The Senate Monday voted to vote on S.J. Res. 19, a constitutional amendment that would allow Congress to regulate--including limit--the amount of money candidates can raise and spend.
The Senate approved a cloture motion 79-18 (it requires a three-fifths majority). The motion allows for, but limits, debate on the bill--to 30 hours--and potentially forces an up or down vote, though in this case "up" would require a two-thirds majority.
Campaign reformers are looking to drum up support, including financial, for their push for a Constitutional Amendment to limit "big money" contributions and essentially overturn the Supreme Court decision in Citizens United.
Even if the amendment passes, by the needed two-thirds majority, which appears unlikely, it would then have to pass in the House by the same majority and be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures.
"For the first time in history, every single senator will be forced to say-on the record-whether or not they think money is speech," said MoveOn, one of the reformers looking to push the amendment through Congress. "The Senate will debate money in politics this week-and a full vote is expected Thursday."
