Sarbanes Statement on the Anniversary of Citizens United

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) issued the following statement on the thirteenth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC:

“Today marks 13 years since the Supreme Court’s disastrous decision opened the floodgates for wealthy donors and special interests to exert undue influence over our political process. As a result, corporations and moneyed interests have funneled billions into elections, leading to hyperpartisanship and polarization.”

“The priorities of the American people – not deep-pocketed donors or special interests – should drive Congress’ agenda. To restore Americans’ trust, faith and confidence in our democracy, we must end the dominance of big money in politics. States and localities across the country have answered this call and endorsed citizen-funded elections. Last year, the House of Representatives took an historic step forward by passing transformative legislation to strengthen campaign finance laws and amplify the power of small donors.

“While the Senate failed to act on this crucial legislation, we must continue to fight for comprehensive reforms that will push back on the Citizens United decision and give everyday Americans an equal voice in our democracy.”