In his annual State of the Union address to Congress, President Obama criticized the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Citizens United v. FEC. People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan applauded the remarks, including the President’s focus on this dangerous ruling.

“The Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United upends more than a century of campaign finance regulations. Given the magnitude of the decision, I’m glad that the President took the opportunity to address the issue before Congress and the nation. Congress should move forward quickly to enact the legislation the President called for.

“While legislation is a crucial part of the effort to repair this decision, it should be only a part of our response. In addition, we need to confirm Supreme Court Justices who will keep faith with the core values of the Constitution and move to enact a Constitutional amendment restoring government’s ability to regulate the influence of corporations in elections.

“The State of our Union cannot be strong as long as this Supreme Court’s decision goes unchecked. It endangers the democratic system designed by the founders to engage citizens in the fundamental act of self-governance. Enacting a Constitutional Amendment is the most complete way to protect our nation’s promise of government by the people.”

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