AFSCME, the AFL-CIO and dozens of labor unions and progressive organizations endorse H.R. 1. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives today, would, among other things, make it easier for people to vote and strengthen our democracy.
It was put forth by new leadership in the House of Representatives and seeks to strengthen voting rights and end the influence of big money in politics. It makes “long-needed, fundamental reforms to fight the rigged political system and to strengthen our democracy,” according to a statement by AFSCME.
Passage of the bill comes 54 years to the week after civil rights activists – including now-Rep. John Lewis – were beaten in Selma, Alabama as they peacefully demonstrated to secure the right to vote for African Americans in the South.
Titled, “For the People Act,” H.R. 1 is a big-picture proposal identifying several important issues facing our country today: the influence of big money in politics, government corruption and attacks on minority voting rights.
Among other things, it would:
- promote early and online voter registration, along with other voting modernization measures;
- end partisan gerrymandering and reaffirm Congress’ commitment to restore the Voting Rights Act;
- create a national strategy to protect our democratic institutions.
Although unlikely to become law under President Trump and Republican control of the Senate, the bill sends a clear message about our current political moment: our very democracy is at stake.