We have a President hostile to fixing the system and a Congress currently controlled by reform opponents. However, history makes clear that reform issues are cyclical in nature: the kind of scandalous system that exists today has led to major reforms in the past, and can do so again in the future.

Tag Archive for: Democracy Reforms

Democracy 21 Urges Support For The Protecting Our Democracy Act

Statement of Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer The serial abuses of power by former President Trump continue to cast a pall over our democracy. We cannot ignore how much damage Trump did to our constitutional system of government and we must ensure that it never happens again. The Protecting Our Democracy Act, introduced today by Representative […]

The Washington Post: “If Republicans Can’t Get Behind An Issue As Fundamental As Voting, Democrats Must Push Through Their Bill”

The Freedom to Vote Act, the revised voting rights and anti-corruption legislation introduced in the Senate last week, “is an outstretched hand to Republicans — indeed, to anyone who claims to care about democracy,” The Washington Post editorial board wrote on Sunday. “But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) immediately trashed it. Not a single […]

The New York Times: “Joe Manchin Got The Voting Bill He Wanted. Time To Pass It.”

“Having lost the White House and the Senate last year, Republicans appear intent on rigging the game in their favor before the midterms. Protecting the integrity of America’s electoral system and the voting rights of its citizens should be priority No. 1 — not because it helps Democrats, but because it helps preserve democracy,” The […]

Senate Breakthrough: The Freedom To Vote Act Is Introduced

A major breakthrough occurred in the Senate yesterday when a revised version of the For the People Act – sweeping voting rights and anti-corruption legislation – was introduced. The new bill, the Freedom to Vote Act (S. 2747), represents the work of eight Democratic and Independent Senators, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). […]

Voting Rights & The Senate: It Will All Come Down To The Filibuster

Congress faces an overwhelming schedule this month. Funding for the government runs out on September 30 and must be extended. The debt ceiling limit needs to be increased so the United States can pay the debts already incurred. The reconciliation budget process – involving multiple committees in both the House and Senate – is moving […]

D21 Vice President Matt Keller: What The Chaos In Afghanistan Can Remind Us About The Importance Of Protecting Democracy At Home

“As we witness the chaos, violence, and loss of freedom in Afghanistan, we must also recognize that democracy is not guaranteed here at home,” Democracy 21 Vice President Matt Keller writes in an op-ed published in The Hill. Keller describes his efforts in Afghanistan in the early 2010s to bring technology to help foster education in […]

The March For Voting Rights Is Saturday & Looking Ahead To September Action In The Senate

This is not an easy time in America. The situation in Afghanistan, culminating in today’s terrorist attacks that tragically killed and wounded American servicemen and civilians and innocent Afghan civilians, is a matter of immediate national attention. The continuing spread of the pandemic and natural disasters, including historic wildfires and floods, also deserve our attention […]

Statement Of Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer Applauding House Passage Of The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

Democracy 21 applauds House Democrats for the passage of H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a critically important step forward in addressing aggressive voter suppression efforts being taken in states around the country. Eighteen state legislatures have already passed laws this year making it harder for eligible citizens to vote, with more […]

Democracy 21 Urges House To Vote For H.R. 4, The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

Democracy 21 today strongly urged Representatives to vote for passage of H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, when it comes to the floor for a vote. “H.R. 4 is a vitally important – and urgently needed – step forward in the work to protect the sacred right to vote for all eligible […]

President Biden’s Moment Of Truth On Voting Rights Has Arrived

The moment of truth on voting rights has arrived for President Biden. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced last week that the Senate’s first order of business when it returns in September will be voting rights legislation. President Biden must decide whether he will finally engage in the battle in Congress to pass this […]