Smith Votes for First Amendment, Against DISCLOSE Act

Statement

DC-Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today opposed H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act, a bill which would restrict political speech and create exemptions for special interests, notably labor unions. The bill passed by a vote of 219-206, despite bipartisan opposition.

"This bill paints a target on private businesses large and small, and even non-profit associations which exercise their right to free political speech as guaranteed by the Constitution. While Congress should be striving for increased transparency in our elections, this bill actually will have a chilling effect on political debate by muzzling one side while emboldening another," Smith said.

The DISCLOSE Act is designed to block organizations from engaging in political debate before upcoming elections by requiring compliance with cumbersome, costly disclosure requirements and restrictions. The bill's disclosure requirements and limits target the political speech of corporations, with little effect on unions or certain special interest groups.

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