Kildee Praises Passage of Disclose Act as Victory for American Voters

Says Republican attempts to eliminate all limitations on federal election campaign contributions would be a “dangerous step backwards”

Contact: Erin Donar
(202) 225-3611


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) voted in favor of H.R. 5175, the Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act. This legislation will close some of the biggest election loopholes created by the Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United v. Federal Election Committee case. While the measure received overwhelming Democratic support, Republican Steve King (R- IA) offered an amendment to eliminate all limitations on federal election campaign contributions, opening up the flood gates for special interest money in elections. That amendment was soundly defeated and H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act passed the House 219-206.

“The Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case was deeply disturbing, as it rolled back decades-old restrictions on corporate campaign spending. This ruling opened up the possibility for companies to spend millions of dollars on their own campaign ads, giving them the ability to potentially punish or reward lawmakers for their votes on legislation. I believe this ruling was a departure from precedent and tilts the playing field in favor of corporations at the expense of individual Americans.

That is why I voted in favor of the DISCLOSE Act, which will help bring transparency and accountability back to American campaign finance. This legislation will require the CEO’s of companies to appear in their ads to identify themselves, as well as require the top five donors for a campaign ad to be clearly listed.  This will prevent corporations and special interests from anonymously exerting undue influence on campaigns.

However, it is extremely disappointing that most of my Republican colleagues refused to support this measure. Instead of fighting for transparency and fairness in elections, they offered an amendment to eliminate all limitations on federal election campaign contributions, opening up the flood gates for the special interests. This would be a dangerous step backwards and one we cannot afford to take.  Thankfully, Democrats were able to pass this victory for the American voter over the special interests,” said Congressman Kildee.

Congressman Kildee has long been a proponent of transparency and reform in campaign finance.  In addition to his support for the DISCLOSE Act, Congressman Kildee is a cosponsor of H.R. 1826, the Fair Elections Now Act which would establish a public financing system for congressional campaigns. Individuals make small contributions to their chosen candidates and once that candidate meets qualifying fundraising thresholds, they then receive a public grant.

Additionally, Congressman Kildee is a cosponsor of H.R. 4522, the Prohibiting Foreign Influence in American Elections Act. Under longstanding law, foreign nationals are prohibited from making contributions or expenditures in American elections. This legislation would expand that ban to include domestic corporations which are owned or controlled by foreign entities. 


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