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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Angela Bradbery, abradbery@citizen.org, (202) 588-7741
Mike Stankiewicz, mstankiewicz@citizen.org, (202) 588-7779

'Hearing, Press Conference on Election Spending Since Citizens United

Public Citizen President Robert Weissman to Testify Before House Subcommittee

WASHINGTON

WHAT:Public Citizen President Robert Weissman will testify Thursday before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties on the need to overturn Citizens United. Immediately prior to the hearing Committee, Chairman Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) and U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) will hold a press conference to discuss election spending in the years following the ruling.

Now 10 years since Citizens United, more corporate money than ever is flooding our elections and eroding our democracy. A Public Citizen report found that since 2010, just 25 ultrarich individuals have poured $1.4 billion into super PACs and corporations have spent at least half a billion dollars to influence our elections.

Public Citizen was on the legal team representing lawmakers in the Citizens United case and has been leading an effort for the past decade to mobilize nationwide support for a constitutional amendment to reverse the disastrous decision.

WHO: U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.)

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.)

Robert Weissman, president, Public Citizen

Marge Baker, executive vice president, People For the American Way

Karen Hobert Flynn, president, Common Cause

Tiffany Muller, executive director, End Citizens United

Azor Cole, state manager, American Promise

WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building

45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6.

Press conference - Room 2237 - 9:30 a.m. (EST)

Hearing - Room 2141 - 10 a.m. (EST)

A livestream of the hearing will be available on the committee's website.

Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest in the halls of power. We defend democracy, resist corporate power and work to ensure that government works for the people - not for big corporations. Founded in 1971, we now have 500,000 members and supporters throughout the country.

(202) 588-1000