House Dems revive 'For The People Act' aimed at 'voter suppression,' 'dark money,' and gerrymandering

House debates rule ahead of impeachment vote

Fox News congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports on the latest.

House Democrats are engaged in a new push to pass comprehensive legislation this month they say is aimed at strengthening voting rights, fighting voter suppression and gerrymandering, and restricting the use of “dark money” in federal politics.

Republicans, however, have said during previous attempts to bring the legislation to a vote that it would give the federal government even more power in deciding the people’s representation.

House Resolution 1, or the “For The People Act”, is sponsored by Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Md., and co-sponsored by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.

But Republican officials like Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill remain opposed. Merrill said the federal government’s role is limited and that states must be allowed to innovate and implement their own voting rules.

A recent Wall Street Journal editorial written in opposition to the legislation warned that H.R. 1 is an exercise by Pelosi in “cementing Democratic political power,” in association with a bill aimed to provide for Puerto Rican statehood.

“H.R.1 imposes California-style election rules nationwide. The bill requires every state to register voters based on names in state and federal databases—such as anyone receiving food stamps or who interacts with a state DMV,” the board wrote. “Overall the bill is designed to auto-enroll likely Democratic voters, enhance Democratic turnout, with no concern for ballot integrity.”

The board added that the campaign finance sections of the bill will simply limit the free speech of conservatives through the forced disclosure of donor names. 

“The left’s pressure groups and media will then stigmatize donors,” they allege.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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