So Much for the First Amendment

Today, Democrats in the House narrowly passed their controversial DISCLOSE Act to counter a recent Supreme Court decision regarding campaign contributions. This bill is designed to block organizations from engaging in political debate before the upcoming elections by requiring them to comply with cumbersome, costly disclosure requirements and restrictions.

The Democrats' bill blatantly restricts political free speech, but at the same time, brings out the worst in politics by exempting political allies and special interest groups from the law. Whether you agree with the intention of the bill or not, its backroom deals like the ones contained in this bill for labor unions and other special interest groups that really rile up the American people.

Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) made an excellent point after the passing of the bill:

"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.”

The President had this to say about the legislation:

"I congratulate the House of Representatives on today's passage of the DISCLOSE Act, a critical piece of legislation to control the flood of special interest money into our elections..."

Mr. President, it does control the flood of special interest money into our elections, but for the benefit of one political party at the expense of another and our constitution. We deserve better than this.