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Sarbanes Statement on the Five-Year Anniversary of Citizens United

January 21, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today issued the following statement on the five-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling:

"Five years later, it's clear that Citizens United has nothing to do with unity or everyday citizens. The Supreme Court's misguided decision ushered in a new era of dark money attack ads, gave the wealthy and well-connected even greater control over the agenda in Washington and made everyday Americans more cynical about politics and government.

"But despite this grim reality, there is reason for hope. Most people who run for public office do so out of a sincere desire to help others and to make a difference in their communities. Many are deeply frustrated by the outsized role of money in politics and long to restore Congress' credibility with the public. To do this, we must empower everyday Americans to take back our democracy and return us to a government of, by and for the people.

"That's why I've introduced the Government By the People Act – to make everyday Americans just as powerful as big-money campaign donors and put the public interest ahead of special interests."