The U.S. House of Representatives beat back several early challenges to legislation Wednesday aimed at squeezing special-interest money out of politics as it moved toward decisive votes on the most far-reaching changes in campaign finance laws in a quarter-century.
The initial victories, including rejection of two rival bills pushed by opponents of campaign finance overhaul, heartened backers of the legislation designed to curb unlimited \soft money"" contributions to parties and restrict electioneering ads by outside groups.
But as debate continued late into the night, they braced for further parliamentary attacks from House GOP leaders and other opponents. These critics said the bill would hobble free speech and unduly impede political parties. One proposed amendment would make the bill take effect immediately, which could seriously affect financing for the November elections and thereby trouble many House members.
