Sarbanes Leads Charge to End Big Money Politics and Empower Everday Americans

2 WASHINGTON – Today, with the support of more than one hundred Members of Congress, U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) introduced the Government By the People Act (H.R. 20) – a bipartisan bill that will empower millions of everyday Americans to take back their government from big money special interests.

A record $7 billion was spent on the 2012 federal elections. Fundraising reports over the last year point to another record high for the 2014 mid-term election. Congressional approval ratings are at historic lows, public apathy is dangerously high and the perception of institutional corruption is widespread. Congressman Sarbanes authored the Government By the People Act to stop the big money arms race and end the cycle of cynicism that threatens our institutions of democracy.

"Whether it's jobs, education, health care or the environment, big money politics warps Congress's priorities and erodes the public's trust in government," said Congressman Sarbanes. "We need a government of, by and for the people – not bought and paid for by big money donors and special interests."

"Since the Citizens United decision, we have seen how the tidal wave of unlimited, unidentified money has distorted our politics and our process," said Leader Pelosi. "The American people deserve a government of the many, not a government of the money."

The Government By the People Act would provide a My Voice Tax Credit to empower more Americans and democratize political campaigns. It would create a Freedom From Influence Matching Fund to amplify the voice of everyday Americans and make them just as powerful as big money donors. And it provides a Constitutionally sound policy response to the Citizens United decision, ensuring that Super PACs and dark money groups cannot drown out the voice of the people. The Government By the People Act would make it possible for Members of Congress to rely on small donor fundraising and still remain competitive in marquee races.

For more information, please read this fact sheet on the bill or visit ofby.us.