Sarbanes, House Democrats Force Vote on the Government By the People Act [Video]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democracy Reform Task Force Chair Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today led House Democrats in forcing a vote on the Government By the People Act (H.R. 20), a bold reform to counter the influence of big money in politics and return power to the people. The bill, authored by Congressman Sarbanes, would provide Americans – and the candidates they support – with the tools they need to compete with the big-money players in our political system. The proposal would allow Congress to once again reflect the will of people – building a democracy of the many, not the money.

House Republicans blocked the vote.

Republican opposition to the Government By the People act comes just one day after House and Senate Democrats introduced a compressive proposal – A Better Deal for Our Democracy – to bolster our nation’s ethics laws and overhaul our campaign finance system while empowering all Americans to have more voice in our democracy.

It also comes as the House considers a bill to deregulate large financial institutions and dismantle important consumer protections – a prime example of agenda set by wealthy and well-connected special interests in Washington, D.C.

“The American people are sick of getting of getting a raw deal from Washington,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “That’s why Democrats are offering A Better Deal for Our Democracy – a comprehensive reform agenda to get rid of the corruption that’s led to such a dysfunctional political system here in Washington. We will deliver real reforms that will restore a government of, by and for the people.”

See below for video of Congressman Sarbanes’ floor remarks.

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