The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS ON CAMPAIGN FINANCE” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H7021 on Sept. 9, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ENFORCE EXISTING LAWS ON CAMPAIGN FINANCE
(Mr. KINGSTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, it is unbelievable to hear Democrats talk about campaign finance reform and the need for it while they are strangely, strangely silent on the subject of criminal violations apparently by Members of their party in this administration.
Point in case. U.S. Code 18-1956 prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of laundered campaign contributions intended to conceal the nature, source, ownership or control of the funds. This prohibition would cover the tens of thousands of dollars donated to the Democratic National Committee by dirt poor Buddhists.
If they do not like that law, here is another one; 18 U.S. Code 600 prohibits promises of contracts or other benefits as consideration, favor or reward for political activities such as the Democrat Department of Commerce trade missions in exchange for political donations.
Or this, 18 U.S. Code 601 prohibits the withholding of a benefit or program of the United States from any person who refuses to make a campaign contribution.
There are dozens and dozens of laws that are already on the books that have apparently been violated and the Democrats have no interest whatsoever in trying to enforce the existing law. Let us do not try to confuse things. Let us enforce existing law, then move on to campaign finance reform.
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