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The Administration strongly supports Senate passage of S. 25, as modified by
Senators
McCain and Feingold, for the reasons explained in the attached letter from the
President dated September 23, 1997.
This bipartisan legislation includes many proposals that have been endorsed by
the President since 1992. It will put an end to the "soft money" system,
increase disclosure of independent expenditures, and enforce strict
prohibitions on contributions from foreign nationals.
S. 25 will open the political process and shift power from special interests to
ordinary citizens.
S. 25 addresses many of the most pressing needs for reform. While the
legislation does not include all the elements of reform the Administration
believes are needed, such as voluntary spending limits, restrictions on
Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions, and free and discounted
broadcast time, the Administration considers S.25 to be an important first step
and believes it represents the best opportunity to enact meaningful reform in
this Congress.
The Administration strongly opposes any amendments which would undermine
campaign finance reform by making this legislation unacceptable to many Members
of Congress and to the Administration. For example, pending amendments which
would impair the rights of American workers to advocate public policies through
organized labor activities, are unacceptable.
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