Speeches & Testimony

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, of which I am a very proud cosponsor.

H.R. 1 is a critical step toward reversing the accelerating deterioration in our Nation's most cherished democratic foundation--the consent of the governed--and taking back our government for all citizens. It would fight voter suppression; simplify voting; promote election security; curb special interests and dark money in politics; incentivize smaller, broader donations; and fortify ethics laws.

I wish especially to recognize contributions of Issue One and its ReFormers Caucus. These over 200 now-former Members of Congress, Cabinet members, and Governors have dedicated themselves on a nonpartisan basis to ``Fix Democracy First.'' My own motivation to return to Congress arose from my membership in this caucus, and my pledge to my constituents in Hawaii and throughout the country was and is to fight to fully return our government to the governed again. 

H.R. 1 is first and foremost for the people, and I urge its prompt passage. Everything else depends on that."