Press Releases

Trahan Supports Landmark Anti-Corruption Legislation that Returns Power to the People

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) supported passage of H.R. 1, the For The People Act, a historic and comprehensive democracy reform package that will secure every American’s most fundamental right to make their voice heard at the ballot box and hold elected officials accountable.

During consideration of H.R. 1 on the House floor, Trahan called for the immediate passage of the legislation. Footage of those remarks can be accessed by CLICKING HERE or the image below. Text of the remarks as delivered are embedded below.

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Congresswoman Lori Trahan

Remarks as Delivered

Full Consideration of the For The People Act

March 2, 2021

I rise in strong support of H.R. 1 – and commend the Speaker, Majority Leader, Chair Lofgren, and Representative Sarbanes for their unwavering leadership.

We live in a cynical age. Some of this is due to the fact that the wealthy and well-connected have been granted access and influence in the halls of power far beyond what is fair. And the results speak for themselves – massive economic, health, and wealth disparities.

It’s also due to the fact that we have seemingly entered a “post-truth” era in which facts have less of a grip on public debate – particularly on our social media platforms. 

And so, the race to the bottom continues – whether it’s the “Big Lie” about the election or gaslighting the American people about the political leanings of the insurrectionists; or the denial of climate change.  

The roots of these problems cannot be solved unless we reform our government – starting today. H.R. 1 is needed to help dissolve the cynicism and ensure that facts and honesty have a place at the table once again.

I urge my colleagues to join us in passing H.R. 1.

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“Throughout her time in Congress, Representative Lori Trahan has been a strong advocate of holding self-serving politicians accountable and protecting the right to vote,” said End Citizens United and Let America Vote Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. “Rep. Trahan knows that the For the People Act is critical to putting power back in the hands of Massachusetts families so big problems, like delivering COVID relief and lowering the cost of healthcare, are solved. We’re grateful for her leadership in the fight to safeguard and strengthen our democracy.”

The For The People Act includes sweeping anti-corruption, voting rights expansion, and government ethics provisions, including:

  • 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 political advertisement transparency;
  • Shining a light on the pervasive amount of dark money in American politics;
  • Reining in lobbyist influence;
  • And enforcing ethics and conflict of interest rules for all government officials;

CLICK HERE to access a fact sheet on H.R. 1.

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