House Approves Bill to Restrict Free Speech About Politicians.(Brief Article)

WASHINGTON (March 7) - - The U.S. House of Representatives on February 14 passed the Shays-Meehan "campaign finance reform" bill (HR 2356), 240-189. (See roll call, page 24.)

NRLC strongly opposes the legislation, because it would place sweeping restrictions on the right of citizen groups (such as NRLC and NRLC affiliates) to communicate with the public regarding the positions and votes of federal politicians on pro-life issues, and regarding upcoming votes in Congress.

The bill is also opposed by many other groups, including the Christian Coalition, Concerned Women for America, the National Rifle Association, the ACLU, and most major business groups.

The Shays-Meehan bill is largely a copy of the McCain-Feingold bill (S. 27), which was passed by the Senate, 59-41, on April 2, 2001. (See April 2001 NRL News, page 1.) However, because the Shays-Meehan bill technically originated in the House, final action by the Senate is still required.

At NRL News deadline on March 6, pro-life Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was holding up the bill in order to seek certain changes, but Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) and prime sponsor John McCain (R-Az.) were vowing to force Senate action soon.

A number of groups, including NRLC and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have vowed to challenge various provisions of the bill in federal court, as has Sen. McConnell.

Unless struck down in court, the restrictions in the bill would take effect after the November 5, 2002, general election, and would govern all future elections for members of Congress and president.