WASHINGTON – In anticipation of the Committee on House Administration's upcoming hearing on H.R. 1, Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-IL) delivered a statement from the House Floor highlighting concerns with provisions in the bill that would authorize a taxpayer-funded program to pay for political campaigns. The following statement trails the announcement made by Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier this week of the majority's intentions to quickly move the massive 571-page bill this month.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition of H.R. 1, legislation that was introduced by the Democratic leadership that they claim is "For the People."

"Let me be clear, there are some voting and election reforms where I believe Republicans and Democrats can find common ground. However, H.R. 1 abuses taxpayer dollars, criminalizes free speech, and encourages voting irregularities, and I cannot support it in its current form.

"One of the most egregious provisions in H.R. 1 creates a 6 to1 government match to small-donor campaign contributions up to $200. This means for every $200 that a political candidate receives, the federal government with your tax dollars is giving $1200 to a politician's campaign.

"Since when does the federal government become a candidate's ATM?

"This is only one example of how H.R. 1 is legislation not designed to serve the people, but to serve the Democratic majority.

"This House should work in a real, bipartisan fashion to create election reform that the American people deserve, and I am willing and ready whenever my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are willing and ready to talk."

###