Using Tax Dollars to Fund Campaigns is Wrong

Floor Speech

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Ms. MALLIOTAKIS. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1 shamefully allows candidates for Congress to use tax dollars to fund campaigns with a $6 match for every $1 raised. Any normal person would call this a form of embezzlement.

Tax dollars are supposed to be used to maintain our transportation infrastructure, fund our schools, and keep the public safe, not to fund campaigns.

As a representative from New York City, which has public financing of campaigns, and as a former candidate for mayor, I can tell you that it does nothing to take big money out of politics, and it does nothing to level the playing field. Bill de Blasio still received big donations bundled by lobbyists and special interests, and I would have still been outspent 4 to 1 with or without matching funds.

Using taxpayer money to fund political campaigns is not only wrong; it is an abuse of taxpayers and has led to more corruption. Multiple candidates and elected officials in New York City were convicted for exploiting the system and developing schemes to illegally pad their campaigns with taxpayer money.

Additionally, at a time when so many Americans question the integrity of our election system and are looking for safeguards to protect their vote, this bill bans States from having voter ID and implements same- day voter registration, which does not give election boards the proper time to ensure individuals' eligibility and further erodes the public trust.

Instead of this ridiculous bill, we should be adopting the Save Democracy Act and restoring the trust and integrity of our election system.

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