Mack blasts House vote to restrict free speech
Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) blasted passage of legislation in the House of Representatives yesterda that will restrict Americans’ rights of free speech while exempting special interest groups like labor unions from stringent campaign finance disclosure requirements.
The Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act introduced as a response to the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC, would enact strict disclosure requirements and limits on the political speech of foreign corporations and government contractors but not on labor unions.
Mack said:
“The unconstitutional DISCLOSE Act strikes a severe blow to our inherent freedoms as Americans. It regulates free speech, unfairly exempts labor unions and other special interest groups from falling under the purview of these ridiculous regulations, and creates highly complex reporting requirements.
“Sadly, with this bill, the Democratic Leadership in Congress believes that silencing their opponents will help them win elections.
“One of the greatest rights we hold as Americans is the right of free speech, and it’s a constitutional right that we, as Members of Congress, are sworn to uphold. It’s a travesty that the Democratic Leadership pushed this legislation through with such little regard for our freedoms.”