Sarbanes Statement on the Anniversary of Citizens United

Statement

Today, Congressman Sarbanes issued the following statement on the twelfth anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC:

"Twelve years ago today, the Supreme Court's devastating decision in Citizens United unleashed wealthy donors, special interests and corporations to spend a torrent of dark money in our elections. As a result, every election season brings a new record of political spending by large corporations and billionaires.

"Across the country, strong majorities of Democrats, Independents and Republicans are demanding that we strengthen campaign finance laws to combat this corruption. Several states and localities have endorsed citizen-funded elections, which can move our politics in a more positive direction. This week, the Senate had an opportunity to reflect this broad consensus and reverse the trend of money in politics with passage of the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. Sadly, succumbing to the filibuster, the Senate sided with special interests over the public interest.

"We cannot be deterred in our efforts to lift up the voices of all Americans. I will continue fighting for a government by the people, not bought and paid for by big money special interests."

Source