Pelosi Statement on Legislative Efforts to Respond to Citizens United Ruling

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the announcement by Congressman Van Hollen and Senator Schumer of a legislative framework developed to respond to the Citizens United ruling:

"The Supreme Court's decision opened the floodgates to more special interest dollars in our politics and greater corporate influence in the public policy debate. In response to this ruling, we must take every action possible to close the doors to corruption in political campaigns and ensure that Wall Street banks, insurance companies, or other corporations will not be allowed to drown out the voices of average Americans.

"Congressman Van Hollen and Senator Schumer have taken a step in the right direction to preserve, protect, and promote the interests of the American people. Their legislative framework will hold corporate America accountable for their efforts to influence the political process. It will shine a light on who is behind any special interest spending, limit the involvement of foreign entities in our elections and make sure that those bailed out by taxpayer dollars do not turn around and use that money to harm the public interest.

"I applaud Congressman Van Hollen and Senator Schumer's efforts, and look forward to working with them to advance this legislation."