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The omnibus appropriations bill fashioned in secret by congressional leaders this week is larded with goodies for the lawmakers who will be voting on it and the special interests – from the gun lobby to Wall Street – that are their financial patrons, Common Cause said today. If passed, it will include the biggest increase in campaign contribution limits ever enacted by Congress.

“The deal apparently struck today by Democratic and Republican leaders to quadruple the maximum contribution for support of national political conventions is an affront to the millions of Americans whose votes last month signaled their desire for change in Washington. Although a different party will be in the majority in the Senate for the 114th Congress, it’s clear that the real power will remain with big money interests. This agreement simply ends the current Congress by rolling out a carpet of cash for the next one.

With 139 presidential nominations awaiting floor action as of midday Monday, the U.S. Senate should remain in session as long as it takes – including through the holiday season – to fill judicial and executive vacancies, Common Cause said today.

Illinois has adopted Election Day registration and expanded early voting, plus other electoral reforms

Common Cause joined in a coalition urging House leaders to schedule a debate and vote on the Democracy of All Amendment before adjourning this month

President Obama’s executive actions on immigration are lawful, limited and restrained steps toward fixing an immigration system that is demonstrably broken, unjust and unenforceable. They attempt to make good on the promise of a democracy founded by immigrants. They will allow millions of families to emerge from the shadows and become full participants in our economy and our society, and build on the fundamentally American impulse and democratic principle of welcoming new immigrants and appreciating their contributions to our culture and economy.