People For the American Way today applauded hearings held in the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, chaired by Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, exploring ways to reverse Citizens United by amending the Constitution and other means.

“Today’s hearing is an important step towards reclaiming our democracy for the people, not deep pocketed special interests,” said Michael Keegan. “Since the Supreme Court handed down its decision in early 2010, we’ve seen hundreds of millions of dollars contaminate our electoral system and profoundly distort our democratic process. I’m proud of the work done across the country by PFAW’s members and activists to reverse the decision. Today’s hearing is a testament to the grassroots efforts of the millions of Americans who want our country to be of, by and for the people.”

Since the Court handed down its decision, a growing movement has coalesced behind amending the Constitution to limit corporate power in our elections.

• More than 1.9 million Americans have signed a petition calling on Congress to amend the Constitution to reverse Citizens United.
• 1,854 public officials are on record in support, including 92 Representatives in Congress and 28 U.S. Senators.
• Over 275 towns and cities have passed resolutions supporting an amendment, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Santa Fe, Missoula (ballot initiative), Madison (ballot initiative), Boulder (ballot initiative), New York City, Albany, Pittsburgh, Boston, South Miami, Philadelphia and Kansas City, MO.
• The legislatures of six states have urged Congress to propose an amendment to overturn Citizens United via amendment.
• 2,007 business leaders have spoken out in favor of an amendment.
• 14 House and Senate amendment resolutions have been introduced in the 112th Congress.

“This is a movement moment,” said Marge Baker, Executive Vice President of People For the American Way. “Americans across the political spectrum support amending the Constitution to ensure that people, not special interests, hold the power in our democracy. Today’s hearing is an important step in the right direction. I’m grateful for the support we’ve received from members of the Sub-Committee as well as from their colleagues in the House and Senate. I’m eager to continue the fight to make Citizens United a thing of the past.”

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