Sarbanes Reintroduces H.R. 20, the Government By the People Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the fifth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s misguided Citizens United decision, Congressman John Sarbanes, along with 137 co-sponsors, introduced H.R. 20, the Government By the People Act, a bipartisan bill to combat the influence of big money in politics and return government back to the American people.

“Whether it’s creating good jobs, education, health care or the environment, wealthy campaign donors and well-connected Washington insiders are blocking progress on the issues that everyday citizens care most about,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “We need to break Congress’ reliance on big-money donors so we can return to a government by the people.”

Sarbanes continued, “The Government By the People Act does just that, providing Americans – and the candidates they support – with the tools and resources necessary to run a competitive campaign without relying on contributions from the wealthy and well-connected. Liberated from the seemingly endless chase for big-dollar donations and special-interest contributions, Congress would better channel the will of the American people. As President Obama stated today, ‘Rather than bolster the power of lobbyists and special interests, Washington should lift up the voices of ordinary Americans and protect their democratic right to determine the direction of the country that we love.’”

The Government By the People Act would establish a small-donor matching system and has three specific policy proposals:

1. Empower everyday citizens by providing a $25 My Voice Tax Credit for campaign contributions to Congressional candidates.

2. Amplify the voice of everyday Americans and make them just as powerful as wealthy donors through a Freedom from Influence Matching Fund.

3. Protect the voice of the people, preventing Super PACs and outside special interests from drowning out small-donor backed candidates.

To learn more about H.R. 20, visit: www.ofby.us.

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