Call your senators to let them know they can't ignore the bill.

The last chance for this bill to pass will be when the Senate returns after Election Day.

Where does Senator Alexander stand?

Please call Senator Lamar Alexander to find out where he stands on S. 223 and let him know that he should support the bill.

  • Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)

  • Supports S223:
  • Cosponsor of S223:
  • Opposes Ensign: CALL [ Why? ]
  • Calls: 4 reported (our goal is 14 calls)

Why Oppose Ensign Amendment?

At this moment, Sen. John Ensign, who insists on adding an unnecessary, poison pill amendment, is blocking the bill.

The amendment proposed by Sen. Ensign would reduce accountability by requiring outside groups filing ethics complaints to reveal their sources of funding. This provision would constitute an unconstitutional burden on charities, religious bodies and non-profits attempting to ensure the operation of an honest and clean government. [ read more ]

Step 3Call Senator Alexander's office: 202-224-4944

Ask to speak to the legislative aide responsible for handling campaign finance legislation, or you can leave a message with the receptionist.

Suggested Conversation Script

I am calling to thank Senator Alexander for his co-sponsorship of S. 223, the Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act.

I am also calling to find out if the senator will oppose the Ensign (pronounced “en-sen”) amendment to S. 223. This is a poison pill that is designed to protect senators from legitimate ethics complaints. The amendment would impose an unconstitutional burden on charities, religious organizations and other nonprofits by forcing them to disclose their donors when they file ethics complaints against sitting senators.

Can you tell me if he plans to oppose it?

If “Yes” on opposing Ensign amendment

Please thank Senator Alexander for his support for a more transparent Congress.

The call is now complete. Please record your findings below.
If “I Don't Know” or “Senator Hasn't Decided Yet” on opposing Ensign amendment

Please let Senator Alexander know that the Ensign amendment will mean that many organizations will decide against filing an ethics complaint in order to protect the privacy and First Amendment rights of their donors.

The call is now complete. Please record your findings below.
If “No” on opposing Ensign amendment

Please let Senator Alexander know that I hope he reconsiders. Voting in favor of the Ensign amendment will hurt S. 223's chances of passing and becoming law. S. 223 is commonsense, uncontroversial legislation that will pass as long as the Ensign amendment fails.

The call is now complete. Please record your findings below.
Thank you for completing the call to Senator Lamar Alexander.

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4 calls have been made to Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)

CallerTimeComments / NotesSupports S.223Opposes Ensign
George Moss 08.06.08 @ 11:24 AM Voicemail - I thanked for co-sponsor, urged against Ensign, left name, voting address and email. unknown
Alexander Hill 08.07.08 @ 04:06 PM Left message on aide's voicemail, verbatim. unknown
Raymond Preuitt 08.08.08 @ 10:15 AM I thanked the Senator for his support of the bill. His aid said she would send me letter about the ensign ammendment. unknown
08.08.08 @ 12:49 PM Person responding said he didn't know what the Sen. position was yet, they would contact me to let me know. unknown