Congress passes bill to limit 'dark money', simplify voter reg.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congress passed a bill Friday that aims to expand voting rights, reduce money in politics and require presidential and vice presidential candidates to release their tax returns.

The bill, H.R.1 known as the For The People Act, passed the chamber 234-193 on a party-line vote.

Despite passage the bill has little chance of becoming law. Since its introduction Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has frequently spoken out against the bill and is unlikely to allow time for its debate. Even if the Senate were to pass the legislation President Trump has already promised to veto.

H.R.1 would require ‘dark money’ organizations, groups who currently aren’t required to disclose their donors, to reveal those funding sources, and would set up a process to publicly finance congressional campaigns. It also offers a commitment to establish automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration, would work to increase early voting and would make Election Day a federal holiday.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA12) stated the bill would “restore the people's faith that government works in the public's interest, the people's interest, not the special interests," adding that it "ensures clean, fair elections and fights voter suppression."

Mirroring the full chamber and as expected Oklahoma’s delegation also split their votes along party lines - Rep. Kendra Horn (D-OK5), a co-sponsor of the legislation voted in favor, Reps. Cole (R-OK4), Hern (R-OK1), Lucas (R-OK3) and Mullin (R-OK2) all voting against.

After the vote Rep. Cole said, “It is alarming that Democrats want to force the 50 separate and unique states to operate under the same guidelines.”

Rep. Mullin said, “This is a gross overreach of power by Democrats and an incredible show of constitutional overreach. I strongly reject the bill and its principles.”

In a Twitter thread released before the vote took place Congresswoman Horn saw the legislation differently, stating, “I have heard it all across my district: we need to change how Washington works. Outside groups spend billions of dollars to sway policy here. And although members of congress have to disclose every dollar that flows into our campaign accounts, outside groups don’t. I don’t see that requirement as a burden.”

Regarding the creation of voter commissions which Congressman Cole had spoken specifically against, Rep. Horn clarified the bill’s intent. “The bill would create nonpartisan, independent commissions for each state. You’re supposed to choose us, not the other way around.”

“We shouldn’t let politicians pick and choose which voters get to elect them,” Horn concluded. “Is this bill perfect? No. But overall this legislation improves how our country performs its most critical work.”

Reps. Hern and Lucas declined to respond to requests for comment.

H.R.1 now moves to the Senate where it may or may not be scheduled for debate.