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Sarbanes Statement on Campaign Finance Policy Rider Contained in FY 2015 Spending Bill

December 10, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today released the following statement on language contained in the FY 2015 spending bill that would significantly increase the amount of money that wealthy donors could contribute to national political parties:

"It is breathtakingly cynical to give even more power to the wealthy and well-connected on the heels of an election that ushered in a new, dangerous era of big money politics. Everyday Americans want Congress to listen to their concerns, not just big money donors and special interests.

"We're seeing a preview of the Mitch McConnell Senate. He's attempting to drastically expand the influence of the wealthy and well-connected without even introducing a bill, holding a hearing or allowing a direct vote. By tucking this into a 1,600-page funding bill, Mitch McConnell is essentially saying ‘auction off our democracy or I'll shut down the government.'"

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