news

WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko voted to advance H.R. 1, the For the People Act today, legislation that advances historic ethics and good government reforms including funding to upgrade election security systems, simplify and expand voters’ access to the ballot and confront the outsized influence of big money in politics.

“This legislation heeds the warnings of America’s top intelligence officials who have repeatedly warned us that foreign adversaries continue to attack our elections, sowing doubt and division to weaken our republic and many of our democratic institutions,” Congressman Tonko said. “After four years of denials and lies from the last administration, we are committed to advancing this legislation that will root out corruption in Washington and work to ensure the voices and votes of every American are heard and respected. Today, we deliver on that promise with the For the People Act, which will make it easier for millions of Americans to cast legal votes, ensure the security and integrity of our elections and put an end to the stranglehold of big money and special interests on our politics. It’s long past time that Congress get this done and return the power of governance where it belongs: in the hands of the American people.”

The H.R. 1 For the People Act will:

• Fight big money in politics: take on the power of special interests, end dark money, and ensure public officials are working in the public interest. 
• Expand voting rights: ensure we have secure, accurate elections and stop voter suppression efforts designed to stop people from voting based on who they will vote for.  
• End extreme partisan gerrymandering: create a non-partisan, open process to draw transparent and fair congressional district maps. 
• Hold elected officials accountable: implement tougher ethics laws to ensure elected officials are held accountable.

###