Better Democracy: Voting Rights, Election Security & Ethics Reform in HR 1

Business for America will host a conversation with U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD), the primary author of H.R. 1, the For the People Act. The most comprehensive package of democracy reforms since Watergate, H.R. 1 was passed by the House in 2019 but not considered in the Senate. Citing the challenges of the 2020 election, President-elect Biden says the bill is one of his top priorities. It will be re-introduced in the House in 2021.

As a massive overhaul of voting, money-in-politics, and ethics laws, H.R. includes many election reforms that have already been adopted at the state and local level. H.R. 1 shines a light on the influence of dark money in politics by upgrading online political ad disclosure requirements. It also seeks to increase accountability by expanding conflict of interest law and divestment requirements for members of Congress.

Join Business for America on January 13th for a discussion with Congressman Sarbanes about H.R. 1, the prospects for passage in 2021, and why it matters to business.