Leaders urge Biden administration and Congress to double down on democracy reform by passing H.R.1—the For the People Act—as a top priority post-election
WASHINGTON, DC-- People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement, today, after joining democracy reform champions House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Chair of the House Democracy Reform Task Force U.S. Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD), and leaders from the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of over 170 organizations serving the public interest— on a press call to highlight the urgent need for federal leaders to advance bold change in our democracy:
“Now that the election is won, the real work begins. Americans turned out to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris because we want our government back and we want our country back. Our communities of color in particular have been shortchanged for decades by a system that suppresses our votes and gives too much power to wealthy special interests. The For the People Act will help end voter suppression, get big money out of politics, crackdown on corruption, and stop the cycle of disenfranchisement and disempowerment of the people that has gone on for far too long. This legislation is about putting power back where it belongs, in the hands of the people, and we will work to make it a reality."
Here is a link to a recording of the press conference.
The speakers called for the immediate passage of H.R.1—the For the People Act—a once-in-a-generation democracy reform package to clean up our political system, get big money out of politics, hold elected officials accountable for corruption, expand and protect voting rights, and create a democracy that values the voices of all Americans.
The need to repair our democracy has become even more evident in recent months leading up to the election with voter intimidation efforts across the country and the sometimes confusing rules around voting that differ in each state. The For the People Act would eliminate confusion and increase access to the ballot.
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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.