Statement of Rep. Robert A. Brady on Election to Ranking Democratic Member of the Committee on House Administration

I am honored by Leader Pelosi’s nomination to remain Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, and humbled by the trust placed in me by Democratic colleagues. As the current Ranking Democrat and the first Committee Chairman from Philadelphia since 1988, I will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the position.

As Ranking Member of the Committee, I’ve been a leader in the House’s effort to fight voter suppression, improve access to polls, and stop the flow of unlimited, unregulated money into our political system.

In the 112th Congress, I worked with other Democratic leaders to introduce the first comprehensive piece of voting legislation in a generation, The Voter Empowerment Act.  This bill would modernize voter registration, ensure equal access to the ballot box for all Americans, and prohibit deceptive practices and voter fraud that keep people from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

In addition to legislation, the Committee fought on numerous fronts to protect our constitutionally guaranteed right to vote. Where we saw eligible voters purged from the rolls, we engaged the Justice Department and the Attorney General to prevent widespread disenfranchising.

I used my role on the Committee to raise awareness of the devastating impact voter ID laws would have in upcoming elections. In Pennsylvania the issue was a personal one, as my own mother would have been unable to cast a vote. In Pennsylvania, and nationwide, we contacted state legislators, filed briefs, and raised awareness of the chaos voter ID laws could cause.

I am certain that these efforts made a difference. On Election Day we witnessed long lines and unreasonable delays, but we also saw record numbers of motivated voters who knew their rights and would not allow themselves to be turned away.

In this last election, the constant barrage of negative ads from shadowy outside groups could not be ignored. I am proud to say that the Committee on House Administration Democrats hosted a forum on the state of campaign finance, the only public discussion on the topic held in either chamber of Congress. House Democrats once again introduced the DISCLOSE Act, the only piece of legislation that addresses the problems caused by the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision.

As Ranking Member, I pushed for hearings and consideration of the bill. Despite widespread public support, Republican Leadership refused to listen. In the next Congress, I will continue to push Republicans to listen to their constituents, and address the mess made by unlimited, secret campaign spending.

Through my leadership at the Committee, we have made a positive impact in protecting free and fair elections and the right to vote in them. In the 113th Congress, I will continue to use my position as Ranking Member to protect every American’s right to vote.