Cindy Carr, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Democratic House leaders, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Democratic Taskforce Chair Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD), re-introduced H.R. 1, the For the People Act. This landmark democracy reform package, first introduced in January 2019, is designed to create nationwide automatic and same day voter registration, put an end to partisan gerrymandering, strengthen ethics laws to curb the undue influence of corporate polluters, and fix our broken campaign finance system, among other initiatives.
Yesterday, the House re-introduced H.R. 51, Congressmember Eleanor Holmes Norton’s (D-DC) bill to establish D.C. statehood. H.R. 1, H.R. 51, and H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, are crucial for achieving the vision of our democracy that we seek. Conversely, House Republicans are continuing to attack and undermine our democracy and are expected to introduce a bill later this week that will exacerbate voter suppression and make it more difficult for the American people to vote.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“As we enter the New Year reaffirming our commitment to protecting our planet, our people, and our progress, the monumental reforms outlined in the For the People Act are needed now more than ever. These past four years, we watched in horror as Donald Trump sold our clean air and water, our public lands, and our climate to corporate polluters. But these polluters weren’t just enriching themselves, they were actively suppressing and drowning out the voices of the people.
“The For the People Act proposes the necessary and commonsense reforms that will help reign in the undue influence of dark money in our elections, expand access to the ballot box, and increase ways the American people can hold our elected officials accountable. The Sierra Club applauds Speaker Pelosi and Representative Sarbanes for their visionary leadership toward a stronger, equitable democracy, and we are proud to rise with our allies across the movement in support of transformative government reforms and H.R. 1.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.