First Bill of the New Congress Shows Democrats Prioritize Badly Needed Reforms

Washington, D.C.—People For the American Way (PFAW) today applauded H.R. 1, introduced by the new Democratic majority in the House in pursuit of their commitment to make serious repairs to our democracy.

“Americans want real reforms to strengthen our democracy,” PFAW Executive Vice President Marge Baker said. “People understand that without greater participation and equality of access, the many problems that plague our country will remain unchecked. This legislation shows that the Democrat-led House of Representatives is committed to rebuilding faith in government undermined by two years of the Trump administration’s disregard for norms and democratic principles.”

People For the American Way is part of the Declaration for American Democracy coalition, a nonpartisan collaboration of more than 120 local, state, and national organizations committed to delivering the bold reforms to our democracy demanded by the public. We joined the coalition because we believe a strong democracy is one in which:

• Voting is a fundamental right and a civic responsibility;
• Government serves all of the people, not just the private interests of public officials and their wealthy political donors;
• Our influence is based on the force of our ideas, not the size of our wallets; and
• People know who is trying to influence our votes, who is trying to gain influence over our elected representatives, and how and why policies  that affect all of our lives are being made.

Learn more about the Declaration for American Democracy.

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy.