March 3, 2021
Washington, D.C. – The Franciscan Action Network (FAN) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the For the People Act today. As people of faith who consistently work to transform public policy on multiple social justice issues, we recognize that no change will happen on issues we care about as people of faith until we see democracy reforms like those in HR1. We look forward to a vote soon on S1, a similar bill in the Senate that will expand and protect voting rights for all, end partisan and racial gerrymandering, get dark money out of politics, and restore transparency and accountability in our government.
“As we advocate in the spirits of Saints Francis and Clare and believe in the human dignity of all, the Franciscan Action Network is delighted that once again HR1 has passed in the House. We applaud its quick passage and urge the passage of S1 in the Senate,” said Stephen Schneck, Executive Director of the Franciscan Action Network. “As an estimated 265 bills are being introduced at the state level to roll back voting rights, it is imperative, now that the House has passed HR1, that the Senate pass S1 to ensure that all Americans have equal access to the vote and that big money no longer has a stranglehold on our political discourse.”
We have a long road ahead of us to transform our politics and realize the true promise of democracy—a multiracial, inclusive government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It’s critical that we sustain this momentum in the House and move swiftly to make change.
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