U.S. PIRG Statement on the Passage of the “For the People Act”

U.S. PIRG

WASHINGTON, DC – This morning, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package of democracy reforms titled “For the People,” or House Resolution 1 (H.R.1). The package included proposals to make it easier to vote and participate in our democracy, disclose secret political spending, reform redistricting practices and more. Most importantly, in creating a small donor empowerment system for federal elections, it would help combat the overwhelming influence of big money in point politics.

Statement from: Joe Ready, Democracy for the People Campaign Director, U.S. PIRG

“For too long, large campaign contributions, which only a small fraction of the American public can afford to make, have unduly influenced our politics. Big money determines who can run for office, who wins and, once in office, what issues they prioritize. It is great to see the House of Representatives take action on this issue.

But we know there is much more work to do from here. We know voters from both parties want to enact solutions that put everyday people in the driver’s seat of our democracy. ”

While the bill has passed the House, it did so along entirely partisan lines and the Senate Majority Leader has vowed that the bill will not get a hearing in that body. That is a shame but it is not the end of the reform effort. The public should focus on making immediate reforms at the state and local level where great progress is already being made.  

“Communities across the country are not and should not wait on the federal government. Last year alone, voters in Denver, Baltimore, Washington D.C and New York City proved that regular Americans can stand up to big-money politics and win. And efforts to empower regular people are underway in Maryland, New York and Oregon right now.”