Van Hollen: McConnell Was For Disclosure Before He Was Against It

Statement

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement in response to Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's opposition to the DISCLOSE Act:

"Senator McConnell used to agree with the need for disclosure -- I guess he was for disclosure before he was against it. Apparently he has reversed himself on this fundamental issue, because he now believes that Republicans in Congress will benefit from secret contributions to shadowy groups who refuse to tell voters who is bankrolling their attack ads. Shame on Republicans in Congress for putting big-moneyed special interests before the health of our democracy. If they have nothing to hide, they should have nothing to fear from transparency and disclosure.

"Even the Supreme Court said in Citizens United that disclosure requirements are constitutional because they serve important governmental interests in "providing the electorate with information about the sources of election-related spending,' in order to help citizens "make informed choices in the political marketplace.' As Justice Brandeis said, "sunlight is the best disinfectant.' This issue is a test of whether tea party Republicans believe in the public's right to know or whether they have sold out to special interests."

Source