In keeping with our longstanding concern for the strength of our democratic institutions, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs in 1998 spoke out to support Congressional consideration of options for campaign finance reform. The JCPA applauds the decision by Congressional leadership to finally consider this issue within the next several months.

The disproportionate role of money in politics and the pervasive need of candidates for public office to spend a major portion of their time raising money rather than raising issues of public concern, has fostered increasing voter cynicism. It is the prevailing perception, if not the reality, that elected officials are overly dependent upon and solicitous of the wealthiest contributors to their campaigns. 

Citizens must feel secure that their votes will count and will not be undermined by attention to special economic interests. Their disillusionment with current practices is demonstrated in part by steadily decreasing levels of political involvement and voter participation.

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) therefore welcomes Congressional consideration of options for campaign finance reform, including the most prominent of the recent legislative proposals, the McCain-Feingold Bill, which would ban soft money, make the airwaves more accessible to candidates and end or limit other abuses, to be consistent with the First Amendment. 

Without endorsing any particular legislative formulation, the JCPA urges an open debate of the issues involved, to enable our community and the nation to evaluate appropriate measures for reform that will strengthen our democratic process.

Share

Next Up:

Commitment to Africa

Take Action Donate

February 10, 2025

Director of Communications

February 7, 2025

Jewish Groups’ Statement on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

February 7, 2025

Major Jewish Organizations Voice “Deep Alarm” Over Trump Administration’s Attacks on Democratic Norms and Values

February 7, 2025

Over 100 Jewish Groups Voice Deep Alarm and Concern Over Recent Attacks on Democratic Norms and Values

February 6, 2025

Plans to Weaponize DOJ against Equal Opportunity Threaten Our Safety

February 6, 2025

Stand Against Attacks on our Democracy

February 6, 2025

Support JCPA to Defend Democracy

February 5, 2025

JCPA Welcomes New Team Members to Expand Work Combating Antisemitism & Extremism and Strengthening Democracy

JCPA

Emily Graham

January 29, 2025

JCPA Responds to Trump Administration’s Executive Order on Antisemitism