Congress Set to Cave in to Even More Big Money in Politics

CWA issued this statement on the CROmnibus spending bill being considered by the House and Senate:

As we mark the 66th anniversary of International Human Rights Day, Congress is taking up an omnibus spending bill that includes a big cave-in to big money in politics. International Human Rights Day was launched by Eleanor Roosevelt in the UN in 1948, but now we are witnessing U.S. politics bought and sold by billionaires.

The CROmnibus spending bill is a travesty that, if adopted, will weaken our democracy. It would increase by tenfold the limits on an individual's contribution to a national political party every year to $324,000 and expand the corrupting role of big money in our election process. That could give even greater control over our democracy to the wealthiest of the 1 percent.

The Citizens United and McCutcheon Supreme Court decisions made this wave of obscene spending possible. It's not surprising that voters are cynical, and that turnout in November was at record lows. How can citizens believe that their votes count when they see corporations and wealthy individuals spending millions and getting their way?

Because of this "pay to play" politics, it also looks as though Wall Street will succeed in rolling back financial regulations just six years after Wall Street excesses resulted in an economy that came crashing down on working families. The bill would allow the big banks to again gamble with taxpayer dollars, knowing they will be bailed out by working families when their deals fall apart.

As we celebrate International Human Rights Day, we need to recommit to mobilizing millions for a 21st century democracy. Tomorrow, the Democracy Initiative convenes in Washington. Fifty-five organizations, including environmental, community, civil rights, labor, and democracy, are all ready to stand up and fight back. We hope that members of Congress stand with us.