Washington, D.C. - Hundreds of activists rallied at the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court today to advocate for passage of S.1, the For the People Act. The event also marked the delivery to the Senate of a petition in favor of the Act with 330,000 signatures. People For the American Way President Ben Jealous spoke along with lawmakers including Sens. Jeff Merkley, Amy Klobuchar, Raphael Warnock, Elizabeth Warren, and Sheldon Whitehouse, and leaders of national civil rights and pro-democracy organizations.
"We the people have decided we don’t like billionaires buying our elections. We the people have decided we don’t like voter suppression. The For the People Act is the product of the hopes and dreams of 80 percent of the people of our country,” Jealous said at the rally. Calling on senators to commit to passing S.1, Jealous added, “Inaction is not an option.”
The For the People Act is sweeping legislation that would protect voting rights, curb the influence of big money in politics, and fight political corruption. Watch video of Ben Jealous’s remarks here: https://twitter.com/peoplefor/status/1402638593454231557
Read Ben Jealous’s op-ed “It’s Time for the U.S. Senate to Pass the For the People Act” in The Baltimore Sun, here: https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/op-ed/bs-ed-op-0416-crw-jealous-for-people-act-20210415-szpcwxi5brcdhjuuvc2hthldwq-story.html
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.