CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/David Felipe
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

 

Monday, September 8, 2003

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today declared that provisions of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act unconstitutionally restrict free speech and urged the Supreme Court to uphold previous rulings that the First Amendment should take precedence over the government’s ability to regulate elections.

 

“Freedom of speech and the right to actively participate in the political process are basic tenets of our democratic form of government,” said Stephen Bokat, the Chamber’s senior vice president and general counsel.  “This law would muzzle individuals and businesses who want to have a role in that process and speak out on issues of importance.”

 

During oral arguments before the high court, attorneys for the U.S. Chamber, as well as the National Association of Manufacturers, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. and the AFL-CIO, challenged a provision of the law that would expose organizations having regular contact with government officials to charges of unlawful coordination with a political candidate.  The organizations argue that such contact is a constitutional right afforded to every American particularly when part of routine legislative activities, and thus should not provide a basis for charges of criminal misconduct.

 

The Chamber, NAM, ABC and the AFL-CIO are also contesting restrictions on the ability of trade associations and other organizations to conduct issue advocacy 60 days before a general election and 30 days before a primary race, arguing that the Supreme Court should adhere to established First Amendment standards with regard to electioneering communication.

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region.

 

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