In last November's midterm elections, voters across the United States overwhelmingly backed a range of pro-democracy measures. (Photo: BCJ/Alex Wong/CSA Images/Chip Somodevilla/Getty)
Jan 30, 2019
The movement for reforming democracy entered a new phase Tuesday when the House Judiciary Committee held its first hearing on H.R. 1, the For the People Act. House Democratic lawmakers introduced the voting, campaign finance, and gerrymandering reform bill on January 3, the first day of the 116th Congress.
H.R. 1 marks the first time in decades that either major political party has made reforming the systems of democracy a central priority. Among its provisions, the bill would make automatic voter registration, public financing of our elections, and other Brennan Center-driven reforms the law of the land.
The Brennan Center submitted written testimony in advance of Tuesday's hearing in support of the Act.
"Taken together, the measures the Committee is considering today, coupled with other provisions of the Act, have the potential to transform American democracy," Brennan Center experts wrote.
In testimony provided to the House Judiciary Committee's chairman and ranking member, the Brennan Center provided insight on the specific provisions discussed in the hearing, urging Congress to prioritize:
- Restoring and updating the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which ensures every citizen the equal right to vote regardless of race
- Combating deceptive practices such as voting misinformation and intimidation
- Voting rights restoration for citizens with past criminal convictions
- Redistricting reform to counter the rise of extreme partisan gerrymandering
- Combating Citizens United, a Supreme Court ruling that permitted corporations to spend unlimited money on elections
- Strengthening government ethics, including applying a code of conduct to Supreme Court justices
In last November's midterm elections, voters across the United States overwhelmingly backed a range of pro-democracy measures. There is also an energized freshman class in Congress -- and many of the members made political reform a priority in their campaign platforms. Now they have an opportunity to put their words into action.
Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
© 2023 Brennan Center for Justice
Tim Lau
Tim Lau joined the Brennan Center's Communications and Strategy Team in October 2018. As a staff writer, he produces daily content on relevant news developments connected to Brennan Center's core issues. He also provides editorial support on social media and publications projects. Previously, Tim worked on the editorial teams at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Asia Society. He received his B.A. in International Relations and English Literature from Wheaton College.
The movement for reforming democracy entered a new phase Tuesday when the House Judiciary Committee held its first hearing on H.R. 1, the For the People Act. House Democratic lawmakers introduced the voting, campaign finance, and gerrymandering reform bill on January 3, the first day of the 116th Congress.
H.R. 1 marks the first time in decades that either major political party has made reforming the systems of democracy a central priority. Among its provisions, the bill would make automatic voter registration, public financing of our elections, and other Brennan Center-driven reforms the law of the land.
The Brennan Center submitted written testimony in advance of Tuesday's hearing in support of the Act.
"Taken together, the measures the Committee is considering today, coupled with other provisions of the Act, have the potential to transform American democracy," Brennan Center experts wrote.
In testimony provided to the House Judiciary Committee's chairman and ranking member, the Brennan Center provided insight on the specific provisions discussed in the hearing, urging Congress to prioritize:
- Restoring and updating the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which ensures every citizen the equal right to vote regardless of race
- Combating deceptive practices such as voting misinformation and intimidation
- Voting rights restoration for citizens with past criminal convictions
- Redistricting reform to counter the rise of extreme partisan gerrymandering
- Combating Citizens United, a Supreme Court ruling that permitted corporations to spend unlimited money on elections
- Strengthening government ethics, including applying a code of conduct to Supreme Court justices
In last November's midterm elections, voters across the United States overwhelmingly backed a range of pro-democracy measures. There is also an energized freshman class in Congress -- and many of the members made political reform a priority in their campaign platforms. Now they have an opportunity to put their words into action.
Tim Lau
Tim Lau joined the Brennan Center's Communications and Strategy Team in October 2018. As a staff writer, he produces daily content on relevant news developments connected to Brennan Center's core issues. He also provides editorial support on social media and publications projects. Previously, Tim worked on the editorial teams at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Asia Society. He received his B.A. in International Relations and English Literature from Wheaton College.
The movement for reforming democracy entered a new phase Tuesday when the House Judiciary Committee held its first hearing on H.R. 1, the For the People Act. House Democratic lawmakers introduced the voting, campaign finance, and gerrymandering reform bill on January 3, the first day of the 116th Congress.
H.R. 1 marks the first time in decades that either major political party has made reforming the systems of democracy a central priority. Among its provisions, the bill would make automatic voter registration, public financing of our elections, and other Brennan Center-driven reforms the law of the land.
The Brennan Center submitted written testimony in advance of Tuesday's hearing in support of the Act.
"Taken together, the measures the Committee is considering today, coupled with other provisions of the Act, have the potential to transform American democracy," Brennan Center experts wrote.
In testimony provided to the House Judiciary Committee's chairman and ranking member, the Brennan Center provided insight on the specific provisions discussed in the hearing, urging Congress to prioritize:
- Restoring and updating the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which ensures every citizen the equal right to vote regardless of race
- Combating deceptive practices such as voting misinformation and intimidation
- Voting rights restoration for citizens with past criminal convictions
- Redistricting reform to counter the rise of extreme partisan gerrymandering
- Combating Citizens United, a Supreme Court ruling that permitted corporations to spend unlimited money on elections
- Strengthening government ethics, including applying a code of conduct to Supreme Court justices
In last November's midterm elections, voters across the United States overwhelmingly backed a range of pro-democracy measures. There is also an energized freshman class in Congress -- and many of the members made political reform a priority in their campaign platforms. Now they have an opportunity to put their words into action.
We've had enough. The 1% own and operate the corporate media. They are doing everything they can to defend the status quo, squash dissent and protect the wealthy and the powerful. The Common Dreams media model is different. We cover the news that matters to the 99%. Our mission? To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. How? Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Free to read. Free to republish. Free to share. With no advertising. No paywalls. No selling of your data. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing. Can you chip in? We can't do it without you. Thank you.