Rep. Betty Sutton, Democrat of Ohio, joined by Reps. Martin Heinrich, Chellie Pingree, Jesse Jackson Jr. and Jim McDermott, introduced yesterday a
constitutional amendment (H.J. Res. 86) to reverse the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizen’s United v. FEC, which granted corporations the same
free speech rights as people to spend money in support of or against candidates for office. This flawed decision has led to an unprecedented flood of
corporate money in elections across the United States. This bill serves as a companion to a similar amendment recently introduced in the Senate.
Marge Baker, Executive Vice President at People For the American Way, issued the following statement:
“With action in both the House and the Senate, it’s clear that members of Congress understand that a constitutional amendment is the most meaningful
way to limit the flood of special interest spending in our election system. This proposed amendment is an important step toward returning the balance
of influence in our elections to the people. It is time to take down the ‘for sale’ sign on our democracy and recognize the importance of ensuring the
constitutional promise of ‘We the People,’ not ‘we the corporations.’”
Groups supporting a constitutional amendment to reverse the damage caused by Citizens United have collected over 750,000 signatures. You
can sign People For the American Way’s petition asking congressional leaders to ensure that the government has the authority to limit corporate
influence in elections here.
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