Democracy 21 Urges Passage of DISCLOSE Act

Democracy 21 applauds Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Representative David Cicilline for the important national leadership they are providing in reintroducing the DISCLOSE Act to require disclosure of the secret contributions currently being spent in federal elections.The DISCLOSE Act closes a gaping loophole in the campaign finance disclosure laws which has allowed more than a billion dollars in unlimited, secret contributions, or dark money, to be spent through nonprofit groups to influence federal elections.

The dark money loophole allows donors to provide large, influence-seeking contributions to benefit officeholders without any means of public accountability for the officeholders, who may respond with favorable government decisions in return for this financial support. This creates the opportunity for donors and officeholders to engage in corrupt practices without anyone knowing what is taking place.

The DISCLOSE Act puts an end to secret contributions being spent in federal elections.

The DISCLOSE Act is incorporated into H.R. 1, the For the People Act, in the House, and into S. 1, its companion measure in the Senate.  H.R. 1 is scheduled for consideration by the House next week.

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