Statement by Rep. Jan Schakowsky on Supreme Court’s Ruling in McCutcheon v FEC

“I am deeply disappointed in the majority’s decision further entrenching the bloated role money and large donors play in our elections.   Much like their other ill-conceived ruling in Citizens United v. FEC, five justices on the Supreme Court have handed enormous influence to the ultra-wealthy at the expense of millions of everyday Americans.    

The removal of aggregate limits on campaign contributions – that is, contributions over $123,200 per campaign cycle, does nothing to make our government more accountable or responsive to the American people.  The vast majority – 85% – of American households don’t earn $123,000 total for an entire year’s labor.   Instead, this decision helps one group and one group only: the affluent 1% who think nothing of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to influence elections all over the country. 

Money needs to play a smaller role in politics – not larger.  Allowing the dollars of a privileged few to play an even bigger role will only further dilute the ability of millions of Americans to have their concerns heard.  

Our democracy must be about the many, not the money.  I will continue to strongly support legislative initiatives like H.R. 20, the Government By the People Act, a bill that would amplify the impact of everyday citizens contributing to campaigns, and I will continue to take whatever steps I can to reverse these harmful decisions and restore American democracy for its citizens.