Pelosi Statement on FCC Vote for Greater Transparency in Our Politics

Washington, D.C. - Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the Federal Communications Commission voted to require television broadcasters to post their public files online immediately, compel the largest broadcasters to put their political files online in the coming months, and demand all political files be online by 2014.  Stations' political files disclose the names of individuals and groups purchasing political ads, the names of the leaders of these groups, and the amount they paid for the ads:

"Today, the FCC took a step forward for greater transparency and disclosure in our political system.  This vote means the public will gain access to more details about the campaign ads flooding our airwaves.  It increases accountability in our elections and marks a small victory for America's voters.

"The FCC's action represents one building block in Democrats' broader efforts to create a new politics free from special interests.  Our agenda is clear: we must fight for disclosure to ensure corporations and special interests stand by their ads by urging federal agencies to obtain meaningful disclosure of political spending under their purview and by passing the DISCLOSE Act.  We must reform the system to empower the grassroots; and we must amend the Constitution to reverse the devastating effects of Supreme Court decisions that put special interests ahead of the public interest.  The American people deserve nothing less.

"Democrats are committed to reaffirming a fundamental American value: the voices of the people determine the outcome of elections, not the bankroll of the privileged few.  The FCC's decision today is a start; but we must, and will, continue to work toward a future of accountability, openness, and fairness in our politics and in our nation."