Van Hollen aide calls out Chamber on Disclose Act

Doug Thornell, a spokesman for Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), has called on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to explain its ad that states the Disclose Act infringes upon First Amendment rights. 

"Let's be clear, the Disclose Act does nothing to limit free speech," he said, adding, "The Chamber should step forward and disclose who funded this piece. What do they have to hide?" 

Van Hollen is the bill's chief author. On Monday the Chamber began running an ad contending it hinders free speech and therefore counters what the founding fathers sought when drafting the First Amendment. 

"Our forefathers went to great lengths to protect the right to free speech for everyone," the ad states. "Yet the so-called Disclose Act does just the opposite."

The Chamber contends the bill threatens free speech because it requires public disclosure of chief supporters for political ads. Others say the legislation will intimidate supporters shy about airing their political opinions and stop them from donating to certain causes. These groups have yet to explain how fuller disclosure would intimate donors.

Thornell claims donors who have nothing to hide should not be troubled by the bill.

"It empowers the American people so they know who is spending money on our elections," he said. "It's a tough reform bill and that's why so many special interests hate it."