Delving into the Democrat's DISCLOSE ACT
The United States House of Representatives recently passed the Democrats' DISCLOSE Act ("Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections") in a vote of 219-206. Only two Republicans voted for the bill; Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) and Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE). 36 Democrats voted against the bill.
The bill was authored by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in an attempt to "right the wrongs" that Democrats claim the recent Supreme Court Citizens United decision opened.
The bill stifles free speech under the first amendment by requiring small businesses, corporations, and non-profit organizations to electronically file burdensome financial disclosure forms (which don't even exist yet) within 24 hours of independent expenditures; a $10,000 penalty is the result of failure to comply.
527s, unions, and non-profits will be required to disclose the identities of individuals contributing over $600. Union dues are well under $600, so they will be exempt from this requirement.
In a deal to insure passage of the bill, Rep. Van Hollen provided an exemption for the NRA from the disclosure requirements. He also expanded the exemption to cover other large special interest groups, like the Sierra Club, who would have had serious objections to the bill.
The bill is now in the Senate. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is sponsoring the Senate bill (S. 3295) which is expected to be taken up before the August 9th recess. If passed in its current form, the law will take effect in 3o days, which will make it applicable to this November's elections. The Federal Election Commission will not have a chance to draw up clear guidelines in regards to the legislation.
This act is little more than a cheap political move by Democrats to control who can speak out on issues.
Contact your Senator today and tell them to vote NO to the DISCLOSE ACT!
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