WASHINGTON— Nearly one year after House Democrats passed the landmark democracy reform package H.R. 1 on March 8, 2019, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), author of the For The People Act and the Democracy For All Amendment in the Senate, called on the Senate Republican majority to join with all Senate Democrats to pass the companion legislation:
“American democracy has reached a crisis point,” Udall said. “As we approach one of the most important elections in our nation’s history, the bill we need to secure our elections from foreign interference and return our democracy to the hands of the American people is buried deep in Senator McConnell’s ‘legislative graveyard.’ More and more Americans realize that our founding democratic ideals are being hollowed out. That’s why we must take action.
“The American people are demanding solutions to make prescription drugs more affordable, to tackle climate change, to end gun violence – and the list goes on. But the Senate isn’t acting on any of these issues because the Republican majority isn’t answering to the people – they’re answering to the special interests. Passing this bill is how we unlock the gridlock and remove the artificial political obstacles to taking action to make a difference in people’s lives.”
“The new House Democratic majority acted decisively nearly one year ago. Every single Senate Democrat is ready to pass this vital bill. The American people overwhelmingly support action to secure voting rights, fight back against cynical and politically-motivated attempts to purge voter rolls, bolster election security and end the dominance of big money in politics. They understand all too well that the status quo of voter suppression, massive and often secret campaign spending, and ethical loopholes are the real reasons that government is working for the powerful special interests—not for them.
“Senator McConnell may continue to deny our attempt to return our democracy to the hands of its rightful owners, but we will never give up this fight. And the American people will remember which side their leaders were on.”
More information on the For The People Act can be found HERE.
