Dateline: 02/13/02

In March, 2001, a campaign finance reform bill had easily passed the Senate, but had stalled in the House. President Bush called it "a bill that continues to change," promising, "I'll take a look at it when it makes my desk." A year later, Bush's desk is still waiting and the House is trying again.

With fallout over Enron's massive contributions to political parties thick in the air, the House yesterday opened debate on a new version of a campaign finance reform bill. 

Even its supporters give the bill only a fair chance of passage and with dozens of amendments and alternate bills expected, a final vote in the House probably will not come until later this week, if ever.

What the Bill Would Do
Unless amended, which it likely will be, the 2002 version of H.R. 2356, Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act would:

• Prohibit the national committees of political parties from raising "soft money" -- currently unlimited contributions from corporations, labor unions and wealthy individuals. State-level party committees would be allowed to raise up to $10,000 in soft money, but it could not be used for any form of political advertising.

• Prohibit the broadcasting of certain types of political advertising sponsored by unions, corporations and some independent political action committees within 30 days of primary elections and within 60 days of general elections.

How Would The Bill Affect You?
This bill is by politicians, about politicians. It would mainly impact national and state-level candidates and political party committees. Both support and opposition to the bill in Congress are based primarily on political concerns. While most changes to campaigns resulting from this bill would be transparent to the average voter, recent polls show public support for campaign finance reform approaching 80 percent.

While both Republicans and Democrats in Congress have expressed reservations about the bill, neither party wants to be viewed by the public as having killed campaign finance reform. 

Supporters Say
Soft money is the main target of lawmakers who support the bill. Lawmakers from both parties seem to agree that something needs to be done to eliminate or restrict soft money, but little agreement exists as to exactly what that "something" should be.

Even supporters, including Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), who sponsored a similar bill that died in the House last year, acknowledge that the bill, as written, faces what he called, "significant obstacles ahead." 

Opponents Say
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have expressed fears that total elimination of soft money contributions could hurt their party. GOP leaders are expected to present an alternative bill in the House that would limit soft money without completely eliminating it. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois), has asked President Bush to support the alternate bill, but the president has not committed to doing so.

Criticism has also come from lawmakers who contend that the bill threatens constitutional free-speech rights and the Congressional Black Caucus has expressed fears that the bill would restrict efforts to improve black voter turnout.

Even the effective date of the bill presents an issue. The bill as written calls for the law to take effect 30 days after it is signed by the president. Several lawmakers want to amend the bill so that the law would not take effect until after this year's critical congressional elections.