My Thoughts on the Online Freedom of Speech Act, HR 1606
By Rep. Marsha Blackburn Posted in FEC — Comments (3) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
I know you all are aware that H.R. 1606 failed to pass this week. I'm disappointed that what I consider to be a no-brainer issue didn't get the votes to make it through. This shouldn't be a difficult "aye" vote.
One of the reasons I think you've seen some oppose H.R. 1606 is because they supported the 2002 campaign finance reform legislation and they're trying to defend that vote still. In many ways H.R. 1606 is a recognition that the 2002 reform has been a disaster. And I have no doubt at least a few voted no on H.R. 1606 in order to bolster their assertion that the 2002 reform was a positive. You had a lot of people on soapboxes denouncing those opposed to the 2002 reform as despicable and corrupt, and it has turned out that the 2002 reform has only complicated the system and infringed on free speech. In my opinion we ought to scrap the 2002 bill altogether before it gets its hooks into the internet.
We'll keep plugging away on this problem.
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My Thoughts on the Online Freedom of Speech Act, HR 1606 3 Comments (0 topical, 3 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
Pair this...
One of the reasons I think you've seen some oppose H.R. 1606 is because they supported the 2002 campaign finance reform legislation and they're trying to defend that vote still.
With this...
In my opinion we ought to scrap the 2002 bill altogether before it gets its hooks into the internet.
And the reason for the 182 no votes becomes clear. Many fans of CFR (and there are plenty in congress) are afraid that this is just one step to rolling back the whole thing. Which, for some (myself included), it obviously is. But that fact is going to be a continuing obstacle in getting votes from many in congress..
But the strong showing today makes me think that it will, eventually, pass easily.
No idea what state you represent, but I'm so happy to see at least one person there willing to point out the real problem. I will find out though, and I will be contributing my paltry donations your way instead of a bunch of others.
I don't care in the least about HR1606, because the Internet is not the only place I want my Free Speech protected.
I have zero doubt that this is the case.
Thanks for your continuing efforts!