October 17, 2005

The Honorable Dennis Hastert
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Speaker Hastert:

I write on behalf of the Center for Individual Freedom to ask that the full House consider H.R. 1316, the 527 Fairness Act of 2005, before its Thanksgiving recess.

As you know, the 527 Fairness Act begins to restore Americans' rights to free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment but were effectively gutted by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. H.R. 1316's "more freedom instead of more regulation" approach is one that CFIF strongly supports. The 527 Fairness Act also helps to protect our party system by restoring a level playing field between party organizations and outside groups.

In addition to the strong principled reasons to move forward with consideration and passage of this legislation, there are important practical considerations as well.  The 2006 elections are fast approaching, and candidates, parties, and political committees of all stripes must know what rules will govern their activities.

As the House awaits Senate and conference committee action on FY '06 appropriations bills, CFIF can think of no better use of the House's time than beginning to restore Americans' free speech. On behalf of CFIF and our hundreds of thousands of activists and supporters, I urge you to act at once on this important, freedom-restoring legislation.

Sincerely,

/s/

Marshall Manson

Senior Vice President of Public Affairs