President
Bush Releases His Statement of Principles
As the Senate
prepares to consider campaign finance reform legislation, President
George W. Bush recently sent Congress his statement of principles
on the issue in an attempt to influence the debate scheduled for
this week. In a letter to Majority Leader Trent Lott, Bush outlined
key principles that he considers the framework to "responsible
campaign finance reforms."
President Bush»s
plan, among other things, would ban soft money contributions by
corporations and labor unions, and prohibits these groups from using
treasury or member funds for political activities without permission
from shareholders or members. The president»s plan would not ban
soft money contributions from individuals. Bush contends banning
individual soft money contributions would be contrary to maintaining
strong political parties and protecting the rights of individuals
to participate in the democratic process.
In addition,
President Bush supports including a non-severability provision in
campaign finance reform legislation. Such a provision would ensure
fair and constitutional reform, as it would require the entire bill
to be sent back to Congress if any provision of such bill were found
unconstitutional.
For the complete
text of President Bush»s letter to Majority Leader Trent Lott and
Bush»s statement of Principles, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/03/20010315-7.html
|