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Congressman Cleaver Joins House Democrats in Passing Historic Voting Rights, Anti-Corruption, and Ethics Reforms

March 4, 2021

(Washington, D.C.) – Last night, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined with 219 House lawmakers to pass H.R. 1, the For The People Act. The sweeping anti-corruption package would reform our democratic institutions to clean up Washington, protect and expand voting rights, restore integrity to government, and put the needs and priorities of the American people ahead of special interests.

"Today, I was profusely proud to offer my support for H.R. 1, the For The People Act," said Congressman Cleaver. "This historic legislation is critical to repairing our nation's democratic institutions and refocusing the federal government's priorities back to where they belong: the American people. At a time when the public's faith in their government is at an all-time low, we have to begin the difficult work of restoring confidence in the federal government's ability to get things done for the people. I believe this proposal is a opportunity for Congress to do that, and I was happy to support it."

Several key provisions of the For The People Act include:

  • Expanding automatic voter registration and same day registration to remove unnecessary hurdles to voting;
  • Strengthening vote by mail, early voting and ballot access to ensure every American has easy access to make their voice heard in our democracy;
  • Combating voter intimidation and voter suppression so that no state may codify discriminatory voting laws;
  • Fixing partisan gerrymandering so that voters can choose their elected officials and not the other way around;
  • Promoting digital ad transparency;
  • Forcing disclosure of dark money;
  • Reining in lobbyist influence;
  • Enforcing ethics and conflict of interest rules for all government officials; and
  • Empowering small donors with matching funds paid for by lawbreakers, not taxpayers.

"In recent years we have seen an acceleration of partisan efforts to thwart the electoral process and disenfranchise voters, particularly targeting communities of color," said Congressman Cleaver. "These efforts have led to increasingly gridlocked government, divisive politics, and an inability to address the significant challenges facing the country. We have to find a way to tone down the temperature in the country and work together to get things done. I think the best way to do that is by empowering the people, which is exactly what H.R. 1 will do."

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or matthew.helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.