A legislative fix was offered today that could kill an onerous measure in the Senate that threatens the right of citizens to influence their lawmakers.
It all depends on how the votes line up next week.
The lobbying-reform bill numbered S. 1 contains a provision -- Section 220 -- that would require grassroots organizations and churches to file federal reports on communications that urge people to speak out on public-policy issues.
Tens of thousands of phone calls, faxes and e-mails in opposition to the provision flooded Senate offices in response to appeals from groups including Focus on the Family Action.
Sen. Robert Bennett, R-Utah, introduced an amendment to strike the provision according to his communications director, Emily Christensen.
An aide to Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he is a co-sponsor of the amendment. That’s significant because not only is McConnell now minority leader in the Senate, but he’s also one of the Republican co-sponsors of S. 1.
Focus on the Family Action Chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., termed the legislation a “grave threat” to First Amendment rights. Consequently, Focus Action launched its first-ever petition drive on Wednesday to rally opposition to the provision.
The response was overwhelming. More than 18,000 faxes have been sent to senators’ offices by CitizenLink readers and listeners to the Wednesday Focus on the Family broadcast, in which Dobson sounded the alarm, along with Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, American Values President Gary Bauer and American Family Association President Donald Wildmon.
“Clearly, the objective here is to hide what goes on from the public,” Dobson said of the intent of Section 220. “And to punish and silence those of us who would talk about what the Congress is doing.”
Peter Brandt, senior director of issues response for Focus Action, explained that the petition gives concerned Americans another effective way to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill.
"We've long urged our constituents to call, e-mail and fax their lawmakers," Brandt said. "But they've told us they also want the flexibility that comes with being able to sign a petition -- and forward it to their friends and family. Other pro-family groups have been doing this for years, but we have waited until now so we could offer a unique experience that not only lets constituents speak their mind once -- but also keeps them up-to-date on issues they care about throughout the year."
TAKE ACTION:
Let your senators know you support the Bennett amendment. We've prepared a special prewritten fax that you can send for free through the CitizenLink Action Center.
If you are a CitizenLink subscriber, click the blue "Fax Your Senator" button on the right side of the e-mail to be automatically logged in to the Action Center.
Otherwise, click on this link.
(Paid for by Focus on the Family Action)
