U.S. Chamber Calls Shays-Meehan Unconstitutional

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce today urged House lawmakers to reject Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform legislation that would deny individuals their constitutional right to voice their opinion in the political process and threw its support behind the Ney-Wynn alternative measure.

"Shays-Meehan stifles citizens' voices then hands politicians the megaphone," said Bill Miller, Chamber vice president and political director. "It's a sad day in America when lawmakers try to revoke individuals' right to free speech for their own political advantage."

If enacted, Shays-Meehan (H.R. 2356) would reduce congressional accountability, silence the voices of those who criticize public officials and make it harder for challengers to raise the funds necessary to compete with the overwhelming advantages of incumbency, according to the Chamber.

"Our membership has a right protected by the First Amendment to speak out when we agree or disagree with members of Congress, whether it is on their recorded votes or positions on the issues," said Miller. "The courts have repeatedly upheld this right."

The Chamber objects to Shays-Meehan provisions that would ban the airing of issue ads 30-60 days prior to elections and add new restrictions on coordination with citizen groups, threatening the Chamber's ability to advocate on key issues for its membership. At the same time, the Chamber supports reasonable provisions for disclosure of political campaign contributions and expenditures by committees, organizations and candidates, as provided for in Ney-Wynn (H.R. 2360).

"Ney-Wynn passes constitutional muster," said Miller. "It will reform our campaign system and restore grassroots politics – without destroying political parties' ability to increase political participation, unconstitutionally limiting free speech or tilting the playing field toward one party or another."

The Chamber has sent a "Key Vote" letter informing House members that it will consider the vote on final passage of Ney-Wynn for inclusion in its annual "How They Voted" congressional ratings.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

# # #

01-122