Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after the United States House of Representatives successfully passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act. The historic reform package aims to reduce the role of money in politics and return power back to the American people.
“Our most basic and fundamental right is the right to vote,” said Rep. Hayes. “Elections must be free and clear of systemic discriminatory barriers and Americans must be assured that their votes will be counted as cast.” She goes on to say, “I recognize the power of grassroots mobilization, and this legislation protects the integrity of the process and ensures that the voices of everyday Americans are not drowned out by corporate interests or foreign entities.”
The For the People Act, thwarts this new era of voter suppression and reaffirms our commitment to the provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Additionally, states will be required to automatically register voters, promote online voter registration and end partisan gerrymandering so that more people are encouraged to participate in our democracy.
This transformative set of government reforms seeks to combat the dominance of dark money in American politics and put the American people – not special interests – first. With ethics and accountability in government as a top priority, H.R. 1 is a step to ensuring that public officials work for the public interest.
“I am proud to have worked with fellow Democrats to bring forth this historic legislation for the people,” Hayes said.
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