PASSAGE OF H.R. 5175 – The DISCLOSE ACT

A Victory for the American People

Washington, DC (June 24, 2010): Despite shameless and misleading attempts to spin increased disclosure as an attack on First Amendment rights, the House of Representatives today heeded the will of the American People in passing H.R. 5175 – The DISCLOSE Act. The legislation ensures that corporations and special interest groups must emerge from the shadows and stand behind their campaign-related expenditures.

“The passage of H.R. 5175 today is a victory for the American voter,” said Chairman Brady. “Plain and simple - this legislation ensures the integrity of our American election system by preventing big business, special interests and foreign entities from exercising secret and potentially subversive influence on our elections.”

Despite opposition from conservative elements within the House, the legislation received broad, bipartisan support from American voters. H.R. 5175 does more to strengthen disclosure and transparency in campaign finance than any measure in recent history. It prevents foreign owned or controlled corporations from using their corporate treasuries to affect U.S. elections, requires CEOs and organizational leaders to stand behind their ads and ensures that the American people remain the loudest voice in our election system.

“As elected representatives in the United States House, I find it difficult to understand how some of my colleagues can advocate for the interests of foreign corporations and entities over the clear and virtually unanimous wishes of the American people,” said Brady.  “In a recent Hart Research Poll, 89% of all voters support key provisions included in H.R. 5175 - The DISCLOSE Act, including  91% of Independents and 87% of Republicans and conservatives. In my view, you can’t get a much clearer message and I applaud my colleagues for having the courage to act in accordance with the wishes of the American People. I encourage the Senate to act expeditiously in passing this important legislation.”

Kyle D. Anderson

Communications Director

Committee on House Administration

United States House of Representatives

1309 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515-6157

Direct Office: 202.225.7476

Mobile: 202.384.3305

Fax: 202.226.0882