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Letter to Representatives opposing H.R. 513, the "527 Reform Act of 2005"

April 3, 2006

Dear Representative:

On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), I am writing to express our strong opposition to H.R. 513, the "527 Reform Act of 2005," which will be considered by the House this week. For a number of reasons, highlighted below, this bill is an assault on the democratic process and should be rejected. We would also like to express our opposition to H.R. 1316, elements of which may be combined with H.R. 513 for consideration.

H.R. 513, introduced by Representatives Christopher Shays and Martin Meehan, would drastically reduce the grassroots activities, directed solely at state and local elections, that are conducted by local unions and other advocacy organizations. State and local organizations engaged in state and local election activity should not be compelled to operate under federal PAC rules.

More broadly, H.R. 513 is an attack on fully disclosed, independent activities that helped to increase the 2004 voter turnout to the highest level since 1968. Congress should be encouraging activities that increase voter participation, not undermining them. Broad voter participation strengthens our democracy, not weakens it.

H.R. 513 undermines the independent political speech of ordinary Americans who band together in unions and advocacy organizations to speak out about federal candidates and issues of national importance. In fact, H.R. 513 treats attempts to hold elected officials accountable for their records as politically corrupt activity.

With respect to H.R. 1316, introduced by Representatives Michael Pence and Albert Wynn, we are greatly concerned that the bill would increase the role of wealthy donors and trade association political action committees (PACs), reversing the campaign finance reforms that were put in place as a result of the scandals of Watergate. Specifically, H.R. 1316 would eliminate the current limit on the aggregate amount that wealthy individuals may contribute to federal candidates, party committees and PACs. In addition, the bill would facilitate greater fundraising by trade association PACs. These two provisions would increase the influence of corporations and wealthy individuals over the political process at the expense of ordinary Americans. By allowing corporations and the wealthy to further dominate the political process, the voice of working families will be further diminished when elected officials make laws and establish policies.

Both H.R. 513 and H.R. 1316 would weaken our democracy. We urge you to oppose this legislation when it is considered by the House this week.

Charles M. Loveless
Director of Legislation

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