Four months before midterm elections, the Democratic-controlled House approved new limitations on the political activity of outside interest groups Thursday after carving out exemptions that benefit the National Rifle Association as well as labor unions and numerous federal contractors.
The vote was 219-206 on the legislation that Democrats trumpeted as a move to bring fuller disclosure to shadowy campaign ads and Republicans attacked as an unconstitutional restriction on free speech.
In a statement, President Barack Obama praised the bill, although he said, "I would have preferred that it include no exemptions." He urged quick action in the Senate, where Majority Leader Harry Reid has pledged to seek a vote but strong Republican opposition make its prospects uncertain.
"These landmark provisions will add sunlight to our campaigns," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who worked hard to win votes among members of the Democratic rank and file unhappy over the treatment given the National Rifle Association. "With this bill, no longer will corporations be able to drown out the voices of ordinary citizens."
But Boehner, responding for Republicans, said the Democrats' true goal was to "use their majority here in the House to silence their political opponents pure and simple, for just one election.
"Why does the Humane Society of America get to speak freely, but not the National Farm Bureau? Why does AARP get protected under this bill, but if you belong to 60 Plus — no, no, you've got to comply with all this," he said.
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2 comments:
I have a problem with the way they are going about this but agree something must be done. Corporations should not be allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections. When Wal-Mart can spend 2 Billion trying to get someone elected your $100 donation does not mean anything. It is not like all the people that work at Wal-Mart get to vote and decide who they want to support, 10 guys on a board decide for them. Look at how bad it is now with Republicans saying Obama is doing something becuse he took so much money from Goldman and Democrats saying Republicans are doing something becuse they took so much money from health insurance companies. Imagine what will happen when these companies can SPEND WHATEVER THEY WANT on elections. Us normal people wont matter.
Someone please post on here one thing good that can come of corporations having the ability to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections.
I hope one good thing comes out it maybe the republicans can out spend the dumbocrats and gain control of congress and the senate
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