Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) Joins House Democrats in Passing Historic Voting Rights, Anti-Corruption and Ethics Reforms

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Marc Veasey, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, today joined House Democrats in passing H.R. 1, the For the People Act, a sweeping anti-corruption package to safeguard the integrity of our government, protect and expand voting rights, and put the needs and priorities of the American people ahead of special interests.

The comprehensive reform package includes provisions from the Veasey-led America Votes Act and Postage Free Ballot Act—legislation that will break barriers to the ballot box, modernize voting procedures, and make it easier for Americans to vote safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The America Votes Act establishes new federal protections for voters arriving at polls to affirm their identity by submitting a sworn, written statement, even if they do not have government-issued identification. Voters who sign a sworn, written statement can vote using a standard non-provisional ballot. The Postage Free Ballot Act provides funding to the United States Postal Service that will allow voters to mail in their ballots for free by covering postage for mail-in ballots in federal and local elections.

"During our 2020 elections, we saw Americans literally risking their lives just to exercise their sacred right to vote," said Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33). "We must be focused on making it easier, not harder, for all Americans to safely and effectively vote amid this deadly pandemic. That is why I am proud to support the For the People Act because it will protect the right to vote by strengthening voting by mail, expanding automatic voter registration, and combating voter suppression. The sweeping reform package will also ensure integrity in our elections and hold elected officials accountable, which will return power back to the American people and put us on an inspired path toward a more equitable, just, and prosperous future.

Key provisions of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, include:

- Expanding automatic voter registration and same day registration.
- Strengthening vote by mail, early voting and ballot access.
- Combating voter intimidation and voter suppression.
- Protecting elections from foreign interference.
- Fixing partisan gerrymandering.
- Promoting digital ad transparency.
- Forcing disclosure of dark money.
- Reining in lobbyist influence.
- Enforcing ethics and conflict of interest rules for all government officials.
- Empowering small donors with matching funds paid for by lawbreakers, not taxpayers.

See here for more information about H.R.1.