End Citizens United (ECU) President Tiffany Muller issued the following statement on the 18 year anniversary of the passage of McCain-Feingold, the hallmark legislation that limited “soft money” contributions in politics. At the time, the legislation was the biggest campaign finance reform law since Watergate.
“The late Senator John McCain and former Senator Russ Feingold were shining examples of what politics should look like. They put toxic partisanship aside to spearhead a movement to curb soft money and safeguard our elections from wealthy political donors and corporate special interests. It should serve as an example for those currently standing in the way of reform in Washington.
“While McCain-Feingold addressed many of the loopholes and weaknesses in our campaign finance system, the legislation has been nullified since the disastrous 2010 Citizens United decision. But there is hope. Democratic Leadership in the House and Senate––as well as the entire Democratic Caucus––have shown an unwavering commitment to ensuring we get big money out of politics and put power in our democracy back in the hands of the people. With the passage of the For the People Act in the House, we can build on what Senators McCain and Feingold started and pass the most comprehensive anti-corruption package in generations.
“As we commemorate this hallmark legislation, End Citizens United is committed more than ever to ending the corporate stranglehold on our democracy and passing the For the People Act.”
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