Cooper Cosponsors Campaign Finance Reform Bill

WASHINGTON—U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper has cosponsored a campaign finance reform bill designed to weaken corporate influence in politics and put everyday Americans back in charge of their government.

A reaction to damage wrought by the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling, the Government by the People Act rejects big money in politics and returns clout to voters through strong oversight, tax credits and improved transparency. Good government advocates collaborated in formulating the bill.

“The corporate takeover of American politics began when the Supreme Court said money is speech and corporations are people,” Rep. Cooper said. “This bill reverses course and empowers voters. We need more thinking like this in Congress.”

The Citizens United ruling has encouraged unlimited corporate spending in American politics; misleading political ads funded by anonymous sources; and destructive legislation orchestrated by murky interest groups.

Among other reforms, the Government by the People Act would:

• Enact a refundable tax credit for congressional campaign contributions by individuals and households;
• Provide candidates who reduce their dependence on special interest money with a 6-to-1 match for small-dollar contributions of $150 or less;
• Create funding for qualified candidates who must combat outside influence during the home stretch of a campaign;
• Establish a “Government by the People” Oversight Commission to periodically review the program and recommend further reforms.

Cooper is joined by a bipartisan group of 133 cosponsors. He previously discussed his views on money in politics with the Nashville Scene.