In the News

Opposition to H.R. 1 Speaks Volumes

Author Hauwa Ahmed explains how many conservative opponents of H.R. 1—a bill that puts forward common-sense reforms to make government fairer and more inclusive—have personally benefited from the corruption the bill aims to address.

In January, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.), chairman of the Democracy Reform Task Force, introduced H.R. 1, otherwise known as the “For the People Act.” The bill puts forward common-sense reforms to limit corruption and make government responsive to the people, not just the powerful.

Since H.R. 1 was introduced, however, conservatives have come out in opposition. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) went so far as to call the bill’s effort to make the U.S. electoral system fairer a progressive “power grab.” And just weeks after H.R. 1 was filed, the Conservative Action Project released a memo signed by over 100 well-known conservatives opposing the bill.

The above excerpt was originally published in Morning Consult. Click here to view the full article.

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. A full list of supporters is available here. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

Authors

Hauwa Ahmed

Senior Policy Analyst