Democratic MP Bennie Thompsom’s only “no” vote against HR 1, massive voting rights and electoral reform legislation was no accident.
Thompson, from Mississippi, joined all Republicans on Wednesday night to vote against the House Democrats’ top legislative priority, known as the People’s Act 2021.
Thompson’s vote was surprising, as he was a co-sponsor of the legislation along with the rest of the Democratic bench. But Thompson said on Thursday that his voters did not support electoral reform, so he supported them, not his colleagues.
HOUSE DEMOCRATS ARE EXTENDED IN VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCING REFORM PROJECT, HR 1
“My voters opposed the redistricting part of the bill, as well as the public finance section,” Thompson said in a statement to Fox News. “I always listen and vote in the interest of my constituents.”
Legislation requires states to establish independent redistricting commissions to redesign electoral districts that occur once every decade, in an effort to avoid party gerrymandering. The bill also establishes a new public funding system for legislative and presidential elections to encourage donations of small dollars.
HOUSE DEMOCRATS ‘HR 1 CREATES NEW PUBLIC FUNDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGNS
The legislation would create a 6: 1 match for each base contribution for a candidate of up to $ 200. For example, a $ 200 donation to a House candidate would yield $ 1,200 in public funds for a total contribution of US $ 1,400.
The public gambling program would be financed by a new 4.75% surcharge on civil and criminal penalties and agreements that companies pay to the United States government. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimated this week that the new revenue stream would generate about $ 3.2 billion in 10 years.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss.
The electoral legislation was passed by 220 votes to 210. No Republicans joined the Democrats in approving the broad reform of voter rights that is now going to the Senate.
With HR number 1 to mean that it is the House Democrats ‘top priority, the legislation would also enact automatic electoral registration, restore criminals’ voting rights after they complete their sentences, and expand access to early voting and absence of the vote.
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It also prohibits purging voter lists and party gerrymandering from electoral districts, imposes new campaign financing rules, and requires presidential candidates to release 10 years of tax returns.
HR 1 would also target high-value, dark-money donors in politics, requiring additional disclosure from campaign donors and disclaimers on political advertising.
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The legislation now goes to the Senate, where it has a difficult path to approval, as the chamber is divided into 50/50 between Democrats and Republicans. The legislation would require 60 votes to move forward and needs the support of the Republican Party.