Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement regarding the Democrats’ DISCLOSE Act, which would restrict political speech for some while carving out exemptions for labor unions and other special interest groups.

“This is a blatantly partisan ploy crafted by the head of the Democrats’ own re-election committee to protect members of their party,” said Congressman Price. “Clearly, Democrats do not want their job-killing agenda or health care takeover criticized by the people it is hurting most. While mainstream media outlets are granted an exemption, bloggers could potentially be punished for not complying with the new regulations and prohibitions. Meanwhile, labor unions – the favored special interest of Democrats – will not be subject to all the new rules.

“Rushing this bill into effect thirty days after enactment leaves the FEC no time to give guidance on avoiding noncompliance. It is clear that Democrats intend to deter political speech altogether. The Constitution states that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech. It does not say ‘unless Democrats want to protect themselves from criticism.’ The majority is blatantly ignoring the Constitution in an attempt to silence those who disagree with their radical agenda.”