Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the authority of Congress and the States to regulate contributions and expenditures in political campaigns and to enact public financing systems for such campaigns.

Madam Speaker, I rise this morning not to advocate a Democratic position nor to refute a Republican idea. Instead, I rise to highlight a fundamental threat to our ability to have that important debate. I refer, of course, to the hundreds of millions--indeed, billions--of dollars that will influence who comprises this otherwise democratic body, which may very well determine who occupies the Presidency next.

In each of our hearts, those of us in this Chamber called to represent people know that that cannot possibly be right. That is why I will cosponsor two possible constitutional amendments to reverse the damage of Citizens United--H.J. Res. 111 and H.J. Res. 78.

This should not be partisan. Today, it looks like the dollars are behind the Republicans; but tomorrow, that may be different. So let's join, let's stand together for our democracy and back a constitutional amendment to make our democracy about people, not about dollars.