Public participation is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy and, as secretary of state of Rhode Island, I worked to make government more accessible to citizens through the improvement of voting technologies, full access to government meetings and documents, and increased voter education efforts.  However, despite these advances, my constituents still feel disheartened by our nation’s election system because large sums of money drown out the voice of the average voter.  

Reform is never easy.  We frequently forget the immense courage exhibited by our founding fathers in challenging the status quo.  I ask my colleagues to remember this lesson, and vote for true campaign finance reform that will take the reins of democracy out of the hands of the corporations and interest groups, and restore the voice of our citizens.  

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.