H.R. 2356
The Senate is expected to take up the Shays-Meehan bill early the week of February 25th. See action below
The Shays-Meehan Campaign Reform Act of 2001, H.R. 2356, abridges freedom of speech throughout and is thus unconstitutional.
If passed it would ban voters guides unless its sponsors register with the Federal Election Commission, file endless reports and face the threat of an audit if they speak out too loudly against a powerful politician. This would have a terrible effect on grassroots activists, most of whom are volunteers and cannot afford lawyers and the time to fill out endless forms.
It will also ban political advertising 60 days before an election, but will exempt the media from any restrictions. This means that the liberal media will have free reign to control what the voters will see and hear two entire months before an election.
H.R. 2356 will damage the freedom of association to form coalitions. Any mention of support or opposition to legislation may be interpreted as support or opposition to the election of the legislator supporting the bill.
Action Needed
The Senate will have to vote once more on the final bill, up or down. It is imperative that you contact your two Senators by phone, fax, or e-mail and urge them to oppose this unconstitutional legislation.
NOTE: You can call your Senators toll-free at 1-877-762-8762 or at 202-225-3121.
To e-mail your Senator click here
