Reform Groups Urge House Members to Pass DISCLOSE Act

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Today the Campaign Legal Center and other reform groups urged the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act as Leadership weighs bringing the legislation to the floor for a vote this week. The legislation was introduced by Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Mike Castle (R-DE) in response to the controversial Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FECwhich opened the door for corporations and unions to spend their treasury funds in federal elections.

The DISCLOSE Act would require timely and effective disclosure of these campaign-related expenditures, among other provisions. A Washington Post-ABC News poll shortly after the Supreme Court's ruling found that 8 in 10 Americans opposed the decision and that 72 percent backed congressional action in response.

In a telegram to the House, the groups recommended a yes vote on the bill and the Manager's amendment. Signers included the Campaign Legal Center, Common Cause, Democracy 21, the League of Women Voters and Public Citizen.

The full text of the telegram follows below.

 

Dear Representative:

 

Our reform organizations support passage of H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act.

We strongly urge you to vote for H.R. 5175 and the Manager's Amendment that accompanies the legislation, and to oppose any amendments to the bill that would weaken, undermine or gut the legislation.

 

Campaign Legal Center

Common Cause

Democracy 21

League of Women Voters

Public Citizen