Campaign Finance Reform and Elections

In Citizens United, the Supreme Court made it much easier for unrestricted spending on elections by corporations. During the 2012 election cycle, a total of six billion dollars was spent on campaigns.

I oppose the flawed Citizens United ruling because it gives an unfair financial advantage to large corporations during our elections. I am devoted to working towards an election system that is open and fair for all Americans.

What I am Doing for You

In the 114th Congress:

I cosponsored H.J.Res.22 and  H.J.Res.36, which are constitutional amendments to address Citizens United by giving specific authority to Congress and the states to regulate corporate expenditures in elections.

I cosponsored H.R. 430, the Disclosure of Information on Spending on Campaigns Leads to Open and Secure Elections (DISCLOSE) Act, which would increase disclosure by corporations of political spending to shareholders, require them to “stand by their ads,” and improve public reporting. 

I cosponsored H.R. 20, the Government by the People Act. This bill would institute elections reforms with the intention of increasing small contributions and reducing the influence of Super PACs. 

I cosponsored H.R. 12, the Voter Empowerment Act. This bill would modernize our antiquated voter registration system and ensure equal access to voting for all Americans. 

I cosponsored H.R. 885, the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2015, and H.R. 2867, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015. These bills would provide a new coverage formula for the preclearance requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

I cosponsored H.R. 219, the John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act, sponsored by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN).  This bill would make improvements to our congressional elections by requiring state legislatures to appoint independent commissions to redraw congressional boundaries.

I had cosponsored these bills in the 113th Congress as well.

In February 2016, as chair of Future Forum, I hosted a Special Order Hour on the House floor to discuss money in politics and voting rights as a pressing concern to the millennial generation: