Citizens United
WaPo and the GOP Take Aim at Disclosure EO
Jun 10, 2011 by Gary Therkildsen*
In a thoroughly confused editorial published last weekend, the Washington Post told readers it simply does not care for President Obama’s draft executive order (EO) on contractor disclosure, claiming it’s “uneasy” with the “well-intentioned but flawed” proposal. Coming to the Post’s rescue, though, congressional Republicans have introduced stand-alone legislation similar to the recently passed Cole amendment that would prevent federal agencies from requiring contractors to disclose political spending to the public.
read in fullCommentary: Draft Executive Order on Contractor Disclosure of Political Contributions Is Important Accountability Tool
May 4, 2011
In late April, a draft executive order (E.O.) that had been circulating among federal agencies was leaked to the press. The draft order calls for potential federal contractors to disclose their political spending, and it has generated both support and harsh criticism.
read in fullAdministration Moves to Shine Light on Contractors' Political Contributions
Apr 20, 2011 by Gary Bass*
A draft executive order on disclosure of political contributions from government contractors is circulating among federal agencies and has caught the attention of a few media outlets. What the order will mean for contractors and the general public will need to be hashed out should the draft become official.
read in fullRegulating Political Advertisements: Looking Beyond the FEC
Apr 5, 2011
Over the past several election cycles, the statement that “I’m John Smith, and I approved this message” has become a ubiquitous part of the political lexicon. If the Media Access Project has its way, however, a whole new series of disclosures will become just as familiar to the American public.
DISCLOSE Act Seeks to Blunt Impacts of Citizens United
May 4, 2010
To blunt the impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) recently introduced companion bills, both called the DISCLOSE Act (the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act). The legislative response would create new, rigorous campaign finance disclosure requirements meant to prevent moneyed interests from drowning out the voices of citizens and smaller advocacy organizations.
After Much Delay, the DISCLOSE Act is Introduced
Apr 29, 2010 by Amanda Adams*
In front of the Supreme Court, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced the introduction of legislation meant to diminish the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The much anticipated bill is titled as expected, the DISCLOSE Act, which stands for Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections. Four Democrats signed on as co-sponsors, including Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Al Franken (D-MN).
read in fullMemo Released on Citizens United Bill
Apr 23, 2010 by Amanda Adams*
After much hullabaloo, more details have been revealed about Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Chris Van Hollen's (D-MD) legislative response to counter the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. FEC. Even though it has not been formally introduced, a memo has been disclosed outlining the bill.
read in fullCitizens United and Impacts on Nonprofits' Political Spending
Mar 16, 2010 by Amanda Adams*
Since the Citizens United ruling, attention has largely focused on concerns around how much money will be spent on elections. However, groups are already spending heavily, particularly since the Wisconsin Right to Life decision when the Supreme Court decided that the electioneering communications ban is unconstitutional when applied to genuine issue ads. Subsequently, groups have been allowed to run issue ads that may come quite close to arguably resembling a campaign message, without having to disclose donors.
read in fullMore Congressional Hearings to Address Citizens United
Mar 11, 2010 by Amanda Adams*
The Senate Judiciary committee held a hearing tilted, "We the People? Corporate Spending in American Elections after Citizens United." During the hearing opponents of the ruling argued that the case exemplified that the Roberts Court has abandoned judicial restraint.
read in fullReactions to Citizens United Persist
Feb 25, 2010 by Amanda Adams*
The American Constitution Society (ACS) hosted an event to discuss the Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Five panelists assessed the prospects for congressional legislation. Not surprisingly, their opinions diverged on the ruling's long-term impact. There are numerous practical and constitutional issues involved in passing any of the bills introduced and it is doubtful whether or not legislators would even be able to agree on any of the proposals.
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