Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) and DNC chair Tom Perez comment following the passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2019, comprehensive democracy reform legislation to protect voters and make it easier to vote; increase fairness and transparency in elections; and eliminate public corruption.
Congressman McEachin said:
“The strength of a democracy is in the participation of its citizens and their confidence in the integrity of the democratic process. Today, Democrats showed the American people that we are committed to fixing what ails our democracy, ensuring that every voice is heard and that public officials are fully accountable to the citizens they serve.
“I am especially proud that two of my own bills passed as part of today’s package. The inclusion of these two concepts – protecting voters from intimidation and making Election Day function as a holiday – will help achieve our important priority of increasing voter confidence and participation. Voters should not be in fear at the polls. Intimidation and other hostile tactics should not be a concern or impediment to voting. And having Election Day function as a holiday helps ensure that more voters can get to the polls.
“I am very proud to be a cosponsor of this important and foundational legislation. I certainly hope that the Senate will pass this important bill, and that the president will sign it, to keep our democracy healthy and thriving.”
DNC chair Tom Perez said:
“No president in modern history has done more to undermine the rule of law and destroy public trust in our institutions than Donald Trump. No political party has done more to disenfranchise voters and reward wealthy special interests at the expense of the middle class than the Republican Party.
“With the passage of H.R. 1, Democrats are following through on our campaign promise to hold Trump accountable and make government work for the people. This bill expands access to the ballot, raises ethical standards in Washington, and restores integrity to our federal government. And that’s exactly why Trump and Senate Leader Mitch McConnell are doing everything they can to prevent it from becoming law. The American people are watching, and they will remember which party is actually fighting for them come Election Day.”
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