U.S. Chamber Calls Shays-Meehan Unconstitutional, Vows to Continue Fight for Free Speech In Court

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 instead support the Ney-Wynn alternative measure.

"Shays-Meehan is an unconstitutional violation of our right to free speech," said Bill Miller, U.S. Chamber vice president and political director. "The courts have repeatedly upheld this right, and we'll be at the courthouse door if this misguided legislation becomes law."

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

"Our membership has a First Amendment right 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. "It's a sad day in America when lawmakers try to revoke individuals' right to free speech for their own political advantage."

The Chamber objects to Shays-Meehan provisions that would ban the airing of issue ads 30 to 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 votes on Shays-Meehan and 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.

# # #

02-23