Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) slammed the U.S. Supreme Court for overturning the Montana state law passed to ban corporate campaign spending.  The case was viewed as a de facto challenge to the controversial Citizens United ruling.  In 2010, the Court opened the door in Citizens for the massive influx of spending in political campaigns which shaped the 2010 elections, and is playing a huge part in the 2012 elections as well. 

“Two years ago, the Supreme Court unleashed the floodgates of corporate money in politics and we have been paying the price ever since.  This year, we are seeing the corrupting influence of this kind of anonymous spending on Presidential and Congressional campaigns.  Special interests are massing more and more power in Washington as they have the financial means to not only influence legislation, but now to buy elections.  Corporations are run by individuals, but that does not mean the entity itself should have its own rights.  The individuals already have their rights as Americans; there is no need to extend it to something which exists only on paper,” said Rep. Engel. 

The 12-term Congressman added, “The Court had a chance with this Montana law to blunt the wrongs of Citizens United, but insteadthey chose to double down on this abysmal decision.  By yet another 5-4 vote – similar to the original Citizens United decision, and Bush v. Gore – the controlling conservative justices put their support behind corporate money instead of the voice of the American people.  We must protect the voices of the Americans against the power of special interests, so their voices can be heard.  Fairness of opportunity for all Americans should not depend on how much you have in your bank account.”

To combat the impacts of Citizens United, Rep. Engel voted for the DISCLOSE Act, which would have required disclosure by donors supporting campaign advertising, and required sponsors to personally approve TV ads, as candidates are required to do.  It also would have banned foreign-controlled corporations form making political expenditures. The Act passed House 219-206 on June 24, 2010 but was not considered by the Senate.  Rep. Engel also co-sponsored HJ Res 78, 88 and 90 – all calling for constitutional amendments to overturn Citizens United.

“This decision further exacerbates corruption in the political process; corruption that was essentially legalized by the horrific Citizens United decision.  Local governments across the nation – including the New York City Council – have passed resolutions opposing Citizens United.  The only ones who cannot see the flaws of this decision are big corporations, their lackeys, and the five men in black robes who are not subject to any voter.  American middle class families and small businesses won’t catch a break unless we start by reducing the influence of big banks, big donors, and corporate lobbyists in Washington, D.C.,” added Rep. Engel.

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