Government by the People Act

Proposed U.S. campaign finance reform legislation

Nancy Pelosi, John Sarbanes, and other Democrats holding a press conference in support of the bill

The Government by the People Act or H.R. 20^[1] was proposed United States campaign finance reform legislation introduced in 2014 in the 113th United States Congress. As of February 2014^[update], it had over 100 Democratic cosponsors, but at the time, it was thought to have little chance of passing the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.^[2]

Under the provisions of the act, political contributions of up to $150 would be matched by a factor of six times more than the original donation as long as candidates meet certain requirements. They must not use their own money, not accept donations over $1000, have already received at least $50,000 from 1000 in-state donors, and decline most political action committee money.^[3] In order to subsidize donations to political candidates, supporters said that it will close "corporate tax loopholes",^[2] though no financing mechanism had been identified.^[3] It was supported in print by Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), John Sarbanes (D-MD),^[1] Annie Kuster (D-NH),^[4] and Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI).^[5]

References

^ ^a ^b "Reversing the grievous error of Citizens United". The Washington Post. February 4, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
^ ^a ^b "Washington Notebook: Maine's congressional delegation ranks in center and left". Portland Press Herald. February 10, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
^ ^a ^b Henry, Devin (February 6, 2014). "Rep. Ellison's big idea for cleaning up campaign finance". MinnPost.com. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
^ "Washington Memo: Our democracy needs campaign finance reform". Concord Monitor. January 28, 2014. Archived from the original on January 28, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
^ "Co-Sponsors of Government by the People Act". U.S. Congress. October 10, 2016. Retrieved October 10, 2016.