaded pri- tury of law to allow corporate interests to Perhaps the best example of this pro- mary calendar, and enhance the role of spend vast sums in the Nation’s elections and to do so without disclosing the true in- gram’s success is President Ronald small donors further. It also would re- terests behind them, this is not the time to Reagan, who participated in the Presi- move public funding of political con- further empower the special interests or to dential public financing system in all ventions, as their roles indeed have obstruct the work of reform. three of his Presidential campaigns in changed since the system was first Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous con- 1976, 1980, and 1984. instated. This bill has been carefully sent that the remainder of my time be In his 1976 primary campaign, Reagan designed. It deserves deliberation and controlled by the gentleman from had less than $44,000 in campaign debate through the normal committee Pennsylvania (Mr. BRADY). money at the end of January of 1976 process in this body. The CHAIR. Is there objection to the while his opponent, incumbent Presi- At a time when confidence in govern- request of the gentleman from Wash- dent Gerald Ford, had fifteen times ment is low and assumptions of govern- ington? more cash on hand. The $1 million in ment corruption are high, why is the There was no objection. public funds that Reagan received in new majority trying to return us to the January and the $1.2 million that he dark days that preceded Watergate? 1210 b received in February were essential in Why would we even want to con- The CHAIR. The Chair would advise allowing him to continue his campaign. template such a thing? that there is now a single manager on Reagan was once again short of cash Let’s, instead, restore and improve the Democratic side of the aisle. at the end of March and was allowed to our public financing system and move The gentleman from Pennsylvania continue as a result of an infusion of on to real solutions to put our Nation’s has 191⁄2 minutes, the gentleman from public money, which matched small fiscal house in order. Illinois has 71⁄2 minutes, and the gen- private contributions. This illuminates Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- tleman from California has 3 minutes. one way that public financing has fornia. Before I yield 1 minute to our Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. worked in both parties. It has often majority leader, I’d like to take 15 sec- Chairman, it is my pleasure to yield 6 benefited candidates who challenge the onds to say when I find myself on the minutes to the gentleman from North party establishment. floor listening to my colleagues on the Carolina (Mr. PRICE). In later elections, due to his broad other side declaring Ronald Reagan to Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. base of supporters throughout the Na- be the patron saint of Democratic Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. tion, Reagan was able to capitalize on Party ideas, I am bemused a bit be- 359, a bill summarily repealing our sys- his small-donor fund-raising capacity cause I served here when Ronald tem of public funding for Presidential to accrue substantial amounts of pub- Reagan was President, and I don’t re- elections. lic money. In fact, even in 1984 when he call those same words at that time. The process by which this bill has was seeking reelection without signifi- However, at this time I would like to been brought to the floor—no hearings, cant opposition from within his own yield 1 minute to the majority leader, no committee consideration, no mark- party, President Reagan raised about the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. CAN- up, no deliberation—is the opposite of 60 percent of his campaign funds from TOR). responsible legislating. It contradicts small donors and as a result received Mr. CANTOR. I thank the gentleman. everything the Republican majority $9.7 million in matching funds. This Mr. Chairman, over the past 2 years, committed to a mere 3 weeks ago. was the maximum amount of public the legislative schedule of this House The process is atrocious; the sub- money a primary candidate could re- was dominated by spending money, not stance is even worse. This repeal bill ceive in accordance with the law at cutting spending. But after the people would destroy one of the proudest and that time. And to this day, President voiced their displeasure in November, most successful examples of reform Reagan is the only candidate ever to the discussion in this town is now fo- that followed the Watergate scandal. reach that public funding primary cam- cused on rolling back the unchecked Have we forgotten what the Watergate paign maximum. growth of government and Federal ex- scandal was about? The Committee to My colleagues, the Reagan case is penditures. Re-Elect the President, fueled by huge merely illustrative of the positive ef- Our majority is dedicated to cut and quantities of corporate cash, paying for fects that public financing has had in grow: cutting spending and job-de- criminal acts and otherwise subverting both parties at both the primary and stroying regulations; growing private the American electoral system. general election stages. It also high- sector jobs and the economy. The hallmark of the Federal Election lights the system’s focus on small do- Yesterday, we directed the Budget Campaign Act of 1974—enacted in re- nations, rather than big bucks from Committee chairman to set spending sponse to Watergate at a time when large contributors. This is no free ride. levels so we return non-defense discre- public confidence in the government This is no willy-nilly spending pro- tionary spending to 2008 levels or was dangerously low—the hallmark gram. All primary candidates must below. was our voluntary program of public fi- seek the support of thousands of small Today, the American public, through nancing for Presidential elections. To donors, and only then do they receive the YouCut program, has put on the this day, this innovative reform stands matching public funds. chopping block an example of unneces- as the flagship of public financing sys- Today one could wish not for this Re- sary government waste. Specifically, tems used in the United States and one publican juggernaut—flying in the face this bill would eliminate the Presi- of the greatest steps we have taken to of the positive history of this program, dential Election Campaign Fund, an bring transparency and accountability flying in the face of prior Republican outdated mechanism that provides to our electoral system. support, flying in the face of respon- Federal tax dollars to candidates in The Supreme Court, in affirming the sible legislating—but for a bipartisan Presidential primaries in the form of constitutionality of the system, noted effort to repair the system, to restore matching funds and general elections its basic purposes: ‘‘To reduce the dele- its effectiveness. and subsidies for the Democratic and terious influence of large contributions I don’t know of any policy challenge Republican National Conventions. on our political process, to facilitate that exemplifies the maxim ‘‘mend it; Eliminating this program would save communication by candidates with the don’t end it’’ better than this one. taxpayers $617 million over 10 years electorate, and to free candidates from Yesterday, Congressman VAN HOLLEN and would require candidates and polit- the rigors of fundraising.’’ and I reintroduced a bill, H.R. 414, that ical parties to rely on private contribu- Presidential public financing has would do just that. The White House tions rather than tax dollars. worked remarkably well—being uti- has cooperated in formulating this bill. In times when government has no lized in the general election by every It would modernize the Presidential choice but to do more with less, voting Republican and Democratic Presi- public financing system and again to end the Presidential Election Cam- dential nominee from 1976 through 2004 make it an attractive and bill would paign Fund should be a no-brainer. I

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26JA7.007 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE January 26, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H487 urge my colleagues to vote in favor of The President’s statement is abso- bent President has zero intention of this measure. lutely saying one thing while doing the giving up his gargantuan financial ad- Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I now opposite. A New York Times editorial vantage in his reelection campaign by yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from on January 24 of this year said, ‘‘ERIC opting out of one of the most perfect California (Ms. WOOLSEY). CANTOR is targeting for extinction the systems of public financing we could b 1220 publicly subsidized Presidential cam- possibly adopt. paign finance system adopted in the I ask the supporters of public financ- Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Chairman, one of wake of the Watergate scandals.’’ ing for Presidential campaigns, are you the things that the Republicans will Wrong. It was President Obama who willing to adopt a system that makes accomplish with this legislation to killed it and made a mockery of public it mandatory for all candidates to par- upend the Presidential campaign fi- financing of Presidential campaigns ticipate in the system? And can you nance system is to drown out the voice unequivocally pledge that the Presi- of the people and to give more power, with his arrogant pressing of self-ad- dent’s reelection committee will agree not less, to their well-heeled special in- vantage, his unprecedented move to de- to be bound by your new system? And terests. Actually, this repeal bill is the cline public financing for the first and if not, I would suggest you are preach- beginning of the end of any hope for a only time since the adoption of this system of public financing for all elec- system. ing at the wrong end of Pennsylvania In disparaging the majority leader, tions in this country. Avenue. So Mr. Chairman, I am not surprised. the Times went on to say that, ‘‘We The CHAIR. The Chair would advise After all, the majority largely owe suspect his real motive is to give an Members that the gentleman from Illi- 1 their unprecedented spending levels in even bigger voice to big-money con- nois has 2 ⁄2 minutes, the gentleman 3 the last election thanks to the Citizens tributors in Presidential campaigns.’’ from California 1 ⁄4 minutes, and the 1 United decision that turned on the Once again, the record needs cor- gentleman from Pennsylvania 11 ⁄2 min- spigot of anonymous, unaccountable recting. No campaign in American his- utes remaining. corporate cash. And in keeping with tory had more maximum donors, at The Chair would further advise that the spirit of secrecy and lack of trans- $30,400 per person, than Obama for ascribing unworthy motivations or in- parency, it’s somehow fitting that this America. Much has been made of that tentions to the President of the United bill comes to the floor without any committee’s legendary prowess in gen- States or another Member of the hearings, without any committee refer- erating small donors over the Internet. United States Congress is inappro- ral, without full debate or deliberation. But that committee also had a record- priate. We have a deeply corrupt campaign shattering haul among big donors, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. system, Mr. Chairman. Special interest bundlers, and influence peddlers. But Chairman, it is my honor to yield 1 money is having a corrosive effect on such is the right for Mr. Obama as a minute to our Democratic leader, the our democracy, eating away at the peo- candidate in America. gentlelady from California (Ms. ple’s confidence in their government However, when he alone has refused PELOSI). and their elected Representatives. The to participate in public financing of a Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentleman one beacon of light in this system is general election for a Presidential for yielding. the public financing of Presidential campaign, his protestations ring rather Thank you for your leadership, Mr. campaigns. It is, I would remind every- hollow. No one has made more of the BRADY, and participating in this impor- one, a voluntary system. Americans system operationally obsolete than tant discussion, as fundamental as our must choose to opt in on their tax re- Barack Obama. Actions do speak loud- democracy, on the floor today. turns. It has served the country well, er than words. And Barack Obama Mr. Chair, I rise today to urge this at limited expense. It needs updating. alone has refused to participate on the Congress to focus on our number one It does not need to be dismantled. We level playing field that existed in pub- priority, the creation of jobs. This is a need more public financing, in all of licly financed Presidential general priority for the American people and our Federal elections, not less. H.R. 359 election campaigns in history. for this Congress. We should be focus- goes in exactly the wrong direction. It was not that the system was anti- ing on it. That was the message we I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ quated that forced Barack Obama to heard last night from President Obama Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I yield break a very sanctimonious campaign on this floor, who called on us to out- 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illi- promise to participate in public financ- educate, out-innovate, and out-build nois (Mr. SCHOCK). ing. It was his decision to put expedi- the rest of the world. Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Chairman, earlier ency over his expressed support for the But instead of talking about job cre- this month I read articles about Presi- Democrat mantra of public financing. ation, this legislation we debate today dent Obama’s reelection campaign It was all about a ruthless pressing of will not create jobs, will not reduce the plans on raising upwards of three-quar- self-advantage, despite a core cam- deficit, and will not strengthen the ters of a billion dollars. There is no paign theme of promising to rise above middle class. And those are the stand- system of public financing for our Pres- self-interested politics. ards we should apply to any legislation idential elections that can accommo- Today, we will hear about on the that comes to the floor. Instead, it will date anywhere near that level of spend- floor measures to address the inadequa- put American elections more squarely ing. That is why I believe the Presi- cies of the system and the need to re- into the hands of special interests. dent’s strong opposition to legislation pair the system. First, I want to note One year ago, the Supreme Court de- abolishing a system the President him- an earlier New York Times editorial on cision in Citizens United opened the self found unworkable in reality is pro- June 20, 2008, which stated, ‘‘Senator floodgates to unlimited, uninhibited, foundly hypocritical. Russ Feingold, the ranking authority undisclosed special interest spending in Putting out a statement of adminis- on campaign finance reform, rightly our elections and unlimited special in- tration policy that states repealing the points out that while the primary cy- terest influence over our public policy public financing system would, quote, cle’s public matching subsidies are debate. In response to the Citizens ‘‘force many candidates into an endless ‘broken’ and need updating for infla- United ruling, Democrats worked to re- cycle of fundraising at the expense of tion, ’the system for the general elec- store transparency, fairness, and ac- engaging with the voters on the issues; tion is not’.’’ countability to our political process. and to place a premium on access to Secondly, I ask my Democratic col- Last Congress, with bipartisan support, large donors or special interest sup- leagues this: Have any of you received the House passed the DISCLOSE Act to port, narrowing the field of otherwise the specifics of what it would take to require corporations and donors to worthy candidates’’—what incredible change the law that would cause Presi- stand by your ad. Why are you running audacity. This is like the proverbial ar- dent Barack Obama’s campaign to and hiding? And to keep foreign-owned sonist child who kills his parents by abide by public spending limits in the entities from participating in our elec- setting their house on fire and then ap- general election for 2012? Because with- tions. peals for sympathy by exclaiming he is out those specifics, this debate is not But Senate Republicans blocked DIS- an orphan. grounded in the reality that the incum- CLOSE. Even though it came out of the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.033 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE H488 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 26, 2011 House with bipartisan support, Senate my judgment that is tailor-made for We learned from our witnesses. They Republicans blocked DISCLOSE from elimination than this program. gave us their opinion and they gave us even receiving an up-or-down vote, and In overwhelming fashion, the people their education on what they thought, now House Republicans are perpet- of Arkansas and indeed the people of pro and con. To bypass that, which we uating a sneak attack on campaign fi- America spoke loud and clear last year have never done before in our com- nance reform. about the need to reduce spending in mittee, I think is wrong. We should The result was clear in the last elec- this country. The gentleman from have had our hearings and let it hap- tion. Special interest groups spent tens Oklahoma talked about the fact that pen. of millions of dollars more in the 2010 this program does not educate anyone; There’s no reason why we have to election than ever before. Again, undis- it doesn’t feed anyone; it doesn’t rush this thing over to the Senate. I closed, without identification. There is produce a mile of interstate highway. would doubt very much if they’re sit- a reason they don’t want it disclosed. The gentleman from California articu- ting there waiting for it. And we could First of all, if the public knew who was lated the declining participation in have taken our time, done our hear- paying for those ads, they would real- this checkoff program. I don’t think ings, which we do in a complete and ize that their own personal interests there’s a better barometer out there nonpartisan way; and we could have were not being served, but the special for the overwhelming support that the had this thing thrashed out, we could interests. That’s our experience in people have for this particular meas- have aired it out, people could have put California, where we had a special in- ure. their amendments in, they could have terest initiative placed on the ballot by I urge my colleagues to join me offered amendments at our committee outside oil companies. And the strong- today and vote in favor of H.R. 359. level, we could have aired it out per- est statement against the initiative Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. fectly and gotten much more education was to see the disclosure at the bottom Chairman, I yield myself such time as and maybe had a chance to reform it of the ad as to who was funding it. I may consume. for the better. That spoke more eloquently to the fact Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposi- While reforming the Presidential fi- that it was not in the people’s interest. tion to H.R. 359. Adopted in the shadow nancing system is an important effort And the initiative was defeated. of the Watergate scandal, the public fi- which I support, the next Presidential nancing of Presidential elections eases election is 2 years away. This bill does b 1230 the burden of fund-raising campaigns not create or save a single job. Zero. Eliminating the Presidential Elec- and lessens the impact of private dona- None. tion Fund, as this election would do, tions by a small number of wealthy do- There is a time and a place for cam- opens the door for foreign-owned enti- nors. paign reform. While here might be the ties and large corporations to enjoy an Since 1976, candidates from across place, now is certainly not the time. I even greater role in the funding of po- the political spectrum have used the urge my colleagues to oppose this bill litical campaigns. public financing program to run for and to get back to the important task In the past, Members from both sides President. Is the system perfect? Abso- of putting the American people back to of the aisle have supported legislation lutely not. The system needs to be re- work. to reform, not eliminate, the public fi- formed, not repealed. I heard one of my Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance nancing system. We should come to- colleagues on the floor mention that of my time. The CHAIR. The Chair would advise gether to ensure that the American our President, President Obama, opted that the gentleman from Pennsylvania people are heard and that they are not out of this program. That was his still has 81⁄2 minutes. The majority side drowned out by special interest dollars. choice. I do not think we should be in has a combined 31⁄4 minutes. The gen- In our democracy—and God bless our a position to legislate the American tleman from Illinois is reserving; the Founders for establishing it—voters de- people’s choice. That’s their choice, to gentleman from California is reserving. termine the outcome of our elections. opt out or to check that box. I don’t The order of closing that the Chair That’s the way it should be. Special in- think we have the right to do that, nor would prefer in this instance would be terests should not be determining the should we do that. that the gentleman from Pennsylvania outcome of our elections. One year With the Supreme Court’s decision in would exhaust time on the minority after the Supreme Court’s decision un- Citizens United little over a year ago, side; we will then move to the gentle- dermined that fundamental American we are already well on our way to elec- men on the majority side for conclu- value, let’s come together to fight on tions brought to the American people sion. behalf of the public interest, to pre- by the highest corporate bidder. If this Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. serve the integrity of our political bill passes, there will be even more in- Chairman, it is my pleasure to yield as campaigns; and, therefore, to strength- centive for foreign controlled compa- much time as he may consume to, in en our democracy. And maybe we nies to secretly invest in political my opinion, an expert on this matter, could, instead of undermining it here causes that could help move American the gentleman from North Carolina today, strengthen our country by cre- jobs overseas. Companies that (Mr. PRICE). ating jobs, by reducing the deficit, by outsource jobs will have a very simple Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. I strengthening the middle class, none of message to Presidential candidates— thank the gentleman. which is being done by this legislation. support our agenda, or face the con- I am pleased to close for our side I urge my colleagues to oppose this sequences. This bill takes secret cor- with a plea to our colleagues that they effort to further empower the special porate dominance of our elections to not dismantle, in an irresponsible and interests over the people’s interest. the next level. summary fashion, one of the proudest Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I yield This bill is also being considered at achievements of post-Watergate polit- 1 minute to the gentleman from Arkan- the wrong time and under the wrong ical reform in this country. sas (Mr. WOMACK). circumstances. Less than 3 weeks ago, I also can’t let pass what the gen- Mr. WOMACK. I thank the gentleman the American people were promised an tleman from Illinois (Mr. SCHOCK) said for yielding. open Congress, a Congress that allowed about our President. Of course we want Mr. Chairman, last night just a few for open debate, one that allows for President Obama, we want all Presi- seats down from where I stand, I lis- open rules. The American people are dential candidates, to opt into this sys- tened to our President say that he still waiting. In consideration of this tem. We’ve made it about as clear as would offer his support to eliminate matter, the committee process was we possibly could that the bill that the whatever we can honestly afford to do completely disregarded. There have gentleman from Maryland (Mr. VAN without. I stand here today in this been no hearings. No testimony from HOLLEN) and I have introduced is de- House Chamber feeling a little less like witnesses either for or against. No signed to make it feasible once again a freshman representative of the markup. No refining in the committee for candidates to participate in the United States Congress and more like a or input from experts. Zero. None. public financing system. guy presiding over the people’s choice When we did the DISCLOSE Act, we But the gentleman from Illinois— awards. There is no better program in had three hearings and 17 witnesses. talk about having it both ways—comes

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.037 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE January 26, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H489 onto this floor to condemn President We could not meet as a full com- defended the results of this system. I Obama for opting out of the system, mittee until we had a complement of urge passage of this bill. and then he proposes to abolish the both Democrats and Republicans. We Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in op- system so that everybody has to opt established our side several weeks ago. position to H.R. 359. out! Neither President Obama nor any- I am sorry that happened. We will This deeply flawed legislation would do one else could participate. The logic of have plenty of hearings in the future away with a voluntary program that helps en- that is way beyond me. on this and other issues. sure transparency in our elections. Of course we want a system that What is the current system that we Created in the wake of Watergate, the presi- works. We know the system needs to be are hearing the other side defend? dential election public financing system— adjusted. And we have constructive ef- What has it given us? It has given us which this bill would eliminate—has helped forts under way to do just that. What Lyndon LaRouche, but it would pre- stop corporate interests from buying elections we should be doing, instead of having vent Eugene McCarthy from being a with large anonymous donations. this up-or-down exercise on the floor successful Presidential candidate. While I’m disappointed that Republicans are today, with no committee consider- That’s what we don’t hear. playing political games with our election safe- ation, is actually undertaking that The system works against some peo- guards, I can’t say that I’m surprised. H.R. 359 kind of discussion, that kind of reform, ple like a Eugene McCarthy, who was a is just the latest effort by the new Majority to that kind of improvement. poor fundraiser but managed to have a undermine our campaign finance laws in favor There is a bipartisan history here. number of people who supported him, of Wall Street Banks and foreign corporations. There is a bipartisan history of sup- who gave him large contributions. This political gimmick comes one year after And yet he was able to change the porting this program; a bipartisan his- the catastrophic Citizens United Supreme course of history, bringing down a sit- tory of participating in the program. I Court ruling that opened the floodgates to un- ting President and allow for—well, he assume that is out of fashion now for limited and anonymous special interest spend- was called the Pied Piper of the youth our Republican colleagues. ing in our elections. vote. Last year my Democratic colleagues tried to But under the pretense of achieving So let’s understand the complexity of repair some of the damage done by passing fiscal responsibility, to come to this the history of this law. The fact of the the DISCLOSE Act—a bill that would require chamber and abolish one of the proud- matter is, Mr. Chairman, this law has corporations to stand by their advertisements est and most successful of our reform failed us. It has failed the American and to keep foreign-owned entities from fund- efforts—that does a disservice to the people. new majority and to this House. It also The American people have rendered ing our elections. Virtually all Republicans voted against this violates all the pledges we had 3 weeks their judgment. Nearly 93 percent of bill in the House, and their colleagues in the ago—of hearings, committee consider- the American people who paid taxes Senate blocked it from consideration. ation, markups. None of that has been have voted ‘‘no’’ to this system. That Mr. Chair, this bill is nothing more than a done. This is simply an up-or-down ought to give us good guidance as to thinly veiled attack on transparency in our vote, as I say, flying under the false where we could find savings to bring elections that does absolutely nothing to cre- colors of fiscal responsibility. down our national debt. We have a chance to take on this As I understand it, we are going to ate American jobs or encourage economic challenge—to mend it, not end it—to have an amendment from the Demo- growth. In fact, by shifting our election system make certain that we preserve this re- cratic side of the aisle which causes to favor big business, this legislation could form, but to adjust it to the realities of any money saved here to go to bringing strengthen the power of companies that ship modern campaigning. down the debt. I hope that it comes for- American jobs overseas. I urge my colleagues to stand up for an b 1240 ward, and I will support it. I hope we have the support of our col- open and transparent election process, and To simply abolish this, to once again leagues for this bill. vote no on this deeply flawed legislation. turn over Presidential financing to big Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I yield Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong op- private and corporate interests, to myself the balance of my time. position to H.R. 359, which repeals nearly 40 overlook the abuses, the problems that The CHAIR. The gentleman is recog- years of reforms in how our Presidential elec- led to this system in the first place, nized for 13⁄4 minutes. tion campaigns are funded. It is a great dis- falls far short of what we should be Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, the mi- service to our democracy and to fundamental about as responsible legislators look- nority leader was on the floor a couple democratic processes. ing out for our country’s best interests. of minutes ago—and I know the weath- As with the House vote to repeal the Afford- I ask for Members to look at our leg- er is urgent, I didn’t want to prolong able Care Act, this sweeping measure has islation, to repair and rejuvenate the this drama—but it seemed to me to been brought up for a vote without any hear- public funding system and in the mean- make the argument that this doesn’t ing, without any testimony, without any docu- time to reject this summary attempt do anything as it relates to economic mentation, and without any opportunity for to destroy one of the proudest achieve- growth is just an incredible overstate- those who support current law to state their ments of reform. ment. case before the American people. The new Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. One of the things that we continue to Republican leadership pledged to be open, Chairman, I yield back the balance of hear, and the President’s own debt transparent, and fair in the workings of the my time. commission spoke eloquently about the House. These good principles are simply Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- nature of debt and the stifling nature being ignored, once again. fornia. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself of debt on the economy and the stifling I don’t believe the American electorate the balance of my time. nature of spending on the economy. wants to have even more corporate influence The CHAIR. The gentleman from Here the Congressional Budget Office in Presidential elections. During the midterm California is recognized for 13⁄4 min- says, without ambiguity, the Congres- election season, there was no call to scrap our utes. sional Budget Office says H.R. 359 public finance system, but there was a real Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- would reduce direct spending by $617 sense of concern and a vigorous debate about fornia. First of all, Mr. Chairman, the million over the 2011–2021 period. the huge amounts of corporate funds that en- ranking member of our committee has This is an opportunity for us to take tered the campaign season as a result of the been very fair in the proceedings that the admonition of the minority leader, Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United last he had with us over the last number of to take the admonition of the Presi- year. years, and I appreciate that. We will dent, to take the admonition of what H.R. 359 would undermine processes that continue that tradition. the electorate told us in November and have been an essential part of our electoral We were unable to have any hearings that is to concentrate on ways that we system since the Federal Election Campaign or consideration of this matter before can trim this government, the burden Act Amendments of 1974 were enacted in the our committee until yesterday when on the taxpayer that adds absolutely wake of the greatest corruption scandal in we finally were told by the minority no value. modern American history, Watergate. Water- party as to who they wish to have on There is not one Member on this gate was marked, in significant measure, by our committee. House floor, Mr. Chairman, that has revelations of massive amounts of cash from

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.040 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE H490 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 26, 2011 undisclosed sources being funneled into our nance system established by Congress in the erwise restrictive two-party dominated system. presidential election campaigns and expended wake of Watergate which has helped can- The system is broken and has not kept pace without proper accountability. Congress re- didates whose voices would not otherwise be with the new campaign environment, but on sponded with significant reforms that restored heard to participate in federal elections. the anniversary of Citizens United, a decision the integrity of our Presidential elections. Mr. Chair, we were promised more trans- that upended a century of law that had For decades there has been a consensus parency and regular order from the new Re- brought transparency to our electoral process, that public funding of Presidential campaigns publican majority. But we are considering this the last thing we need are presidential cam- is preferable to special interest funding. Every legislation six days after it was introduced, by- paigns more beholden to private donations. Republican and Democratic Presidential nomi- passing the committee process of hearings This piecemeal approach of addressing this nee from 1976 through 2008, except for and mark-ups. I applaud the majority for allow- nation’s fiscal woes is wrong and insufficient. Barack Obama, used the public finance sys- ing amendments; but, the truth is, this bill is so You can’t right-size the deficit through spend- tem for their general election campaigns. The tightly written that few amendments are ger- ing cuts alone. We must change the way we system is contingent on support from private mane. And in the height of hypocrisy, the ma- do business by addressing defense, Social donors; there is a match of public funds, which jority is using an estimate provided by the Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Until this are donated on a purely voluntary basis by non-partisan Congressional Budget Office to happens, we will have a very long and unpro- Americans who want to promote honest elec- justify savings to taxpayers, the same agency ductive Congress that fails to address the tions. The system makes campaigns possible which the majority party was decrying just last long-term stability of our economy. for candidates who initially do not have access week when it reported that repeal of the health H.R. 359 will eliminate the system when we to substantial funding. It encourages the care reform law would add to the deficit. need—more than ever—to strengthen it. Get- broadest participation by candidates across Unlike my friends across the aisle, I will not ting rid of the public financing option in Presi- the political spectrum. This strengthens our dismiss the CBO’s score of this legislation as dential elections would close the path that democracy and the vibrancy of political cam- somehow deceptive. However, the bill’s sav- leads back towards a better, more transparent paigns, thereby serving the interest of the ings over 10 years amounts to less money democracy where the candidate can more American people. than is spent in 1 month on the war in Afghan- clearly hear the voters, not large corporate in- Proposals have been introduced in recent istan. Mr. Chair, I agree that we need to find terests. Congresses to strengthen and improve the solutions to our deficit problems but this is not Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong public finance system, which has had difficulty one of them. Rather, eliminating the public— opposition to H.R. 359, a bill that would termi- providing sufficient funding to meet the almost financing system will cost us much more in the nate the public financing system for presi- uncontrollable escalation in the costs of run- long term, requiring our elected officials to dential election campaigns. The vast majority ning for President. We should be considering spend more time raising money to keep up of Americans oppose the damage done to the legislation today to update and improve it, not with the corporate spending in elections than integrity of the electoral system by the Citizens to destroy it. legislating. United v. FEC, which opened the floodgates Although the public finance system runs on Everyone agree that the presidential public for corporate spending in elections. According voluntary contributions, the Republican leader- campaign financing system must be fixed. to a Washington Post poll, 80 percent of ship has promised that getting rid of it will con- Fewer Americans are checking the box on Americans oppose the ruling, with little dif- trol the deficit. In reality it will only further lard their tax forms to contribute to it. President ference reflected by party affiliation (85 per- Presidential campaigns with special interest Obama eschewed it in 2008 in favor of receiv- cent of Democrats oppose it, 76 percent of money. ing small dollar donations via the Internet. Let Republicans, and 81 percent of independents). Like our vote on the Affordable Care Act us work together, in a bipartisan fashion, to re- Yet, inexplicably, the majority is celebrating last week, the Republicans can vote to repeal form the system and make it work for the 21st the one-year anniversary of that disastrous our landmark post-Watergate reforms without century. As the Washington Post editorial said, and poorly-reasoned decision by offering a bill offering anything to replace them. Their indif- ‘‘fix the system—don’t junk it.’’ that would make that damage vastly worse. ference toward the public interest is a threat to Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chair, I strongly op- the integrity of future elections. pose H.R. 359. This bill terminates the Presi- Frankly, I believe we would be moving just I urge my colleagues to vote against this dential Election Campaign Fund, which pro- plain backwards if, instead of building upon legislation. vides grants and matching funds during a the public financing system for presidential Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong op- presidential campaign for primary candidates, elections by updating it and adding to it a sys- position to H.R. 359, which would eliminate general election nominees, and party conven- tem of public financing for House and Senate the presidential public campaign financing sys- tions. races, instead, we remove the public financing tem. A year ago, the Supreme Court handed Elections are not the problem in America. system for presidential elections. So far, the down one of its most devastating decisions in Our troubles don’t stem from a case of too new majority seem focused on undoing land- recent memory, ruling in Citizens United vs. much non-special interest money. mark legislative achievements rather than the FEC that corporations could spend unlim- Every year, nearly 40 million Americans vol- strengthening them. ited amounts in elections to argue for the elec- untarily choose to support the public financing I find two aspects of this bill particularly puz- tion or defeat of a candidate. The ruling in- system by directing $3 of their Federal taxes zling. First, it is being offered to ‘‘reduce Fed- deed opened the floodgates: corporate and to the fund. This program, with little expense eral spending and the deficit by terminating special interests spent nearly $300 million in to the taxpayer, has played an important role taxpayer financing of presidential election the 2010 midterm elections, four times what of increasing transparency, ensuring that cam- campaigns and party conventions.’’ But noth- was spent during the 2006 midterms. paigns are funded at an appropriate and sus- ing in the bill would specifically reduce either Citizens United provided corporations like tainable level, and strengthened the voice of federal spending or federal borrowing. The Exxon Mobile and Goldman Sachs the same small-donor Americans. Presidential Election Campaign Fund is fund- free speech rights under the First Amendment While I appreciate that this bill has been ed exclusively by a check-off box on Ameri- as teachers, factory workers, and janitors. And brought to the floor under a modified open cans’ tax returns, stating that they want $3 ($6 yet, at a time when most Americans are fed rule, that does not excuse the fact H.R. 359 for joint returns) of their tax liability to be de- up with the amount of special interest money bypassed committee hearings, silencing a posited in the Fund. If that check-off box were flowing in Washington, the Republican party much-needed debate. In an era of half-a-bil- removed, their tax liability would be the same, wants to make it easier for corporate voices to lion dollar—and growing—presidential cam- but the $3 or $6 would simply be allocated to be heard. Moreover, these corporate dona- paigns, public financing needs reform, not re- something else. That is, the size of the rev- tions can be funneled to tax-exempt organiza- peal. enue pie would be the same but the slice that tions that do not have to disclose their donors, This system was first used 35 years ago in would have been spent on presidential elec- decreasing transparency when Americans the wake of Watergate to ease pressure on tion campaigns would simply be spent on want more of it. political candidates, enabling them to spend something else, and nothing in the bill would Last year, the House passed a bipartisan more time connecting with voters and less prevent additional borrowing to increase the bill to increase disclosure and transparency in time securing large contributions. size of the pie. federal elections. Unfortunately, the legislation Before costs outstripped financing, the sys- In addition, even if the entire existing bal- died in the Senate. The last thing we need to tem helped every candidate from 1976 to ance of the fund were transferred to the counteract the harmful Citizens United deci- 2008, increased the number of viable con- Treasury, as called for by the bill, according to sion is to eliminate the public campaign fi- tenders, and promoted competition in an oth- the fiscal year 2011 budget the unobligated

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.019 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE January 26, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H491 balance in the fund is approximately $200 mil- from the manipulative force of wealthy and countability.’’ He went on, ‘‘Above all else, we lion. The national debt is more than $14 tril- powerful special interests. will welcome the battle of ideas, encourage it, lion. So transferring $200 million to the Treas- I strongly oppose this bill and, for the sake and engage in it—openly, honestly, and re- ury for the express purpose of debt reduction of preserving the voice of the American people spectfully.’’ Bringing forth such sweeping legis- would only reduce the debt by one one-thou- in elections, I urge my colleagues to do the lation without committee hearings and mark- sandth of one percent. The majority argue that same. ups completely contradicts these promises. this bill would save hundreds of millions of dol- Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair, I Public financing of presidential campaigns lars in mandatory funding over the next dec- rise in strong opposition to H.R. 359, termi- provides matching tax dollars to the small do- ade, but the only thing it seems to do is keep nating voluntary taxpayer financing of presi- nations received by candidates who agree to those hundreds of millions of dollars out of the dential elections. This legislation seeks to end publicly finance their campaigns, instead of re- Presidential Election Campaign Fund. a 35-year-old program that uses money tax- lying on private donations. The intent is to en- That is how little would be gained. But what payers choose to help pay for presidential courage small donations and the burden on would be lost? That brings me to the second campaigns and political conventions. The im- taxpayers is not much: Americans can volun- aspect of this bill that is puzzling. The Presi- petus for creating this public-financing system tarily contribute $3 to the fund on their federal dential Election Campaign Fund is a com- was the 1970s Watergate scandal and the de- tax filings. The public finance system was cre- pletely voluntary program. It only exists be- sire to make fundraising for presidential elec- ated in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal cause people volunteer to participate in it. Al- tions more transparent. This bill would termi- in the mid-1970s. After President Richard Nix- though tax-payer designations have decreased nate the taxpayer option to designate a mere on’s re-election campaign was found to have in recent years, the American people volun- $3 of income taxes to the financing of presi- illegally accepted hundreds of thousands of tarily contributed the more than $1.3 billion dential campaigns, thereby also eliminating dollars from big corporations, Congress cre- that presidential candidates and party commit- the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and ated a public financing system so that can- tees have received under the program be- the Presidential Primary Matching Payment didates would not have to rely on corporations tween 1976 and 2004. Why would the Amer- Account. and deep pocketed donors to finance their ican people voluntarily contribute that much Currently, taxpayers can designate a $3 campaigns. money to the program if they didn’t prefer the contribution to the public-financing system by Legislation to make presidential public fi- neutrality of public money being used to fi- checking a box on their federal income tax nancing more competitive has won support nance elections to the bias and manipulative form. The money comes from taxes paid to from both parties in the past. In 2003, Sen- potential of private money being used for that the U.S. Treasury and does not affect a per- ators Russ Feingold and JOHN MCCAIN intro- purpose? son’s tax refund or payment. Passing this leg- duced a bill that would reform the public fi- Similarly, virtually all American presidential islation would do irreparable harm to our presi- nancing system; Reps. Christopher Shays and candidates have voluntarily participated in the dential election system by preventing everyday Marty Meehan filed a companion bill in the program since it was founded. With the excep- Americans from having their voices heard House. ‘‘The public financing system for presi- tion of President Obama, every single Repub- while opening the door for special interests dential elections, which aims to allow can- lican and Democratic presidential nominee and large corporations to dominate presi- didates to run competitive campaigns without since 1976 has used the public financing sys- dential elections even more. This legislation becoming overly dependent on private donors, tem to fund their general election campaigns. would prevent patriotic, tax-paying grand- is a system worth improving and preserving,’’ Why would the majority—with no real fiscal mothers who may not be technologically savvy the lawmakers said in a joint statement. benefit ensured by this bill—terminate a pro- enough to go to the Web site of a presidential More recently, Rep. DAVID PRICE introduced gram that both the citizens and the candidates campaign but who have for years and dec- the Presidential Fund Act, which would notably have voluntarily supported for decades? ades checked this box from expressing their increase the funds available to candidates The Citizens United decision is drowning out civic right to support a presidential campaign. who opt in to public financing. In 2007, when the voice of the average citizen under a tidal I think we should all stand up for grand- PRICE introduced his bill, cosponsors included wave of corporate spending. The Presidential mothers throughout this great Nation and op- three Republicans—Reps. Mike Castle of Election Campaign Fund amplifies the voice of pose this legislation. Delaware, TODD PLATTS of Pennsylvania, and the average American as against the voice of Furthermore, this attempt to fast-track a bill Shays. Rep. PRICE has offered the bill again in corporate America. It is a critical and valuable that will destroy the presidential public finance the 112th Congress with Rep. VAN HOLLEN. program that we should be updating, enhanc- system and privatize election fundraising is Since 1976, every Democratic and Repub- ing and expanding, as a number of Members highly irresponsible. This violates recent lican presidential candidate has used the pub- of this body have been seeking to do. For ex- pledges by the GOP’s leadership of increased lic financing system except Barack Obama’s ample, Representative PRICE of North Carolina transparency, accountability and debate in 2008 campaign. The way reformers see it, the and Representative VAN HOLLEN championed Congress. Not one hearing has been held on presidential public financing system needs re- in the prior Congress, and reintroduced yester- the legislation, nor has a single committee de- pair, not repeal. This legislation has drawn day with my support, legislation that would in- bated its merits at a markup. If it passes, this sharp criticism from campaign- finance watch- crease the role of small donors and decrease legislation will roll back more than 30 years of dog groups who argue that the program the role of corporate spenders and other big law born out of the Watergate scandal, evis- should be expanded, not eliminated, to reduce donors in presidential campaigns. It would cerating one of the few remaining protections special-interest money in elections. also eliminate spending limits, freeing up can- stopping corporations from heavily influencing Meredith McGehee, policy director at the didates to compete with the onslaught of cor- American elections even more. The Supreme Campaign Legal Center, says the amount of porate spending resulting from Citizens Court already opened the floodgates to unre- public funds currently available to candidates United. And it would increase the amount stricted special interest spending in our elec- is too small to be competitive in modern presi- available in the fund by increasing the tax re- tions and over our public policy debate in the dential races. She says lawmakers need to turn check-off amount from $3 to $10 (and Citizens United case; this legislation would update the system to better emphasize small from $6 to $20 for joint filers). Representative pave the way for special interest groups, large donations to candidates and raise the total LARSON and Representative JONES also cham- corporations, and other large donors to domi- amount of public funding available. ‘‘Imagine if pioned legislation that would establish a pro- nate the political landscape even more at the you didn’t make any changes to the tax code gram of public financing for House elections. I expense of everyday, hard-working, tax-paying since 1976. Of course public financing is out- think these efforts are the ones we should be Americans. dated. The issue, then, is not to get rid of, but devoting our time to. House Republicans’ much-touted ‘‘Pledge to how to fix.’’ I want to reiterate—the check-off box for the America’’ criticized Democrats for ‘‘limiting Craig Holman from the public interest group Presidential Election Campaign Fund is a openness and debate’’ during the legislative Public Citizen says his organization and others strictly voluntary funding mechanism. Keeping process and vowed to ‘‘ensure that bills are like it will urge lawmakers to oppose the it does not constitute an appropriation. Elimi- debated and discussed in the public square.’’ GOP’s bill because it violates the GOP’s nating it does not, in and of itself, reduce The pledge says the GOP ‘‘will fight to ensure transparency promises, both on the 2010 cam- spending or borrowing. Eliminating it in this transparency and accountability in Congress paign trail and now as the House majority. case would simply take away the only national and throughout government.’’ And in Speaker ‘‘This just came out of the blue, has had no program American citizens and presidential JOHN BOEHNER’s first remarks after taking con- deliberation and no discussion within the Re- candidates have been able to use to help en- trol of the House, he spoke of a greater em- publican and Democratic conferences,’’ Hol- sure that elections are as free as possible phasis on ‘‘real transparency’’ and ‘‘greater ac- man says. ‘‘They have just been seated and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:58 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26JA7.012 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE H492 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 26, 2011 they’re already breaking the ground rules on Wall Street banks have tried to stop legislative tion) after the date of the enactment of this how they’ll do business.’’ fixes. The Supreme Court has shown its will- section, or to any candidate in such an elec- This legislation is strongly opposed by ingness to overturn a century’s worth of legis- tion.’’. (B) TRANSFER OF EXCESS FUNDS TO GENERAL Americans for Campaign Reform, the Brennan lation designed to protect our electoral system. FUND.—Section 9006 of such Code is amended Center for Justice, Common Cause, Democ- Now this Congress is about to vote to remove by adding at the end the following new sub- racy 21, the League of Women Voters, People the voluntary public financing system put in section: for the American Way, and U.S. PIRG, to place in the wake of the Watergate Scandal. ‘‘(d) TRANSFER OF FUNDS REMAINING AFTER name a few. My friends in the new majority say that the TERMINATION.—The Secretary shall transfer I urge my colleagues to oppose this legisla- system is broken, and I agree. all amounts in the fund after the date of the tion, which would be damaging to our democ- That is why I have introduced, year after enactment of this section to the general fund racy. year, a Constitutional amendment, H.J. Res. of the Treasury.’’. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, this past Thursday (2) TERMINATION OF ACCOUNT.—Chapter 96 of 6, to ensure that no corporation, no Wall subtitle H of such Code is amended by adding marked the one year anniversary of the United Street bank, no big oil company, no deep at the end the following new section: States Supreme Court’s ruling on the case pocket interest will be able to buy elections. ‘‘SEC. 9043. TERMINATION. Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commis- I believe, the only long-term solution is to ‘‘The provisions of this chapter shall not sion. amend the United States Constitution. apply to any candidate with respect to any That is the day the liberty of the American America’s founders had the wisdom to know presidential election after the date of the en- Republic want on sale to the highest bidder. that as our young Republic matured, changes actment of this section.’’. And today, the House gathers to remove would need to be made. (c) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— one of the few remaining tools the average (1) The table of sections for chapter 95 of That is why they wrote Article V of the subtitle H of such Code is amended by adding American has to voluntarily participate in a United States Constitution, which allows for at the end the following new item: presidential election—let me remind those in amendments to the Constitution. ‘‘Sec. 9014. Termination.’’. support of H.R. 359 that the average Amer- The time has come to exercise this Con- (2) The table of sections for chapter 96 of ican is not a multi-national corporation with stitutional right and fundamentally protect subtitle H of such Code is amended by adding hundreds of millions of dollars at their dis- American liberty. at the end the following new item: posal. Additonally, H.J. Res. 8, another amend- ‘‘Sec. 9043. Termination.’’. My friends on the other side have said that ment I have introduced, will amend the Con- The CHAIR. No amendment to the this bill has nothing to do with the Citizens stitution to give Congress the authority to set bill shall be in order except those United case; I respectfully disagree. limits on the amount of contributions that may printed in the portion of the CONGRES- Because of the overreaching ruling in Citi- be accepted by a candidate. SIONAL RECORD designated for that pur- zens United, not only are large corporations Congress cannot allow a tidal wave of big pose and except pro forma amendments now allowed to reach into their deep pockets money to drown the integrity of our electoral for the purpose of debate. to spend unlimited funds in support of those system. Citizens United v. Federal Elections The Chair would advise, in light of running for office. But they can pay for political Commission was not a question of First the gentleman from New York’s par- advertisements in the days leading up to an Amendment rights; instead, it was an oppor- liamentary inquiry earlier, that the election—a provision previously banned by the tunity to protect the voices of average Ameri- printed RECORD is available. Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. cans who have been silenced by hugh cor- Each amendment printed may be of- The winner in this case was not Citizens porate bank accounts. fered only by the Member who caused United and the loser was not the Federal Elec- One year ago this free Republic suffered a it to be printed or a designee and shall tions Commission. The winners are multi-na- staggering blow. be considered as read. tional corporations and Wall Street. The loser Today, we must be firm and resolute in our AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MR. PETERS is the liberty of the American people. For if response. Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I have money = free speech, then lack of money = I urge my colleagues to protect public fund- an amendment at the desk. lack of free speech. ing, to vote in favor of the Polis amendment, The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate Corporations have always had heavy influ- and to vote NO on H.R. 359. the amendment. ence in the U.S. government. But today, as a The freedom and liberty our founders envi- The text of the amendment is as fol- result of the Supreme Court’s decision one sioned truly is at stake. lows: year ago, we have entered a new era in the Mr. ROSKAM. I yield back the bal- Page 2, line 23, strike ‘‘Treasury.’’ and in- corporate ownership of America. ance of my time. sert ‘‘Treasury, to be used only for reducing In this past mid-term election, the fallout of The CHAIR. All time for general de- the deficit.’’. Citizens United v. FEC saw close to $4 billion bate has expired. The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the poured into the mid-term cycle. This was an Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be gentleman from Michigan is recognized all-time record. considered for amendment under the 5- for 5 minutes in support of his amend- It is frightening to imagine how much money minute rule for a period not to exceed ment. will be spent during a presidential election 5 hours and shall be considered read. Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, there is year if public financing is stripped. The text of the bill is as follows: a strong bipartisan agreement that the Four billion dollars—a record-breaking H.R. 359 long-term health of our economy ne- amount of money—was spent at a time when Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- cessitates confronting persistent budg- our country’s unemployment hovers near 10 resentatives of the United States of America in et deficits and the growing national percent. Congress assembled, debt. That gross amount of cash came from big SECTION 1. TERMINATION OF TAXPAYER FINANC- Democrats and Republicans were able business and Wall Street. To claim the Citi- ING OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION to work together to create balanced zens United made no difference in the billions CAMPAIGNS. budgets in the 1990s and a similar at- (a) TERMINATION OF DESIGNATION OF INCOME spent is absurd. TAX PAYMENTS.—Section 6096 of the Internal tempt is needed now. A few justices on the Supreme Court curi- Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding While I appreciate the efforts of the ously decided that giant banks—which have at the end the following new subsection: Republican leadership to put forward a already taken so much from the American ‘‘(d) TERMINATION.—This section shall not specific budget cut, I have serious con- people—are deserving of the same protection apply to taxable years beginning after De- cerns with eliminating the public cam- under the First Amendment of the Constitution cember 31, 2009.’’. paign financing system. However, if the as the very people they hurt. (b) TERMINATION OF FUND AND ACCOUNT.— House is going to vote on this, we owe Wall Street has stripped the average Amer- (1) TERMINATION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION it to the American people to ensure CAMPAIGN FUND.— ican of their retirement funds, their homes, that the funds are actually used for (A) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 95 of subtitle H and drown our society in debt; now the Su- of such Code is amended by adding at the end deficit reduction and not for additional preme Court has stripped them clean of their the following new section: spending. Constitutional right to a free democracy. ‘‘SEC. 9014. TERMINATION. When I was reading the text of this This is unacceptable. ‘‘The provisions of this chapter shall not legislation, I was surprised to find that Those who benefit from the big money that apply with respect to any presidential elec- the bill does not make specific provi- is injected into elections by big business and tion (or any presidential nominating conven- sions for using the remaining money in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26JA7.014 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE January 26, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H493 the Presidential Election Campaign The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate Let’s face it, too, this is voluntary. Fund to reduce the deficit. This is why the amendment. This is the voluntary checkoff on your I am putting forward my amendment The text of the amendment is as fol- income tax form that taxpayers all that will ensure that the $194 million lows: across America can decide if they want in tax dollars currently sitting in the Page 2, amend line 21 to read as follows: to do this or not. This is not something Presidential Election Campaign Fund ‘‘to the Office of Justice Programs for local that is mandatory upon all taxpayers will be used to reduce the deficit law enforcement for costs of providing secu- across the country. And if folks around should this legislation become law. rity at Presidential nominating conven- the country, if taxpayers want to say, As introduced, H.R. 359 would trans- tions.’’. voluntarily, We want to help keep big fer this money to the Treasury’s gen- b 1250 money out of campaigns and we want eral fund where it could be dedicated to to help cover local security issues, then new spending or lent to government Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I re- we should be following through with trust funds. My amendment would sim- serve a point of order against the that commitment and not eliminating ply specify that upon transfer to the amendment. it, not giving them any choice at all. Treasury, these funds are to be used The CHAIR. A point of order is re- Overall, if the majority will not ac- only, to be used only, for reducing the served. cept this amendment, since you have deficit. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 raised the point of order, and it seems This is about sending a message to minutes. like you don’t want to bring it up to a taxpayers. If we are going to put deficit Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chair- vote, I would urge everyone to vote reduction in a bill’s title, then we man, I rise today in support of the Cas- ‘‘no’’ on H.R. 359 because it puts in dan- should make sure the deficit reduction tor amendment to safeguard the local ger dollars that can be used by the City is in the statutory language as well. government security funds that come of Tampa, the Tampa Bay area, and It is a matter of fact that the bill, as from the Presidential Election Cam- other communities for security, trans- introduced, simply returns the $194 paign Fund. I know a lot of the debate portation, preparation, and other al- million in the Presidential Election has been focused on public campaign fi- lowable purposes. Campaign Fund to the Treasury’s gen- nancing of Presidential campaigns, but This amendment intends to replace eral fund and it is from this fund that another important portion of that fund the $100 million we spend for security most expenditures are made, as well as goes to local communities to help them every 4 years with funding from this loans to a number of government trust with local security and local law en- voluntary fund. If we kill this fund, funds. If we are going to pass a bill to forcement costs when they host a polit- we’re going to be hurting many local reduce the deficit, let’s make sure it ical party convention. communities such as my hometown of actually does that. And we’re very proud in my home- It is not uncommon or unprecedented Tampa. The host committee will be town of Tampa to be the host of the to specify funds being returned to the way behind the eight ball. They’re Treasury to be used for deficit reduc- 2012 Republican convention. It’s no doing a good job but, boy, this was a tion. In fact, I am proud to be a bipar- wonder that the Republicans selected commitment, this is the law, and tisan cosponsor of two Republican bills Tampa; it’s a wonderful place. We have you’re going to really stick it to them introduced this session, one by my col- beautiful beaches. We need the business by taking these security funds away. league from Michigan, Chairman CAMP, and the jobs. So we’re going to be a So let’s vote on making our commu- and Representative GINGREY, that very welcoming community. We do nities safe when we rally a democracy would codify the requirements that conventions very well. And we’re very under our political conventions. unspent funds from the Members’ rep- happy that we’re going to play host to Mr. Chairman, at this point, since resentational allowances be used spe- the Republican convention. the majority party has offered a point cifically for deficit reduction. But here are great warning flags of order, it appears that they are not This amendment basically uses the going off because what I hear from my going to allow this amendment and same language as in both of those bills local law enforcement community is probably the next one to come up for a by Mr. CAMP and Mr. GINGREY. If Con- that the security costs, especially in vote. So because the majority has gress is going to send a message to tax- the post-9/11 world, are very daunting. raised a point of order to prevent a payers that cutting spending is a top They are very concerned with the cost vote on my amendment, I reluctantly priority, then let’s make sure those re- of providing security for the Repub- ask unanimous consent to withdraw covered funds are actually used to re- lican convention, just like, I think, any both of my amendments, which would duce the deficit. host community would be for any have safeguarded our security funds for My amendment is a commonsense party convention. local law enforcement. change that ensures that the stated So what this amendment does is it The CHAIR. Without objection, the purpose of this bill, deficit reduction, says that, rather than completely do amendment is withdrawn. will actually be carried out. away with this fund, we will retain the There was no objection. I yield back the balance of my time. portion that will cover local law en- AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MS. TSONGAS Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I rise forcement security costs. We’re going Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Chairman, I have in support of the amendment. to need this help. an amendment at the desk. The CHAIR. The gentleman from Illi- What I understand from my col- The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate nois is recognized for 5 minutes. leagues in Minneapolis after the last the amendment. Mr. ROSKAM. I wholeheartedly agree convention is that they received over The text of the amendment is as fol- and ask that it be passed. $16 million from this fund to help them lows: I yield back the balance of my time. Add at the end the following: The CHAIR. The question is on the cover the costs of security, yet that wasn’t enough to fully cover all the SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF FEDERAL amendment offered by the gentleman FUNDS FOR PRESIDENTIAL CAM- cost. And let me tell you, in this econ- from Michigan (Mr. PETERS). PAIGN AND LOBBYING ACTIVITIES. The question was taken; and the omy right now, in an area where we With respect to Federal funds received by Chair announced that the ayes ap- were hard hit by the recession in 2007, an entity, other than a natural person, it early 2007, our local governments sim- shall be unlawful for such entity to— peared to have it. (1) use such funds to advocate the election Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I de- ply don’t have the wherewithal to go this extra mile and cover all of these or defeat of a Presidential candidate; mand a recorded vote. (2) use such funds to engage in any lob- The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of security costs. bying activity; or rule XVIII, further proceedings on the So what I’m asking through this (3) donate such funds to any entity that ad- amendment offered by the gentleman amendment, as we come together in a vocates for the election or defeat of a Presi- from Michigan will be postponed. bipartisan way to cover those local law dential candidate or engages in lobbying ac- AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MS. CASTOR OF enforcement costs, is let’s not throw tivities. FLORIDA out the entire fund. Let’s retain this Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I re- Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I have an amount, or what’s left in the fund, to serve a point of order against the amendment at the desk. go to cover these local security costs. amendment.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.045 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE H494 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 26, 2011 The CHAIR. A point of order is re- There was no objection. able to check that box and voluntarily served. AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MS. MOORE make a donation in the same amount The gentlewoman from Massachu- Ms. MOORE. Mr. Chairman, I have an to the Presidential Election Campaign setts is recognized for 5 minutes. amendment at the desk. Fund. Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Chairman, it is The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate What’s important here is not whether my intention to withdraw, however re- the amendment. a President uses the fund or doesn’t use luctantly, the amendment. But I would The text of the amendment is as fol- the fund. What’s important is to pre- like to thank my colleagues on the lows: serve the opportunity for the average other side of the aisle for giving me Strike all after the enacting clause and in- American to have that speech and the this opportunity to discuss what I be- sert the following: opportunity to say loud and clear that lieve is a critically important issue for SECTION 1. TAXPAYER OPTION TO CONTRIBUTE they support clean, good, and fair our democracy. OWN FUNDS TO PRESIDENTIAL elections. My amendment is straightforward. ELECTION CAMPAIGNS. b 1300 Entities that received Federal funds (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 6096 of the Inter- may not use those funds, be they bail- nal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read My amendment, instead of elimi- outs, earmarks, grants, or payments as follows: nating the entire program, lets Ameri- for contracts, toward the election or ‘‘SEC. 6096. CONTRIBUTIONS OF OWN FUNDS BY cans make a donation out of their own INDIVIDUALS. defeat of a Presidential candidate. pockets. Good government groups are ‘‘(a) GENERAL RULE.—Every taxpayer who I understand what my colleagues on against the underlying bill, such as the makes a return of the tax imposed by chap- League of Women Voters, Common the other side of the aisle hope to ac- ter 1 for any taxable year may designate complish with the underlying bill that $3 ($6 in the case of a joint return) in ad- Cause, Democracy 21, and Public Cit- today. They want to protect taxpayer dition to any payment of tax for such tax- izen. Rather than eliminating the pub- dollars. Saving taxpayer dollars is a able year shall be paid over to the Presi- lic financing system, we should be noble goal, particularly in these tough dential Election Campaign Fund in accord- working together in a bipartisan man- economic times. ance with the provisions of section 9006(a). ner to reform it and improve it. Unfortunately, this bill eliminates ‘‘(b) MANNER AND TIME OF DESIGNATION.— Now, I understand that a point of Any designation under subsection (a) for any order is being reserved against my the voluntary fund that taxpayers taxable year— elect to put toward campaign financing amendment because CBO has scored ‘‘(1) shall be made at the time of filing the my amendment as saving only $400 mil- and does nothing about the much larg- return of the tax imposed by chapter 1 for er share of taxpayer dollars that can such taxable year and in such manner as the lion over 10 years, while the underlying now go to campaign financing with no Secretary may by regulation prescribe, ex- bill saves $600 million. So I think given say from taxpayers. If we are truly se- cept that such designation shall be made ei- that my amendment does contribute to rious about protecting taxpayer dol- ther on the first page of the return or on the deficit reduction, we shouldn’t throw lars, it is these dollars we should be page bearing the taxpayer’s signature, and the baby out with the bath water. ‘‘(2) shall be accompanied by a payment of Understanding, Mr. Chairman, that a concerned with. We should ensure that the amount so designated.’’. corporations and other entities receiv- point of order has been reserved, I ask (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The item relat- unanimous consent to withdraw my ing taxpayer money cannot turn ing to section 6096 in the table of sections for around and use that same money to fi- part VIII of subchapter A of chapter 61 of amendment. The CHAIR. Is there objection to the nance Presidential campaigns. such Code is amended to read as follows: request of the gentlewoman from Wis- The Supreme Court, in Citizens ‘‘Sec. 6096. Contributions of own funds by in- United, allowed corporations to have dividuals.’’. consin? There was no objection. unlimited influence in elections. It re- (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments The CHAIR. Are there further made by this section shall apply to taxable moved longstanding protections that amendments to the bill? prevented corporations from making years beginning after the date of the enact- AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MR. POLIS large contributions to candidates and ment of this Act. Mr. POLIS. Mr. Chairman, I have an drowning out the voices of everyday Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I re- serve a point of order against the amendment at the desk. Americans trying to participate in our The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate amendment. democracy. In the wake of Citizens the amendment. United, public financing of Presidential The CHAIR. A point of order is re- The text of the amendment is as elections is all the more important to served. follows: The gentlewoman from Wisconsin is ensure a level playing field for can- Strike all after the enacting clause and in- didates running for office and to pre- recognized for 5 minutes in support of sert the following: serve the voice of the American tax- her amendment. SECTION 1. VOLUNTARY FINANCING OF PRESI- payer. By eliminating the Presidential Ms. MOORE. Mr. Chairman, the Su- DENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS. Campaign Fund, my colleagues across preme Court ruling in Citizens United (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 6096 of the Inter- the aisle would increase the influence v. Federal Election Commission cre- nal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read of special interests in the elections, ated an uninhibited voice for special as follows: leaving Presidential candidates be- interest spending in our elections and ‘‘SEC. 6096. VOLUNTARY DESIGNATION BY INDI- unlimited corporate speech in our pub- VIDUALS. holden to large, private contributions. ‘‘(a) GENERAL RULE.—Every taxpayer who If my colleagues insist on elimi- lic policy debate. makes a return of the tax imposed by chap- nating this important and completely Special interests were heard loud and ter 1 for any taxable year may designate an voluntary fund, let us at least make clear this past election cycle to the amount shall be paid over to the Presidential sure that corporations receiving tax- tune of $281.6 million, almost five times Election Campaign Fund in accordance with payer money through bailouts, ear- greater than the previous midterm the provisions of section 9006(a). The amount marks, and other Federal funds are not election of 2006. By eliminating the designated under the preceding sentence— able to then use these taxpayer funds Presidential Election Campaign Fund ‘‘(1) may not be less than $1, and ‘‘(2) shall be in addition to any payment of towards influencing Presidential elec- where everyday Americans can have tax for the taxable year. tions. Let us level the playing field and their voices heard, special interest ‘‘(b) MANNER AND TIME OF DESIGNATION.— protect all American voters by ensur- groups will be able to shout from the Any designation under subsection (a) for any ing that these large, private contribu- top of the mountain and dominate taxable year— tions to political candidates aren’t Presidential elections even more. ‘‘(1) shall be made at the time of filing the funded using taxpayer money. Currently, between 7 and 8 percent of return of the tax imposed by chapter 1 for Mr. Chairman, I reluctantly ask Americans choose to direct $3 of their such taxable year and in such manner as the tax liability to the Presidential Elec- Secretary may by regulation prescribe, ex- unanimous consent to withdraw my cept that such designation shall be made ei- amendment. tion Campaign Fund. My amendment is ther on the first page of the return or on the The CHAIR. Is there objection to the simple. Instead of directing that page bearing the taxpayer’s signature, and request of the gentlewoman from Mas- amount, that $3 of their tax liability ‘‘(2) shall be accompanied by a payment of sachusetts? by checking that box, citizens would be the amount so designated.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:58 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.049 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE January 26, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H495 ‘‘(c) TREATMENT OF AMOUNTS DES- taxes. I think that is a very critical POINT OF ORDER IGNATED.—For purposes of this title, the component with regard to this. Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I must amount designated by any taxpayer under By not capping the amount of vol- insist on the point of order. I raise a subsection (a) shall be treated as a contribu- untary donations, the amount of the point of order against the amendment tion made by such taxpayer to the United because it violates clause 10 of rule States on the last date prescribed for filing fund could even be improved. It could the return of tax imposed by chapter 1 (de- remain solvent and strong because XXI, known as the CutGo rule. The termined without regard to extensions) or, if some taxpayers might dedicate $30, amendment proposed increased manda- later, the date the return is filed.’’. $100, or $500. We would make it easy by tory spending without an equal or (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The item relat- empowering taxpayers. great reduction in existing mandatory ing to section 6096 in the table of sections for I do have a technical fix for the spending relative to the underlying bill part VIII of subchapter A of chapter 61 of amendment that I would like to offer. in violation of the rule. such Code is amended to read as follows: This is all happening so quickly, I will The CHAIR. Does any Member wish ‘‘Sec. 6096. Voluntary designation by indi- get that amendment to you in a mo- to be heard on the point of order? viduals.’’. ment. But effectively what this would Mr. POLIS. Yes, I do. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments do is, as you know, as it is now struc- The CHAIR. The gentleman from Col- made by this section shall apply to taxable tured, all of the money you save going orado is recognized to be heard on the years beginning after the date of the enact- forward and the existing money from point of order. ment of this Act. the fund is returned to Treasury. Mr. POLIS. The point of order is le- Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I re- Certainly the intent of my amend- gitimate in the sense that there is an serve a point of order against the ment was to do the same thing, but ambiguity with regard to what happens amendment. there is some ambiguity about whether to the money. I would press the point The CHAIR. A point of order is re- the existing money in the fund would that the legislative intent is to allow served. be returned to Treasury, which is the the money that exists in the fund to be The gentleman from Colorado is rec- intent of the amendment. returned to the Department of the ognized for 5 minutes. I ask unanimous consent to modify Treasury. We would be happy to work Mr. POLIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise for a technical correction the copy of with the gentleman on a technical fix today to discuss an amendment that the amendment I am sending to the to the amendment that would make can maintain our commitment to true desk. that clear. I would argue that it is al- democracy and reduce the corrupting The CHAIR. If the gentleman would ready clear enough in the sense that influence of Big Money in Presidential send the modification to the desk. certainly nothing is prohibited in campaigns, but will also allow for fis- Mr. POLIS. I withdraw the request to terms of returning that money. The cal responsibility and the savings that modify my amendment so I can con- formal scoring came back as saving at Members of both parties believe so tinue with my time. How much time do least, I believe, $422 million, which is strongly about. I have remaining? all of the money going forward. Rather than end the program, as has The CHAIR. The gentleman has 21⁄2 So this is a question of the $100 mil- been proposed in the Republican bill to minutes remaining. lion or so that is now in the fund. The fund Presidential elections and reduce Mr. POLIS. So again, with regard to legislative intent is to return that to the influence of Big Money on our po- this amendment, it is designed to save the Treasury which would, therefore, litical system, this amendment would the same amount of money because it result in identical savings. And we make the source of the voluntary indi- does, obviously. It simply allocates the would be happy, to the gentleman’s vidual donations to the Presidential money both in the fund; and I offer in satisfaction and during the course of Election Campaign Fund. It can be terms of a clarification on legislative debate before the votes are called, to structured in such a way where the intent that it is the intent. There is clarify that through a technical fix. same amount of money is saved be- certainly nothing in the language of The CHAIR. The Chair recognizes the cause rather than, and when I looked the amendment that precludes it, as gentleman from California to be heard into this matter, like many Americans, well as any future funds that come in on the point of order. I thought and many people thought under the regular taxes that are paid. Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- that the $3 check-off was actually addi- It allows the fund in the future to be fornia. On the most recent clarification tional money you pay. On the tax form, funded out of voluntary contributions. by the gentleman from Colorado, the it looks like it is and you check it off. I think if opponents of the Presi- intent of our legislation is to stop this Most people think it is additional; it is dential campaign fund want to end the program. Not only would the funds be not actually an additional $3. It comes program for budgetary purposes, my returned that are already in there, but out of the money you already pay. amendment gives a reason to maintain the program would not go forward. So what this amendment would do is the fund. We can, if you believe in the b 1310 say it would be an optional amount on mission of public financing and fight- So, therefore, the administrative top of the other amount that you pay. ing Big Money interests, also be fis- costs to the IRS would be eliminated. So it would be an additional $3 or $5 or cally responsible by maintaining the The gentleman, by continuing the pro- $10. We actually leave it open and allow fund. Eliminating the fund would con- gram, increases the net cost because people themselves to designate how tinue the trend of shutting out the you will continue having the adminis- much money they would like to apply public’s voice in Federal campaigns. trative costs that otherwise would be to fighting Big Money in politics. Again, I sympathize with the need to no longer in effect as a result of the un- So with this approach, we can sepa- save $520 million, and I support the derlying bill; and therefore, the point rate these two issues. One is an issue of need to save $520 million; and that is a of order would still be appropriate. fiscal responsibility with which I think beginning. That is a small beginning The CHAIR. Does any other Member there is strong bipartisan support for for what we need to cut, but we can do wish to be heard on the point of order? making cuts, even cuts of programs so in a way that will allow this concept The Chair is prepared to rule. that we hold dear. Frankly, I am a sup- that was created in the wake of Water- The gentleman from Illinois makes a porter of public financing and am a co- gate to continue to exist and work. point of order that the amendment of- sponsor of the Fair Elections Act. I I worry about the fate of our democ- fered by the gentleman from Colorado support more public financing, but I racy with regard to the impact of Big violates clause 10 of rule XXI by pro- am also fiscally responsible, and I Money on elections, and to get rid of posing an increase in mandatory spend- would make cuts elsewhere. Let’s sepa- public financing in Presidential cam- ing over a relevant period of time. rate that out and say we can save the paigns would inflict greater damage on Pursuant to clause 10 of rule XXI and $520 million we need to save, but allow our campaigns and on our democracy. clause 4 of rule XXIX, the Chair is au- the program of public financing to con- The CHAIR. The time of the gen- thoritatively guided by estimates from tinue as a program that individuals tleman has expired. the chair of the Committee on the themselves can choose how much to Does the gentleman from Illinois in- Budget that the net effect of the provi- fund when they are filling out their sist on his point of order? sions in the amendment would increase

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26JA7.019 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE H496 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 26, 2011 mandatory spending over a relevant pe- Johnson (OH) Murphy (CT) Schmidt So the amendment was agreed to. Johnson, E. B. Murphy (PA) Schock The result of the vote was announced riod as compared to the bill. Johnson, Sam Myrick Schrader Accordingly, the point of order is Jones Napolitano Schwartz as above recorded. sustained, and the amendment is not in Jordan Neal Schweikert Stated for: order. Kaptur Neugebauer Scott (SC) Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 23 Keating Noem Scott (VA) I was absent because I was having a root AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MR. PETERS Kelly Nugent Scott, Austin canal. The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of Kildee Nunes Scott, David Kind Nunnelee Sensenbrenner Had I been present, I would have voted rule XVIII, proceedings will now re- King (IA) Olson Serrano ‘‘aye.’’ sume on the amendment on which fur- King (NY) Olver Sessions Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chair, I ther proceedings were postponed. Kingston Owens Sewell Kinzinger (IL) Palazzo Sherman was unavoidably detained on January 26, The unfinished business is the de- Kissell Pallone Shimkus 2011 and missed rollcall vote No. 23 on the mand for a recorded vote on the Kline Pascrell Shuler amendment to H.R. 359 offered by Represent- amendment offered by the gentleman Kucinich Pastor (AZ) Shuster Labrador Paul Simpson ative PETERS. If I had been present, I would from Michigan (Mr. PETERS) on which Lamborn Paulsen Sires have voted ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall No. 23. further proceedings were postponed and Lance Payne Slaughter Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 23, on which the ayes prevailed by voice Landry Pearce Smith (NE) had I been present, I would have ‘‘aye.’’ vote. Langevin Pelosi Smith (NJ) Lankford Pence Smith (TX) Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Chair, earlier today I The Clerk will redesignate the Larsen (WA) Perlmutter Smith (WA) was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall amendment. Latham Peters Southerland vote No. 23. If present, I would have voted The Clerk redesignated the amend- LaTourette Peterson Stark ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall vote No. 23. Latta Petri Stearns ment. Lee (NY) Pingree (ME) Stivers The CHAIR. Under the rule, the Com- RECORDED VOTE Levin Pitts Stutzman mittee rises. Lewis (CA) Platts Sullivan Accordingly, the Committee rose; The CHAIR. A recorded vote has been Lewis (GA) Poe (TX) Sutton and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. demanded. Lipinski Polis Terry TERRY) having assumed the chair, Mr. A recorded vote was ordered. LoBiondo Pompeo Thompson (CA) Loebsack Posey Thompson (MS) LATOURETTE, Chair of the Committee The vote was taken by electronic de- Lofgren, Zoe Price (GA) Thompson (PA) of the Whole House on the State of the vice, and there were—ayes 396, noes 7, Long Price (NC) Thornberry Union, reported that that Committee, not voting 31, as follows: Lowey Quayle Tiberi Lucas Quigley Tierney having had under consideration the bill [Roll No. 23] Luetkemeyer Rahall Tipton (H.R. 359) to reduce Federal spending AYES—396 Luja´ n Rangel Tonko and the deficit by terminating tax- Lungren, Daniel Reed Towns Ackerman Chaffetz Franks (AZ) E. Rehberg Tsongas payer financing of presidential election Adams Chandler Frelinghuysen Mack Reichert Turner campaigns and party conventions, and, Aderholt Chu Fudge Maloney Renacci Upton pursuant to House Resolution 54, re- Akin Cicilline Gallegly Manzullo Reyes Van Hollen ported the bill back to the House with Alexander Clarke (MI) Gardner Marchant Richardson Vela´ zquez Altmire Clay Garrett Marino Richmond Visclosky an amendment adopted in the Com- Amash Cleaver Gerlach Markey Rigell Walberg mittee of the Whole. Andrews Clyburn Gibbs Matheson Rivera Walden The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Austria Coble Gibson Matsui Roby Walsh (IL) Bachmann Coffman (CO) Gingrey (GA) McCarthy (CA) Roe (TN) Walz (MN) the rule, the previous question is or- Bachus Cohen Gohmert McCaul Rogers (AL) Wasserman dered. Baldwin Cole Gonzalez McClintock Rogers (KY) Schultz The question is on the amendment. Barletta Conaway Goodlatte McCollum Rogers (MI) Watt Barrow Connolly (VA) Gosar The amendment was agreed to. McCotter Rohrabacher Waxman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bartlett Conyers Gowdy McDermott Rokita Webster Barton (TX) Costello Granger McGovern Rooney Weiner question is on the engrossment and Bass (CA) Courtney Graves (GA) McHenry Roskam Welch third reading of the bill. Bass (NH) Cravaack Graves (MO) McIntyre Ross (AR) West The bill was ordered to be engrossed Benishek Crawford Green, Al McKeon Ross (FL) Westmoreland and read a third time, and was read the Berg Crenshaw Green, Gene McKinley Rothman (NJ) Whitfield Berkley Critz Griffin (AR) McMorris Roybal-Allard Wilson (FL) third time. Berman Crowley Griffith (VA) Rodgers Royce Wilson (SC) MOTION TO RECOMMIT Biggert Cuellar Grijalva McNerney Runyan Wittman Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- Bilbray Culberson Grimm Meehan Ruppersberger Wolf Bishop (GA) Cummings Guinta Meeks Rush Womack er, I have a motion to recommit at the Bishop (NY) Davis (CA) Guthrie Mica Ryan (OH) Woodall desk. Bishop (UT) Davis (IL) Gutierrez Michaud Ryan (WI) Woolsey The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the Black Davis (KY) Hall Miller (FL) Sanchez, Loretta Wu Blackburn DeFazio Hanabusa Miller (MI) Sarbanes Yarmuth gentleman opposed to the bill? Blumenauer DeGette Hanna Miller (NC) Scalise Yoder Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. I am. Bonner DeLauro Harman Miller, George Schakowsky Young (AK) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bono Mack Denham Harper Moran Schiff Young (FL) Clerk will report the motion to recom- Boren Dent Harris Mulvaney Schilling Young (IN) Boswell DesJarlais Hartzler mit. Boustany Deutch Hastings (FL) NOES—7 The Clerk read as follows: Brady (PA) Dicks Hastings (WA) Clarke (NY) Jackson Lee Nadler Mr. Walz of Minnesota moves to recommit Brady (TX) Dingell Hayworth Edwards (TX) Waters the bill H.R. 359 to the Committee on Ways Braley (IA) Dold Heck Holt Lee (CA) Brooks Donnelly (IN) Heller and Means with instructions to report the Broun (GA) Dreier Hensarling NOT VOTING—31 same to the House forthwith with the fol- Brown (FL) Duffy Herger lowing amendment: Baca Doyle Lummis Bucshon Duncan (SC) Herrera Beutler Strike all after the enacting clause and in- Becerra Emerson Buerkle Duncan (TN) Higgins Lynch sert the following: Bilirakis Engel Burgess Ellison Himes McCarthy (NY) Buchanan Frank (MA) SECTION 1. CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE AGREE- Burton (IN) Ellmers Hirono Miller, Gary Capps Garamendi MENT. Butterfield Eshoo Honda Moore Capuano Giffords (a) DISQUALIFIED ENTITY.—Section 9003 of Calvert Farenthold Hoyer Ribble Carter Heinrich Camp Farr Huelskamp Ros-Lehtinen the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended Cooper Hinchey Campbell Fattah Huizenga (MI) Sa´ nchez, Linda by adding at the end the following new sub- Costa Hinojosa Canseco Filner Hultgren T. section: Diaz-Balart Holden Cantor Fincher Hunter Speier ‘‘(f) DISQUALIFIED ENTITY.—For purposes of Doggett Larson (CT) Capito Fitzpatrick Hurt this section— Cardoza Flake Inslee b 1335 ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘disqualified Carnahan Fleischmann Israel entity’ means any entity that has not en- Carney Fleming Issa Messrs. HOLT, NADLER, Ms. WA- tered into a campaign disclosure agreement Carson (IN) Flores Jackson (IL) TERS, Ms. LEE of California, and Ms. Cassidy Forbes Jenkins with the Department of the Treasury. Castor (FL) Fortenberry Johnson (GA) CLARKE of New York changed their ‘‘(2) CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT.— Chabot Foxx Johnson (IL) vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ The term ‘campaign disclosure agreement’

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.057 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE January 26, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H497 means an agreement in which the entity (d) PRESERVATION OF FUND FOR PRESI- serves to know, and that is when com- agrees— DENTIAL PRIMARIES.—Subsection (b) of sec- mercials, TV commercials, are paid for ‘‘(A) to file disclosure statements with the tion 9037 of such Code is amended to read as by special interests, Big Money special Internal Revenue Service at such times, and follows: interests, including foreign corpora- covering such periods, as are required under ‘‘(b) PAYMENTS FROM THE MATCHING PAY- section 527(j)(2), MENT ACCOUNT.—Amounts in the Presi- tions, and corporations that are owned ‘‘(B) with respect to its receipt of payment dential Primary Matching Payment Account or controlled by foreign governments, for electioneering communications from cov- shall be available, as provided by appropria- whether they be China, Iran, Ven- ered persons on or after January 1, 2013, to tion Acts, solely for making transfers to the ezuela, whoever it may be, that the include within those disclosure statements— candidate. No amount may be transferred American public has a right to know ‘‘(i) the amount, date, and purpose of each from the account unless the Secretary has who is paying for those ads. payment and the name and address of the receipt of a certification from the Commis- It’s simple, it’s transparent, and in covered person making the payment, and sion under section 9036, but not before the fact our Republican colleagues even re- ‘‘(ii) the name and address of each disquali- beginning of the matching payment period. cently said they were in favor of more fied contributor making a payment on or In making such transfers to candidates of after January 1, 2013, to the covered person the same political party, the Secretary shall transparency. Speaker BOEHNER said on (including the occupation and name of em- seek to achieve an equitable distribution of Meet the Press, and I quote: ‘‘I think ployer of such individual) and the amount funds available under subsection (a), and the what we ought to do is we ought to and date of each payment, and Secretary shall take into account, in seeking have full disclosure, full disclosure of ‘‘(C) to pay damages to the Secretary for to achieve an equitable distribution, the se- all the money we raise and how it is failure to comply with these disclosure re- quence in which such certifications are re- spent. I think sunlight is the best dis- quirements in an amount equal to 35 percent ceived.’’. infectant.’’ I would hope that would of the amount that was required to be dis- (e) PRESERVATION OF FUNDS FOR NATIONAL also be true about foreign-controlled closed. COMMITTEE.—Paragraph (3) of section 9008(b) ‘‘(3) DISQUALIFIED CONTRIBUTOR.—The term of such Code is amended to read as follows: corporations trying to secretly finance ‘disqualified contributor’ means— ‘‘(3) PAYMENTS.—Amounts in the appro- ads in this country. ‘‘(A) any person who makes payments (di- priate account maintained under subsection Majority Leader CANTOR told News- rectly or indirectly) of more than $100,000 to (a) shall be available, as provided by appro- week, and I quote: ‘‘Anything that the covered person during the calendar year, priation Acts, solely for making expendi- moves us back toward the notion of and tures to the national committee of a major transparency, real-time reporting of ‘‘(B) any foreign individual, foreign cor- party or minor party which elects to receive donations and contributions would be poration, or foreign country who makes any its entitlement under this subsection. Such helpful toward restoring confidence of payment (directly or indirectly) to the cov- payments shall be available for use by such ered person during the calendar year. committee in accordance with the provisions the voters.’’ of subsection (c). No expenditures may be Mr. Speaker, this motion is very sim- A payment that is deposited into an account ple. Let’s let the American public know of a covered person that is not available for made from such fund unless the Secretary of electioneering communications shall not be the Treasury has receipt of a certification when you have these Big Money special taken into account for purposes of the pre- from the Commission under subsection (g).’’. interests, including foreign-controlled ceding sentence. (f) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments corporations, spending this money to ‘‘(4) ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION.—The made by this section shall take effect on the influence their vote. Eighty percent of term ‘electioneering communication’ means date of the enactment of this Act. the American people, Democrats, Re- a communication that— Mr. WALZ of Minnesota (during the publicans, and independents, say they ‘‘(A) refers to a clearly identified candidate reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous want to know. A vote against this mo- for any Federal public office, consent to dispense with the reading. tion is a vote to keep the American ‘‘(B) reflects a view on such candidate or The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there on the record of such candidate, and public in the dark, to continue to allow ‘‘(C) is made within 30 days of a general objection to the request of the gen- those shadowy groups, including those election or a primary election. tleman from Minnesota? controlled by foreign interests, to con- ‘‘(5) COVERED PERSON.— Mr. ROSKAM. I object. tinue to try and influence the elections ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘covered per- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Objec- in this country without telling a single son’ means any of the following persons: tion is heard. person. That’s wrong. It violates the ‘‘(i) Any foreign individual, corporation, The Clerk will continue to read. kind of pledge towards transparency partnership, limited liability company, lim- and greater accountability that we ited liability partnership, trust or similar b 1340 heard a lot in this last election. entity or foreign country. Mr. ROSKAM (during the reading). ‘‘(ii) Any domestic corporation, partner- So I urge my colleagues to act on a ship, limited liability company, limited li- Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent bipartisan basis to simply give the pub- ability partnership, trust or similar entity. to dispense with the reading. lic the right to know when those kinds ‘‘(iii) Any person described in section 501(c) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there of organizations, including foreign-con- and exempt from tax under section 501(a). objection to the request of the gen- trolled corporations, are spending gobs ‘‘(B) EXCEPTION.—Subparagraph (A) shall tleman from Illinois? of money on TV and not telling the not apply to any person if the aggregate pay- There was no objection. American people who they are or who ments for electioneering communications The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- is financing them. during the calendar year by such person does tleman from Minnesota is recognized not exceed $25,000.’’. Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. I thank the (b) CONDITION.—Subsection (a) of section for 5 minutes in support of his motion. gentleman. And on the morning after 9003 of such Code is amended by striking Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- the night we sat here together and lis- ‘‘and’’ at the end of paragraph (2), by strik- er, I yield to the gentleman from Mary- tened to the President talk about us ing the period at the end of paragraph (3) and land (Mr. VAN HOLLEN), a true cham- working together, we have got a mo- inserting ‘‘, and’’, and by inserting after pion of transparency and openness in tion to recommit that I think we can paragraph (3) the following new paragraph: government and our elections. all agree upon. As the gentleman spoke ‘‘(4) agree to not make any payment to a Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I thank my col- about something very uniquely Amer- disqualified entity for print, broadcast, league and thank him for offering this cable, or satellite communications.’’. ican in our election process, it is that (c) PRESERVATION OF FUNDS FOR PRESI- motion because it’s very simple. What humble idea of someone like myself, a DENTIAL CANDIDATES.—Subsection (b) of sec- this does is allow the American public school teacher, football coach, and sol- tion 9006 of such Code is amended to read as to finally know who is funding the po- dier, with no political connections and follows: litical ads that they’re watching fi- no personal wealth, can actually get ‘‘(b) PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND.—Amounts nanced by a lot of these shadowy their friends together and win elections in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund groups. to Congress. shall be available, as provided by appropria- Mr. Speaker, earlier today our Re- The idea that we should have our tion Acts, solely for making expenditures to publican colleagues rejected the idea of elections be influenced by undisclosed eligible candidates of a political party. No expenditures may be made from such fund having broad transparency by adopting foreign money runs counter to every- unless the Secretary of the Treasury has re- the DISCLOSE Act. What this does is thing in this Nation’s history. This ceipt of a certification from the Commission target it in one very important area, piece of legislation was a bipartisan under section 9005.’’. an area that the American public de- piece of legislation that was meant to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A26JA7.022 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE H498 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 26, 2011 curb the excesses in the post-Watergate The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bass (NH) Graves (MO) Paulsen era. It has been used by every Presi- Benishek Griffin (AR) Pearce Chair cannot respond to inquiries re- Berg Griffith (VA) Pence dent, including Ronald Reagan, to garding the content of a pending propo- Biggert Grimm Petri make sure that our election processes sition. Bilbray Guinta Pitts were fair. Without objection, the previous ques- Bilirakis Guthrie Platts So we offer this motion to recommit Bishop (UT) Hall Poe (TX) tion is ordered on the motion to recom- Black Hanna Pompeo in the spirit of last night’s speech, mit. Blackburn Harper Posey something we can agree upon together, There was no objection. Bonner Harris Price (GA) Bono Mack Hartzler that foreign corporations should not The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Quayle buy our elections, that any American Boustany Hastings (WA) Reed question is on the motion to recommit. Brady (TX) Hayworth wishing to run for office should do so Rehberg The question was taken; and the Brooks Heck Reichert on merit and should do so with trans- Broun (GA) Heller Speaker pro tempore announced that Renacci parency and the knowledge of the Buchanan Hensarling Ribble the noes appeared to have it. Bucshon Herger Rigell American public. Buerkle Herrera Beutler I encourage my colleagues on both Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- Rivera er, on that I demand the yeas and nays. Burgess Huelskamp Roby sides of the aisle, support this very Burton (IN) Huizenga (MI) Roe (TN) simple motion to recommit to keep our The yeas and nays were ordered. Calvert Hultgren Rogers (AL) elections fair, to keep the American The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Camp Hunter Rogers (KY) ant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair Campbell Hurt Rogers (MI) people informed, and to keep this de- Canseco Issa will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum Rohrabacher mocracy in our hands, not foreign cor- Cantor Jenkins Rokita porations. time for any electronic vote on the Capito Johnson (IL) Rooney I yield back the balance of my time. question of passage. Carter Johnson (OH) Roskam Cassidy Johnson, Sam Ross (FL) Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in The vote was taken by electronic de- Chabot Kelly opposition to the motion to recommit. vice, and there were—yeas 173, nays Royce Chaffetz King (NY) Runyan Coble Kingston The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- 228, not voting 33, as follows: Ryan (WI) Coffman (CO) Kinzinger (IL) tleman from Illinois is recognized for 5 Scalise [Roll No. 24] Cole Kline Schilling minutes. Conaway Labrador YEAS—173 Schmidt Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, there is Cravaack Lamborn Ackerman Gutierrez Pelosi Schock really no sense of irony here, is there, Crawford Lance Andrews Hanabusa Schweikert Perlmutter Crenshaw Landry that the proponents, the self-described Baldwin Harman Scott (SC) Peters Culberson Lankford proponents of transparency and open- Barrow Hastings (FL) Scott, Austin Peterson Davis (KY) LaTourette Bass (CA) Higgins Sensenbrenner ness, in the twinkling of an eye before Pingree (ME) Denham Latta Becerra Himes Sessions a vote on an adjournment day come Polis Dent Lee (NY) Berkley Hirono Shimkus Price (NC) DesJarlais Lewis (CA) over and say there’s your motion to re- Berman Holt Quigley Dold LoBiondo Shuster commit? Bishop (GA) Honda Rahall Dreier Long Simpson Bishop (NY) Hoyer This was posted online, Mr. Speaker, Rangel Duffy Lucas Smith (NE) Blumenauer Inslee on Thursday of last week. The pro- Reyes Duncan (SC) Luetkemeyer Smith (NJ) Boren Israel Richardson Duncan (TN) Lungren, Daniel Smith (TX) ponents—and this is a modified open Brady (PA) Jackson (IL) Richmond Ellmers E. Southerland rule—the proponents had an oppor- Braley (IA) Jackson Lee Ross (AR) Farenthold Mack Stearns Brown (FL) (TX) tunity, Mr. Speaker, on Friday to file Rothman (NJ) Fincher Marchant Stivers Butterfield Johnson (GA) an amendment, on Monday to file an Roybal-Allard Fitzpatrick Marino Stutzman Cardoza Johnson, E. B. Ruppersberger Flake McCaul Sullivan amendment, on Tuesday to file an Carnahan Jones Rush Fleischmann McClintock Terry amendment. But the very described Carney Kaptur Ryan (OH) Fleming McCotter Thompson (PA) Carson (IN) Keating people who are now cloaking them- Sa´ nchez, Linda Flores McHenry Thornberry Castor (FL) Kildee selves in a mantle of openness and T. Forbes McKeon Tiberi Chandler Kind Sanchez, Loretta Fortenberry McKinley Turner transparency say, ‘‘There you go’’— Chu Kissell Sarbanes Foxx McMorris Upton moments ago. Okay, that’s the pro- Cicilline Kucinich Schakowsky Franks (AZ) Rodgers Walberg Clarke (MI) Langevin gram. I get the program. Schiff Frelinghuysen Meehan Walden Clarke (NY) Lee (CA) What is this ultimately all about? Schrader Gallegly Mica Walsh (IL) Clay Levin Gardner Miller (FL) Webster There is a sincere effort on the part of Cleaver Lewis (GA) Schwartz Garrett Miller (MI) West this majority, and I think some folks Clyburn Lipinski Scott (VA) Gerlach Mulvaney Westmoreland Cohen Lofgren, Zoe Scott, David on the minority as well, to take the Gibbs Murphy (PA) Wilson (SC) Connolly (VA) Lowey Serrano President up. There is a real attempt Gibson Myrick Wittman Conyers Luja´ n Sewell Gingrey (GA) Neugebauer Wolf on the part of the proponents of this Costello Lynch Sherman Gohmert Noem Womack bill, Mr. COLE of Oklahoma, to try and Courtney Maloney Shuler Goodlatte Nugent Woodall Critz Markey Sires save money, to look out over the entire Gosar Nunnelee Yoder Crowley Matheson Slaughter course of this budget and all of these Gowdy Olson Young (AK) Cuellar Matsui Smith (WA) Granger Palazzo Young (FL) challenges. And Mr. COLE and the folks Cummings McCarthy (NY) Stark Graves (GA) Paul Young (IN) that are behind H.R. 359, the under- Davis (CA) McCollum Sutton lying bill, are ultimately saying we can Davis (IL) McDermott Thompson (CA) NOT VOTING—33 Thompson (MS) save $617 million over a 10-year period. DeFazio McGovern DeGette McIntyre Tierney Baca Garamendi Loebsack Mr. Speaker, that’s according to the DeLauro McNerney Tonko Boswell Giffords Lummis CBO. Deutch Meeks Towns Capps Heinrich Manzullo Dicks Michaud Tsongas Capuano Hinchey McCarthy (CA) So it comes down to a very simple Cooper Hinojosa Miller, Gary thing. If you want to save the money, Dingell Miller (NC) Van Hollen Donnelly (IN) Miller, George Vela´ zquez Costa Holden Nunes you defeat the amendment. If you want Edwards Moore Visclosky Diaz-Balart Jordan Ros-Lehtinen to play games on the day that we’re all Ellison Moran Walz (MN) Doggett King (IA) Speier Engel Murphy (CT) Wasserman Doyle Larsen (WA) Tipton heading out, trying to act like you are Emerson Larson (CT) Welch full of transparency and openness, sup- Eshoo Nadler Schultz Farr Napolitano Waters Frank (MA) Latham Whitfield port the amendment. Fattah Neal Watt ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. Filner Olver Waxman I yield back the balance of my time. Fudge Owens Weiner The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Gonzalez Pallone Wilson (FL) PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Green, Al Pascrell Woolsey ing on this vote. Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Parliamen- Green, Gene Pastor (AZ) Wu tary inquiry. Grijalva Payne Yarmuth 1406 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Please b NAYS—228 state your parliamentary inquiry. Ms. GRANGER changed her vote Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Does the Adams Altmire Bachus from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Aderholt Amash Barletta underlying bill cut spending? Does the Akin Austria Bartlett Mr. WAXMAN changed his vote from motion cut spending? Alexander Bachmann Barton (TX) ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:16 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K26JA7.062 H26JAPT1 sroberts on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with HOUSE January 26, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H499 So the motion to recommit was re- Pompeo Ryan (WI) Thompson (PA) The result of the vote was announced jected. Posey Scalise Thornberry as above recorded. Price (GA) Schiff Tiberi The result of the vote was announced Quayle Schilling Tipton A motion to reconsider was laid on as above recorded. Rahall Schmidt Turner the table. Reed Schock Upton Stated for: Stated for: Rehberg Schweikert Walberg Mr. HERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, Reichert Scott (SC) Walden Renacci Scott, Austin on rollcall No. 24, I missed the vote Walsh (IL) 25, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been Ribble Sensenbrenner Webster present, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ inadvertantly due to a constituent meeting in Rigell Sessions my office. Had I been present, I would have Rivera Shimkus West Stated against: voted ‘‘yes.’’ Roby Shuler Westmoreland Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. I regret missing a Roe (TN) Shuster Whitfield floor vote on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Stated against: Wilson (SC) Rogers (AL) Simpson due to a ceremony honoring Staff Sergeant Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. Rogers (KY) Smith (NE) Wittman 24, because I was having a root canal, had I Rogers (MI) Smith (NJ) Wolf Salvatore Guinta. Had I registered my vote, I been present, I would nave voted ‘‘no.’’ Rohrabacher Smith (TX) Womack would have voted: ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall 25, on final Rokita Southerland Woodall passage of H.R. 359—To reduce Federal Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. Rooney Stearns Yoder 24, I was with a Medal of Honor winner. Had Ross (AR) Stivers Young (AK) spending and the deficit by terminating tax- I been present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Ross (FL) Stutzman Young (FL) payer financing of presidential election cam- Royce Sullivan Young (IN) paigns and party conventions. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Runyan Terry question is on the passage of the bill. f NAYS—160 The question was taken; and the PERSONAL EXPLANATION Speaker pro tempore announced that Ackerman Harman Pelosi the ayes appeared to have it. Andrews Hastings (FL) Perlmutter Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I missed two Baldwin Himes Peters votes today because of weather-related condi- Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, on that Barrow Hirono Pingree (ME) tions. If I had been here, I would have voted I demand the yeas and nays. Bass (CA) Holt Polis ‘‘no’’ on rollcall No. 24 and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall The yeas and nays were ordered. Becerra Honda Price (NC) Berkley Hoyer Quigley No. 25. The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Berman Inslee Rangel f 5-minute vote. Bishop (GA) Israel Reyes The vote was taken by electronic de- Bishop (NY) Jackson (IL) Richardson PERSONAL EXPLANATION Blumenauer Jackson Lee Richmond vice, and there were—yeas 239, nays Brady (PA) (TX) Rothman (NJ) Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, 160, not voting 35, as follows: Brown (FL) Johnson (GA) Roybal-Allard Butterfield Johnson, E. B. on January 26, 2011 I missed rollcall votes 22 [Roll No. 25] Ruppersberger and 23, due to a family emergency. Had I Cardoza Jones Rush Carnahan Kaptur YEAS—239 Ryan (OH) been present on rollcall vote 22, I would have Carney Keating Adams Dold Sa´ nchez, Linda voted ‘‘no’’ or ‘‘nay’’. Had I been present on Johnson (OH) Carson (IN) Kildee Aderholt Donnelly (IN) T. Johnson, Sam Castor (FL) Kind rollcall vote 23, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ or Akin Dreier Sanchez, Loretta Jordan Chu Kissell ‘‘aye.’’ Had I been present on rollcall vote 24, Alexander Duffy Sarbanes Kelly Cicilline Kucinich Altmire Duncan (SC) Schakowsky I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘aye.’’ Had I been King (NY) Clarke (MI) Langevin Amash Duncan (TN) Schrader Kingston Clarke (NY) Larsen (WA) present on rollcall vote 25, I would have voted Austria Ellmers Kinzinger (IL) Clay Lee (CA) Schwartz ‘‘no’’ or ‘‘nay.’’ Bachmann Farenthold Kline Cleaver Levin Scott (VA) Bachus Fincher f Labrador Clyburn Lewis (GA) Scott, David Barletta Fitzpatrick Lamborn Cohen Lipinski Serrano Bartlett Flake PERSONAL EXPLANATION Lance Connolly (VA) Lofgren, Zoe Sewell Barton (TX) Fleischmann Landry Conyers Lowey Sherman Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to Bass (NH) Fleming Lankford Costello Luja´ n Sires Benishek Flores be present for several votes taken on the LaTourette Courtney Lynch Slaughter Berg Forbes House floor earlier today. As a result, I missed Latta Critz Maloney Smith (WA) Biggert Fortenberry Lee (NY) Crowley Markey Stark rollcall Votes Nos 23, 24, and 25. Had I been Bilbray Foxx Lewis (CA) Cummings Matsui Sutton present, I would have voted in the following Bilirakis Franks (AZ) LoBiondo Davis (CA) McCarthy (NY) Thompson (CA) Bishop (UT) Frelinghuysen manner: rollcall No. 23: ‘‘yea’’; rollcall No. 24: Long Davis (IL) McCollum Thompson (MS) Black Gallegly Lucas DeGette McDermott Tierney ‘‘yea’’; rollcall No. 25: ‘‘nay.’’ Blackburn Gardner Luetkemeyer DeLauro McGovern Tonko f Bonner Garrett Lummis Deutch McIntyre Towns Bono Mack Gerlach Lungren, Daniel Dicks McNerney Tsongas PERSONAL EXPLANATION Boren Gibbs E. Dingell Meeks Van Hollen Boustany Gibson Mack Edwards Michaud Vela´ zquez Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I was not able to Brady (TX) Gingrey (GA) Marchant Ellison Miller (NC) Visclosky be present for the following rollcall votes on Brooks Gohmert Marino Engel Miller, George Walz (MN) Broun (GA) Goodlatte January 26, 2011 and would like the RECORD Matheson Eshoo Moore Wasserman Buchanan Gosar to reflect that I would have voted as follows: McCaul Farr Moran Schultz Bucshon Gowdy McClintock Fattah Murphy (CT) Waters rollcall No. 23: ‘‘yes’’; rollcall No. 24: ‘‘yes’’; Buerkle Granger McCotter Filner Nadler Watt rollcall No. 25: ‘‘no.’’ Burgess Graves (GA) McHenry Fudge Napolitano Waxman Burton (IN) Graves (MO) McKeon Gonzalez Neal Weiner f Calvert Griffin (AR) McKinley Green, Al Olver Wilson (FL) Camp Griffith (VA) REMOVAL OF NAMES OF MEM- McMorris Green, Gene Pallone Woolsey Campbell Grimm Rodgers Grijalva Pascrell Wu BERS AS COSPONSORS OF H.J. Canseco Guinta Meehan Gutierrez Pastor (AZ) Yarmuth RES. 22 Cantor Guthrie Mica Hanabusa Payne Capito Hall Miller (FL) Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask Carter Hanna Miller (MI) NOT VOTING—35 unanimous consent to remove all co- Cassidy Harper Mulvaney Baca Frank (MA) Loebsack Chabot Harris Murphy (PA) sponsors of H.J. Res. 22. Boswell Garamendi Chaffetz Hartzler Myrick Manzullo The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Braley (IA) Giffords Chandler Hastings (WA) Neugebauer McCarthy (CA) Capps Heinrich objection to the request of the gen- Coble Hayworth Noem Miller, Gary Capuano Herger tleman from Ohio? Coffman (CO) Heck Nugent Nunes Cooper Higgins Cole Heller Nunnelee Owens There was no objection. Costa Hinchey Conaway Hensarling Olson Peterson DeFazio Hinojosa f Cravaack Herrera Beutler Palazzo Ros-Lehtinen Diaz-Balart Holden Crawford Huelskamp Paul Roskam Doggett King (IA) RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF Crenshaw Huizenga (MI) Paulsen Speier Doyle Larson (CT) COMMITTEE ON ETHICS Cuellar Hultgren Pearce Welch Emerson Latham Culberson Hunter Pence The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Davis (KY) Hurt Petri fore the House the following resigna- Denham Issa Pitts b 1412 Dent Jenkins Platts tion as a member of the Committee on DesJarlais Johnson (IL) Poe (TX) So the bill was passed. Ethics:

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