DATE=3-20-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS CAMPAIGN FINANCE (s)

NUMBER=2-287797

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-S Senate has passed (by a 60 to 40 vote) the most sweeping campaign finance reform bill in a quarter century and sent it to President Bush for his expected signature. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports.

TEXT: The bill bans unregulated donations to national political parties, known as 'soft money'. Such contributions - from unions, corporations and individuals - grew from 86 million dollars in the 1992 election to 500 million dollars in the 2000 election.

The measure which passed the House last month - also restricts broadcast attack advertisements in the final days before an election.

Democrat Russ Feingold of Wisconsin is a co-sponsor of the bill.

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Banning soft money will help to untangle the web of money and influence that has made the Congress and the White House so vulnerable to the appearance of corruption for far too long.

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Opponents say the bill would weaken national parties and violate free speech guarantees under the U-S Constitution. They plan to challenge it in court once President Bush signs it into law. (signed)

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