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Advocacy Blog
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Secret Hold on Senate Electronic Filing Bill
The Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act, S.223, was all set for quick passage with approval out of committee and bipartisan support, until yesterday when a secret hold was placed on the bill. Senator Feinstein has commented; "This is exactly the type of good-government law that the Senate could adopt as a stand alone measure." And yet Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) requested the block on behalf of an unidentified Republican senator. The bill in question would require electronic filing of financial disclosure reports by Senate campaigns. This would save time and money, all while making it easier for the public to seek such information. The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) has listed this action as its number one legislative priority. The Sunlight Foundation is trying to find out who placed the hold by encouraging constituents to make phone calls to senate offices asking if they are the one with the secret hold. Afterward, reporting back and the findings will be incorporated in their contact form.
Update: What occurred on the senate floor was actually a secret hold on an expedited vote without debate. Senator Feinstein requested bringing up the bill by unanimous consent, without floor debate. Read the beltway blogroll for a rundown of the events. Sunlight is still urging you to call your senators to find out who is blocking the bill, because after all, "a hold is a hold is a hold, unless you want to debate what the definition of 'is' is."
To participate, click here.
Posted by Amanda Adams
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