Good to see Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA10) speaking in support of HR 1 (see video, below), the “For the People Act of 2019,” which has 236 cosponsors, including every Democrat – but ZERO Republicans – from Virginia. That is very telling, as this bill has a bunch of great stuff in it, including: “Voter registration would be made easier”; “The bill would crack down on efforts to take voters off the rolls or prevent them from casting ballots”; “Felons could regain their voting rights after finishing their sentences”; “The bill would declare an intent to revive core anti-discrimination provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that were effectively shut down by the Supreme Court six years ago”; “would expand the prohibition on foreign political money and mandate the disclosure of the big donors behind politically active 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations”; “would quash ‘sidecar’ superPACs that support individual candidates”; “Presidents and vice presidents would have to release their tax returns”; “Presidents-elect would need ethics plans for their transition teams and would have to file financial disclosures within 30 days of taking office”; “laws regulating foreign and domestic lobbying would be expanded”; “House members would be barred from serving on corporate boards”; etc.
I mean, who could possibly be against any of this stuff? Oh yeah…Republicans could!
Today, I spoke on the House floor in favor of H.R. 1, The For the People Act.
This legislation will end partisan gerrymandering, creating independent redistricting commissions: letting the voters choose their politicians, rather than allow politicians to choose their voters.
H.R. 1 will promote online registration, same day, and automatic voter registration—because we should be making it easier, not harder for people to vote.
It will also prohibit voter roll purges, expand early voting and vote-by-mail options, and ensure the restoration of rights for those who have paid their dues to society
The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy. It is as sacred as the freedom of religion and free speech.
H.R. 1 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore the faith and function of American Democracy.
This week, I will be voting YES to make government work #ForThePeople
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