Free Speech Wins with Bennett Amendment
Great news today from the Nation’s Capitol! Free Speech for Conservatives won the day today as S1 was passed with the Bennett amendment. The following is a press release from The Family Research Council.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Family Research Council President Tony Perkins on Friday praised the 55-43 victory of the Bennett Amendment which protects the free speech rights of Americans by keeping open communication with groups that act as watchdogs of government.
“It’s astounding that 43 senators voted against allowing groups to inform their constituents about what they’re up to with our tax dollars,” said Perkins. “On the other hand, maybe not.”
“The amendment offered by Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT) stripped the so-called ‘grassroots lobbying’ provision (Section 220) from the Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act. The alleged reform was more about silencing groups such as Family Research Council who communicate with the grassroots, than it was providing ‘transparency’ for Congress.
“It doesn’t show much faith in our citizens to shut down information about their own government,” said Perkins. “Rather than stripping away our First Amendment right to free speech, lobbying reform should address the unethical actions of high paid lobbyists such as Jack Abromoff whose illegal use of Indian gambling money to influence Congress prompted this whole debate.
“The fact that Indian gambling money is not even addressed in the bill is astonishing,” Perkins added. “Apparently, the new majority is refusing to follow the arrows that lead to true reform. The good news is that citizens have shown that they are willing to circle the wagons in defense of their right to know and speak about what Congress is doing.
“I thank the bi-partisan coalition led by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT) for beating back this direct attack on our free speech. The right of citizens to be informed and involved may be safe for now. However, we can expect further assaults on free speech as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and the liberal majority seek to silence any opposition.”
