Congressman Brown Applauds Passage Of H.R. 1, A Transformative Democracy And Clean Government Reform Bill

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) praised the passage of the historic H.R. 1 For the People Act, the most significant voting rights and democracy reform in more than half a century. With American democracy under attack, this legislation will help restore transparency, accountability and integrity to Washington. Allowing the government to once again work For The People.

As states across the country implement increasingly aggressive and politically motivated limitations on voting and elections, particularly in communities of color, H.R. 1 would safeguard our democracy for future generations. The legislation expands and protects voting rights by making voting easier for every American. H.R. 1 ends the dominance of big money in politics by increasing transparency and empowering small donors. And this legislation ensures public servants work for the public interest by strengthening ethics laws and corruption oversight.

"Our democracy and the right to vote for every American are central to our nation. But over the last several years the pillars of our democracy have been undermined and attacked, eroding the very foundations of our country and preventing progress supported by the vast majority of our fellow Americans," said Congressman Brown. "H.R. 1 gives our democracy a lifeline and ensures that our country's elections remain fair and free, and our nation's government truly represents the will of the people."

Included in H.R. 1 are several bills led by Congressman Brown:

Voter Registration Reporting Act: Requires states to submit annual reports on voter registration to the Election Assistance Commission and Congress.

Polling Change Awareness Act: Requires states to meet notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes.

Voter Information Hotline Act: Directs the Attorney General to establish a voter information response system and hotline to respond to the questions and complaints of voters in Federal elections.

Expanding Access to Early Voting Act: Requires each state to allow individuals to vote in Federal elections during an early voting period, which occurs prior to the date of the election and in the same manner as voting is allowed on the election day.

Amendment on Absentee Ballot Registration: Requires states to include an option for an absentee ballot in the next and subsequent federal elections on a voter registration application form as part of registering for a state motor vehicle driver's license.

Source