Congressman Jim McGovern

Representing the 2nd District of Massachussetts
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McGovern on Citizens United

Congressman Jim McGovern has been one of Washington’s loudest voices in the fight to overturn the Citizens United v. FEC and McCutcheon v. FEC Supreme Court rulings. 

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The Citizens United decision shifted the landscape of campaign finance reform and reinvigorated a conversation about the fabricated doctrine of corporate constitutional rights. When the Supreme Court determined that corporations are entitled to the same free speech rights as people, it reversed decades of precedent recognizing the authority of the people to regulate corporate spending in our elections.  In McCutcheon, the Supreme Court struck down aggregate contribution limits, allowing even more money from wealthy individuals into our elections. 

As an active member of the House Democratic Caucus’s Task Force on Election Reform, Congressman McGovern has been at the forefront of efforts to overturn these Supreme Court decisions.  As part of these efforts, he has introduced two constitutional amendments to restore democracy to the people. 

House Joint Resolution 20 - Promotes the fundamental principles of political equality for all citizens by giving Congress and State Legislatures the power to regulate political spending in their respective states.

House Joint Resolution 21- The “People’s Rights Amendment” overturns Citizens United and makes clear that the rights protected by the Constitution are the rights of natural persons.  The amendment clarifies that corporations, whether they be for-profit or non-profit entities, are not people with constitutional rights. 

Congressman Jim McGovern recognizes the importance of keeping in check the political aspirations of major corporations, while also protecting and preserving the political rights and freedoms for individuals of the United States. 

Congressman McGovern introduces constitutional amendments to overturn Citizens United

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Rep. McGovern's 1st floor speech of the 113th Congress: Repeal Citizens United