Today, the Senate Rules Committee took a historic step in considering the For the People Act (S. 1), comprehensive legislation to protect our freedom to vote, ensure that our voices are heard by preventing billionaires from buying our elections, and enable us to elect leaders who represent our interests by making sure district lines are drawn by nonpartisan commissions rather than behind closed doors by incumbent politicians. The bill now heads to the Senate floor. Although congressional Republicans and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell continue to obstruct this bill, the For the People Act remains popular among Republican, Democratic, and independent voters. In fact, key provisions of the bill have already been passed and proven successful in red, blue, and purple states.

As more Republican state legislatures continue to erect barriers to voting, especially for Black and brown voters, the For the People Act is needed more than ever to protect our freedom to vote. All Americans, regardless of their race, age, or zip code, deserve to have their voices heard and votes counted. We urge Congress to keep this bill big, bold, and together because Americans deserve comprehensive reforms to overcome the continued attacks on our democracy.

Common Cause is part of nationwide campaign to pass the For the People Act. Our 1.5 million members have generated hundreds of thousands of calls and emails, as well as published hundreds of letters to the editor in local papers urging elected officials to support the bill. Common Cause commends the leadership of Senate Rules Committee Chairwoman Amy Klobuchar, bill sponsor Senator Jeff Merkley, and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for championing the For the People Act, and we will continue fighting to ensure this bill reaches President Biden’s desk.