Rep. Loebsack Response re Campaign Finance Reform

David Loebsack 2nd District, Iowa Committees: Armed Services Subcommittees: Military Personnel Readiness Education and the Workforce Subcommittees: Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Higher Education and Workforce Training

Washington Office: 1527 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-6576 District Offices: 125 South Dubuque Street Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 351-0789 209 West 4th Street, #104 Davenport, IA 52801 (563) 323-5988

May 17, 2013

May 17, 2013 Mr. Steve Greenleaf 345 Magowan Avenue Iowa City, IA 52246-3515 Dear Mr. Greenleaf, Thank you for contacting me about the Supreme Court's Decision in Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission.  I'm honored to represent you. Your opinion is very important to me and my priority is to provide Iowa's Second District with the best representation possible. On January 21, 2009 the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that corporate funding in elections cannot be limited under the First Amendment. In this decision, the Court struck down a provision of the McCain-Feingold Act that prevented corporations, both for profit and not for profit, from directly funding political communication.  I share your concerns about the potential influence of large corporate campaign contributions, and I strongly believe that we must ensure that the only voices that determine the outcome of elections are those of the American people. As someone who grew up in poverty struggling to make ends meet, I never thought I would see the day when the Supreme Court would rule in favor of special interests over the interests of hard working Iowans who want and deserve to have their voices heard in Washington. As your Representative in Congress, I will do all I can to ensure that power is put back in the hands of Iowans, not corporate interests, and that your concerns are heard in our nation's capital. In response to the Supreme Court's decision, The Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act (DISCLOSE), H.R. 148, was introduced on January 3, 2013.  The DISCLOSE Act would increase disclosure requirements for campaign-related spending by corporations, unions, and tax-exempt organizations.  I am a proud cosponsor of this bill, which has been referred to the House Committees on Administration, the Judiciary and Ways and Means. In addition, I am a proud cosponsor of the Fair Elections Now Act, H.R. 269, which was introduced by Representative John Yarmuth on January 15, 2013. This bill would establish the option of publicly funded campaigns and would reduce the influence of special interest groups on elections.  H.R. 269 has been referred to the House Committee on Administration for further consideration. Please be assured that I will continue to keep your views regarding campaign finance reform in mind and will continue to work diligently to ensure that the American people, not monied interests, are the ones who decide the outcome of our elections.  Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue. My office is here to assist you with any and all concerns you have, so please do not hesitate to contact me whenever you feel that I can be of assistance.  I encourage you to visit my website at www.loebsack.house.gov and sign up for my e-newsletters to stay informed of the work I'm doing for you. I am proud to serve the Second District, and I am committed to working hard for Iowans.

Sincerely, Dave Loebsack Iowa's Second District

DL/AK