51 for 51 Urges Swift Passage of Sweeping Democracy Package
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in response to the House passing H.R.1, 51 for 51 Campaign Director Stasha Rhodes released the following statement:
“The For the People Act will help revive our ailing democracy but we cannot let the filibuster stand in the way of passage in the Senate. H.R. 1 is just the beginning. If we fail to act, the filibuster will block all critical democracy reforms, including granting statehood to the majority Black and Brown residents of D.C. Fortifying and strengthening our commitment to American democracy is something President Biden and other leaders have stressed as a priority for this Congress and Administration — we look forward to working with them to deliver on that promise.”
The For the People Act, if signed into law, would be the most robust anti-corruption and government transparency package in a generation, reducing the influence of big money in politics and eliminating partisan gerrymandering. Last Congress, the For the People Act passed the House but was stalled by the filibuster in the Senate, leaving it — and other prospects of democracy reform like D.C. statehood — to languish on Senator McConnell’s desk.
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51 for 51 is a coalition of D.C.-based and national groups committed to equal representation for the over 700,000 D.C. residents who remain locked out of our democracy. The coalition of 25 progressive groups believe American citizens living in the District deserve a voice in Congress and control over their own local laws. Already, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Senators Warren, Markey, Gillibrand and Hickenlooper have endorsed 51 for 51’s proposed path to statehood.
Additional Information
Website: https://www.51for51.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/51for51