HR 1 will give average Americans tools to counter big money in politics
The 116th Congress could make history with HR 1, a bold set of reforms that would make it easier for Americans to vote, crack down on money-in-politics corruption, and shine a light on dark money in political campaigns.
We at Maine Citizens for Clean Elections, a grassroots organization working to ensure that Maine's campaign finance laws, elections and government serve the public interest, believe that HR 1 is the set of reforms our country needs and voters want.
HR 1 addresses a near complete lack of transparency about who funds political advertisements on the internet. The bill will better inform citizens of who's behind the ads they're seeing and help prevent foreign money from infiltrating our democracy.
HR 1 also shines a light on spending by 501(c)4 organizations like the AARP and NRA, which aren't currently required to disclose their donors and campaign spending. Special interests and the super rich exploit this loophole to hide their identities and skirt campaign finance laws meant to limit their political influence.
HR 1 also establishes a nationwide Clean Elections program that multiplies the small-dollar donations of everyday Americans with public funds and amplifies the voice of regular people, countering the influence of big money in our politics.
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