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Allred Leads Letter Calling on Senate to Bring For the People Act Up for a Debate and Vote

June 5, 2019

Washington, D.C. –– Today, Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) helped lead an effort urging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to allow a debate and an up or down vote on the For the People Act (H.R.1/S. 949). The For the People Act passed the U.S. House in March and is a once-in-a-generation anti-corruption, voting rights, and money in politics reform bill.

"Whether it is safeguarding our elections from foreign interference, reducing corruption and the influence of dark money or increasing access to the ballot box — our goal should be to work together to strengthen our nation," said Allred. "This should not be partisan and the American people are counting us on to deliver results. H.R. 1 will reduce the influence of special interests and return power to the people, and I urge the Senate to act on this critical legislation."

The letter reads:

"Across the country, the American people have made clear that they want Congress to enact meaningful anti-corruption reform. That's why we pledged action on comprehensive campaign finance, ethics, and voting reforms as the first priority for the 116th Congress. As newly sworn-in Members, we got right to work on the For the People Act (H.R. 1), the most comprehensive set of pro-democracy reforms in a generation, passing it out of the House in March. Following a campaign season in which corruption and the power of special interests was a central theme, H.R. 1 delivered on our promise to clean up Washington and create a democracy that works for all of us."

The letter to McConnell was signed by 62 Freshmen and led by Representatives Max Rose (NY-11), Jason Crow (CO-06), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Dean Phillips (MN-03), Katie Porter (CA-45), Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07).

"In the 2018 midterms, the American people demanded reform and elected leaders who would fight against the special interests controlling Washington," said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. "By passing the For the People Act so swiftly, the new Democratic majority proved they are accountable to voters, not special interests. The House has done its job, but because of Senator Mitch McConnell, the Senate hasn't even held a hearing on the bill. Mitch McConnell is acting like a puppet in the hands of the Big Money corporate special interests that keep him in power. McConnell should listen to the people and allow the Senate to vote on the For the People Act."