Congressman Brady issues statement on Citizens United legislation

Washington, DC -- House Administration Chairman Robert A. Brady joined today with Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD),  Congressman Mike Castle (R-DE) and Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC), to announce the introduction of H.R. 5175 - The DISCLOSE Act: Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act. The Committee on House Administration is responsible for federal election law and will be the committee of jurisdiction over the proposed legislation.
 
H.R. 5175 is in response to the recent, broadly criticized Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United vs. FEC case. In a  5-4 decision, a divided Supreme Court overturned nearly 100 years of campaign finance law and allows big business to directly fund political messages. The decision puts corporations on an equal level with individuals in exercising Freedom of Speech rights and puts U.S. elections up for sale to the highest bidder. The DISCLOSE Act helps restore some of the balance between the citizen and his or her right to a government that’s accountable only to them.
 
“I have heard from Members on both sides of the aisle - as evidenced by Mr. Castle and Mr. Jones’ presence today – that something must be done to address this attack on American elections,” said Chairman Brady. “ The Committee on House Administration has jurisdiction over federal elections, and therefore the vast majority of this bill. The Committee already held its first hearing on this matter back in February and I am announcing that I will be holding a hearing on this legislation as soon as next Thursday. I am very committed to getting this legislation passed in the House, passed in the Senate and on the President’s desk by the time the midterm elections are in full swing.”
 
The bill includes common sense provisions that restore the individual voter to the position of prominence in the American election system.  It requires that CEOs stand by the ads funded through their corporate treasuries, expands disclosure requirements and prohibits foreign countries and companies from exercising influence in the funding of U.S. elections.
 
“Working with my Committee colleagues we will get this bill done, and done soon,” said Chairman Brady. “The American people – not Wall Street or foreign nationals– should decide who wins these next elections. This bill helps accomplish that goal.”