Brendan Boyle

03/03/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/03/2021 22:01

BOYLE JOINS HOUSE DEMOCRATS IN PASSING HISTORIC VOTING RIGHTS, ANTI-CORRUPTION AND ETHICS REFORM

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) this evening joined House Democrats to pass H.R. 1, the For the People Act, a sweeping anti-corruption package to clean up Washington, protect and expand voting rights, restore integrity to government, and put the needs and priorities of the American people ahead of special interests. H.R. 1 also includes language from Boyle's Citizenship Empowerment Act. Offered as an amendment to H.R. 1, the Citizenship Empowerment Act will allow for voter education information at naturalization ceremonies, making it easier for newly sworn-in U.S. citizen to exercise their right to vote. Currently, only some state and local election officials provide such materials at these ceremonies.

'We are a nation of immigrants, but in far too many places, some of our newest American citizens face insurmountable hurdles when it comes to casting a vote in an election,' said Boyle. 'Once anyone becomes eligible to vote as a citizen, we should make it as easy as possible for that person to participate in our democracy as a voter. My amendment to H.R. 1 will ensure that as new Americans are sworn-in during naturalization ceremonies, they will have all of the resources and information they need to be an educated, informed voter.'

'H.R. 1 will protect our right to vote, ensure the integrity of our elections, crack down on lobbyists and Washington insiders, hold elected officials accountable, and end the era of big, secret, special-interest money in politics,' added Boyle. 'This historic reform effort will put an end to decades of dysfunction in Washington, return power back to the American people, and put our country 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.
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