I first started talking about this last week.
Again, I know that a non-profit and a not-for-profit are both considered “Corporations” but in everyday language when the word Corporation is used, and especially in the context of who is speaking above, it means “big business”, or “filthy capitalist”.“The White House on Monday came out in strong support for the new campaign-finance reform bill that got pulled from the House floor schedule last week in the wake of some Democratic infighting.
The DISCLOSE Act – Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections – would require corporations, unions and advocacy groups to reveal their roles in political ads or mailings in the closing months of a campaign.
The measure is vehemently opposed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has launched a new ad blitz against it, and some other special-interest groups that see it as an attempt to muzzle their involvement in the political process.
But the White House has backed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, in pushing the bill. Pelosi and Van Hollen argue the legislation is needed after the Supreme Court struck down all restrictions on corporate and union political spending last January.
The Congressional Black Caucus and moderate Blue Dog coalition have raised concerns about the bill, which caused Pelosi to cancel a Friday floor vote.
Van Hollen worked over the weekend to shore up support for the measure – made more controversial by an exemption granted to the powerful National Rifle Association and other large advocacy groups – but it’s still unclear if it will be brought up for a vote this week.
Senate Republicans, led by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), as well as some Senate Democrats, have also expressed opposition.
But the White House, in a “Statement of Administration Policy” Monday, offered its support.
“The administration believes the DISCLOSE Act is a necessary measure so that Americans will know who is trying to influence the nation’s elections,” the policy statement said. “Unless strong new disclosure rules are established, the Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United case will give corporations even greater power to influence elections.”
“This bill is not perfect,” the statement went on. “The administration would have preferred no exemptions. But by providing for unprecedented transparency, this bill takes great strides to hold corporations who participate in the nation’s elections accountable to the American people. As this is a matter of urgent importance, the administration urges prompt passage of the DISCLOSE Act.”
Once again, ask yourself, would the administration really vote in something that was going to make life harder on the political allies (Unions, Non-Profits) and ability to raise money?
I didn’t think so.
-KOOK
