LETTERS: CONTACT LEGISLATORS ON REFORM PLANS

To the editor:

In March, the House Republican leadership postponed a vote on campaign reform, House Resolution 348 (authored by U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas), because some House members, led by pro-abortionist U.S. Rep. Chris Shays, R-Conn., were pressing to be allowed to offer as an amendment the text of the McCain-Feingold bill. Both the Thomas and the Shays-McCain-Feingold bills would have severely restricted the right of National Right to Life and similar groups to communicate with the public regarding upcoming votes in Congress about the positions and voting records of those who hold or seek federal office.

The House again has begun debate on the campaign-reform proposal. This is the same bill as was blocked earlier this year. The bill again contains numerous provision that would severely restrict the right of citizen groups and their affiliates to communicate with the public regarding the positions and voting records of those who hold or seek federal office or even about upcoming votes in Congress, such as the June 23 House debate regarding the Postal Service and General Government Act which, if passed, would include an amendment forcing insurance companies to pay for the abortion pill RU 486 as well as other post-intercourse contraception-abortion pills. Some of the groups that oppose the campaign-reform bill are the Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, the National Rifle Association, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Christian Coalition. Supporters of campaign reform are claiming publicly that they have enough votes to pass the measure. Before a vote occurs, the House must first consider various amendments, including some that would highlight the provisions that attack our First Amendment rights. For example, when the House recessed June 24, it had under consideration a good amendment offered by pro-life U.S. Rep. John Doolittle, R-Ga., to modify a provision of the bill that restricts printed materials that comment on the voting records and positions on issues of federal politicians.

The House spent the rest of last week on appropriations bills and then recessed for two weeks. It will not return to the campaign-reform bill until the week of July 13. Following a vote on the Doolittle amendment, other amendments will be offered. A final vote on the reform bill will occur later in July or early August.

We now have until July 13 to contact our House members while they are in their home districts regarding these important legislative matters. Folks, it is up to you and me to let our politicians know where we stand on issues that affect our first amendment rights. Please don't miss an important opportunity and then complain silently behind closed doors when your right to free speech is restricted.

CHRISTINE E. STEPHENS

Cape Girardeau