Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement marking the 7th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling:
 
“It has been seven years since the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision dramatically altered political spending in our country.  The Citizens United ruling has opened the floodgates to corporations and special interest groups, allowing them to make unlimited contributions and political expenditures to influence elections, SuperPACs have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into campaigns across the country. In the 2016 election cycle alone, these expenditures topped $1.1 billion.
 
“Dark money continues to make our elections more and more costly, and more and more exclusive. The American people deserve an equitable and transparent electoral system that ensures our government is accountable to the interests of voters and not the wealthy elite. I am disappointed that Republicans in Congress continue to oppose Democrats efforts to establish a more transparent process. 
 
“As we mark the 7th anniversary of Citizens United, I remain committed to enacting critical new reforms that will empower the American voter and restore accountability to our nation’s electoral process.”
 
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.

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