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Sarbanes Leads Charge on House Floor to Reform Big Money Politics

March 12, 2014
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today led a series of speeches calling for reform of the big money politics that is warping our democracy. Yesterday, in a disturbing harbinger of campaign spending in the 2014 elections, one of the most expensive special elections in United States history was held in Florida.

"Yesterday's election was a lesson as to what we'll be looking at down the road if we don't end the dominance of big money special interests," said Congressman Sarbanes. "The idea that if you've got a big wallet, you get an extra voice in our elections has nothing to do with democracy. We must create a new way of funding campaigns that puts everyday citizens back at the center of the equation."

More than $12 million was spent on the election in Florida with a majority coming from outside special interests with little or no relationship to the voters in that Florida district. Dark money groups spent millions on negative ads to scare voters about Obamacare and drown out the voices of everyday Americans.

Earlier this year, Congressman Sarbanes introduced the Government By the People Act (HR 20) – a bipartisan bill with more than 140 cosponsors that would empower millions of everyday Americans to take back their government from big money special interests.

The proposal would provide a My Voice Tax Credit to empower more Americans and democratize political campaigns. It would also create a Freedom From Influence Matching Fund to amplify the voice of everyday Americans and make them just as powerful as big money donors. And it provides a Constitutionally sound policy response to the Citizens United decision, ensuring that Super PACs and dark money groups cannot drown out the voice of the people. The Government By the People Act would make it possible for Members of Congress to rely on small donor fundraising and still remain competitive in marquee races.
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