New Democrat Coalition Endorses H.R. 1, For the People Act

WASHINGTON – As they did last year, the New Democrat Coalition on Thursday endorsed the reintroduced H.R. 1, the For the People Act.

H.R. 1 is a sweeping campaign finance and election reform bill that will make it easier for Americans to vote, end the dominance of money in politics, and help ensure all elected officials work in the public interest.

NDC Members proposed many of the provisions included in the package, ranging from election security measures, ethics reforms, transparent campaign ads, and other voting rights measures.

“After the recent attack on our democracy, Congress needs to restore faith in our elections and in government. The For the People Act will help ensure our government remains of, by, and for the people,” said NDC Chair Suzan DelBene, D-Wash.

“The NDC is the first ideological caucus to endorse this important legislative package. New Dems have proposed many of the pro-democracy, good government reforms in this bill. We now urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in voting for this historic piece of legislation,” DelBene said.

“For a long time, folks have been justifiably frustrated with the performance of the government,” said NDC Chair Emeritus Derek Kilmer, D-Wash.

“There’s been too much money, too many special interests, and too little accountability,” he said. “That’s why I’m proud that the New Democrat Coalition is moving to restore faith in our democracy by endorsing the For the People Act,” 

Reducing the role of big money in politics, strengthening ethics rules so elected officials are working for the public interest, and protecting voting rights for every American are ideas on which everyone should agree. By passing this bill, Congress can ensure that public officials serve the public interest and that government works for the people,” Kilmer added.

Last Congress, the New Democrat Coalition endorsed the bill and its members unanimously supported it on the floor.

The Coalition’s endorsement of this bill advances the fourth pillar in NDC’s 100 Day Agenda: Restore American Global Leadership.