Chamber Calls Senate Campaign Finance Bill a Hoax, Promises to Play Central Role in Legal Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce today called the Senate campaign finance bill a hoax and urged lawmakers to reject this effort to deny individuals and organizations their constitutional right to voice their opinion in the political process.

"The Senate campaign finance bill attempts to destroy one of our country's strongest pillars — America's right to free speech," said Thomas Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO.

If enacted, the Senate bill would reduce congressional accountability, restrict the free speech 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 political incumbents, according to the Chamber.

"The Chamber will fight to protect the rights of free speech not only for the business community, but for all American individuals and organizations," said Donohue. "If this bill becomes law, the Chamber will pursue all legal options — including the U.S. Supreme Court."

The Chamber objects to the legislative provisions that would ban the airing of issue ads 30-60 days prior to elections and add new restrictions on coordination with citizen groups, which would threaten the Chamber's ability to advocate on behalf of its membership. "This would muzzle our ability to air ads criticizing any legislative proposal after September of an election year," continued Donohue.

The Chamber supports reasonable provisions for disclosure of political campaign contributions and expenditures by committees, organizations, and candidates.

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.

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