Congressman Anthony Brown’s Statement on House Passage of the Presidential Election Reform Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) released the following statement praising the passage of the Presidential Election Reform Act:

"The orderly and peaceful transfer of power is foundational to our democracy. This week, I voted for critical legislation to protect our free and fair elections and uphold the rule of law.

"For months after the 2020 November election, a coordinated campaign tried to undermine our democracy and violate our constitutional norms by repeating the "Big Lie" that the election was stolen. These lies led directly to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, with the express purpose of subverting the will of the people. These falsehoods ultimately gave rise to state legislatures passing dangerous laws that try to subvert upcoming elections. In this country, voters decide their elected leaders, not partisan politicians.

"When I joined the Army, I swore to defend the Constitution from all enemies, both foreign and domestic. Members of Congress take a similar oath. For 246 years, those oaths have called on public servants to lead with our values and work collectively to ensure our country remains free. We must do everything in our power to uphold those oaths and defend the pillars of our democracy, which generations have fought and died for."

Key provisions of the Presidential Election Reform Act include:

• Reaffirm that the vice president has no authority or discretion to reject official electoral slates or delay the count in any material way

• Detail the Constitutional grounds upon which Members may object to a state's electoral votes

  • Increasing the objection threshold to one-third of each chamber - rather than allowing a single Member of each chamber to raise an objection

  • Requiring a majority vote in each chamber to sustain an objection

• Prevent rogue governors from unlawfully subverting the will of the people

  • Requiring governors to transmit lawful election results to Congress in a timely fashion

  • Authorizing presidential candidates to obtain a federal court order compelling a noncompliant state to deliver its election results

• Prevent radical state legislators from attempting to alter the outcome of an election

  • Requiring states to conduct presidential elections under state law as established prior to Election Day

  • Barring state legislatures from "taking back" their electoral appointment power to overturn the results of an election

  • Allowing presidential candidates to seek a federal court order enforcing state election officials' Constitutional obligation to count ballots and certify election results

During the 117th Congress, Congressman Brown voted for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to protect the sacred right to vote. He also voted to pass For the People Act to expand voter registration and protect the integrity and security of our elections.

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